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Bundesamt für Naturschutz

Genetic engineering, nature conservation and biological diversity: Boundaries of design

Biotechnology
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In this paper, Germany’s Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Bundesamt für Naturschutz, BfN) presents its position on an international discussion surrounding research approaches to the genetic modification of wild organisms, which are being developed in part for nature conservation purposes.

Description

These research approaches are new in three ways: They propose nature conservation as a purpose and justification for the release and dissemination of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the release and dissemination of GMOs outside of agricultural areas and the potential genetic engineering of protected species.

The BfN’s position is that wild organisms must not be genetically modified solely based on the assumption of a potential benefit to nature conservation and with uncertainty about possible harm.

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