Call to protect the environment from synthetic organisms

Synthetic Biology aims to create completely artificial organisms. Possible applications range from medical purposes and the production of biological weapons to agriculture and energy production. There are concerns about new infectious diseases and artificial microbes that might cause the breakdown of ecological systems.

Sign online here!

The impact of synthetic genes or organisms cannot be predicted once they are released into the environment. They could persist and spread quickly because they can escape the control of normal gene regulation and processes of evolutionary adaption. Synthetically derived gene sequences, designed for certain purposes, can cause unintended and adverse effects triggered by interactivity with the environment or with other gene sequences. New international regulations are needed to safeguard the evolutionary integrity of existing biological diversity. The release of synthetically designed organisms into the environment must be prevented.

Signatories are calling for:

• A comprehensive investigation into the potential risks to human health and the environment posed by synthetic
  organisms as well as broad discussion on ethical concerns.
• Strict legal regulations, prohibitions and effective controls to protect the environment from synthetic organisms
  and their artificial genes.
• Registration and permanent control of those companies and institutions that are synthesising gene sequences or organisms or using those, to prevent creation of infectious organisms or biological weapons for example
• A moratorium on public funding of Synthetic Biology

We are calling for a broad public debate on Synthetic Biology before further action is taken and political decisions are made.