Synthetic biology and biodiversity

Synthetic biology is a new dimension of modern biotechnology with the potential to design and manufacture living organisms, components and products. It will be on the agenda of the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to be held from 4 to 17 December 2016, in Cancún, Mexico. Synthetic biology could provide novel solutions for environmental and biodiversity-related issues, but could also have an adverse impact on the natural environment. The European Union is party to the CBD and the protocols relevant in the context of synthetic biology.

Author: Anne Altmayer

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Convention on Biological Diversity http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-convention-on-biological-diversity/

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