The global loss of biodiversity is progressing dramatically. According to estimates, more than one million species are at risk of extinction. Traditional conservation measures – such as habitat protection, breeding programs, and controlling invasive species – are increasingly reaching their limits. Scientists and conservation organizations are therefore exploring whether biotechnological methods could help save species or stabilize ecosystems, as highlighted in a recent article on the Genetic Literacy Project platform.

The Return of the American Chestnut

A striking example is the American chestnut. Once dominant in the forests of the eastern United States, it was wiped out in the early 20th century by an introduced fungus that destroyed billions of trees. The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) has been working for over 30 years to restore the species through traditional breeding with resistance genes from the Chinese chestnut. At the same time, TACF combines these approaches with modern methods such as genomic selection and speed breeding to accelerate progress. It also collaborates with the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), where genetically resistant chestnut lines have been developed. This coexistence of conventional breeding and genetic engineering demonstrates how classical methods and biotechnology can complement each other to revive an ecosystem.

The Last Male Northern White Rhino Is Dead

On islands, invasive rats, mice, and other rodents threaten countless endemic bird and insect species. Using poisons or traps is often expensive, difficult, and ecologically uncertain. The Genetic Biocontrol of Invasive Rodents Consortium (GBIRd), supported by organizations such as Island Conservation, is exploring genetic tools like gene drives in addition to classical methods. A gene drive can spread a genetic trait – such as infertility – throughout an invasive population, dramatically reducing or even locally eliminating it. This technology could provide a more precise and ecologically acceptable control method than conventional techniques.

The potential of biotechnological methods becomes even clearer in the case of the northern white rhino. Only two infertile females remain; the last male died in 2018. Scientists are now using in-vitro fertilization, stem cell technology, and genetic archiving to create embryos that could be implanted into related rhino species. Without biotechnology, this species would already be lost forever.

A Key Decision from the IUCN: Science over Taboo

A major signal of this shift came recently from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN is the world’s largest conservation organization, bringing together over 1,400 governmental and non-governmental organizations from more than 160 countries. It produces scientifically based guidelines, assessments, and recommendations that often form the basis for global conservation policy and projects, such as the Red List of Threatened Species.

At its latest annual meeting, members decided not to support a blanket ban on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in conservation, but instead to endorse a science-based, risk-assessed approach. Although the IUCN has no legislative authority, its decisions carry great symbolic weight – many nations and conservation programs follow its guidance.

A New Tool in the Conservation Toolbox

Integrating biotechnological approaches into conservation is an important step – especially now that the IUCN has signaled that a total taboo is neither scientifically justified nor appropriate. However, clear criteria, monitoring mechanisms, fallback strategies, and transparent processes must be established.

It is also clear that biotechnology is not a replacement for proven methods such as habitat protection, species reintroduction, or invasive control – but rather an additional tool. For Central Europe, this may become relevant in forest protection against new pests or in managing invasive species.

Biotechnology in conservation is just beginning: instead of merely documenting species loss, we could preserve them through science and responsible regulation – if we are willing to connect old and new approaches wisely.