Abu Dhabi, Oct. 3, 2025 -- The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) today urged delegates to the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi to support Motion 87, which establishes a responsible, science-based policy framework on synthetic biology, and to reject Motion 133, which calls for a sweeping moratorium on use of such technologies.

Synthetic biology — a broad range of applications that enable targeted changes to the genetic makeup of organisms — is already being widely used in medicine and agriculture. The debate at the Congress will shape policy on how these technologies are applied to conserve biodiversity, and enhance public health, and human well-being while also supporting biodiversity conservation in the years to come.

“Synthetic biology is not a distant possibility — it is already here, and its applications can help address some of the world’s most urgent crises,” said Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS Vice President of International Policy. “Motion 87 provides a balanced, evidence-based approach that welcomes innovation while applying rigorous scientific and ethical safeguards. In contrast, Motion 133 would block promising tools and undermine conservation efforts when we can least afford to lose ground.”

Motion 87 is the result of nearly eight years of consultation among governments, conservation organizations, scientists, and Indigenous Peoples organizations. The proposed policy emphasizes case-by-case evaluation guided by the best available science and strong ethical standards.

By contrast, Motion 133 calls for a blanket moratorium on all synthetic biology applications in nature. WCS warns that such a ban could halt promising solutions with great potential to reduce environmental pressures and improve sustainability — from alternatives to horseshoe crab blood for medical testing, to gene-edited crops that help farmers recover from devastating diseases, to emerging research that could save hundreds of thousands of lives by reducing malaria transmission.

“Conservation has always been about making informed choices based on the best available science,” said Dr. Lieberman “A moratorium may sound cautious, but in reality it would prevent us from using tools that could safeguard both people and wildlife. Motion 87 is the only path that allows us to proceed responsibly, transparently, and with the flexibility needed to address complex biodiversity challenges.”

WCS emphasizes that responsible governance, not rejection, is the way forward. With biodiversity loss, climate change, over-exploitation of wildlife, food insecurity, and emerging diseases intensifying worldwide, the organization says every safe and science-based tool must be on the table.

“IUCN Members in Abu Dhabi face a choice,” Lieberman added. “Will IUCN lead with science and ethics, or retreat from innovation when the world most needs it? For the sake of people, wildlife, and the planet, WCS urges members to support Motion 87 and reject Motion 133.”

The IUCN World Conservation Congress — the world’s largest and most inclusive conservation forum — meets every four years, bringing together governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples groups, and scientists to shape global conservation policy. This year’s Congress takes place in Abu Dhabi October 9-15.