Decision COP 14/19

Recalling decisions XII/24 and XIII/17,

1. Welcomes the outcomes of the meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology held in Montreal, Canada, from 5 to 8 December 2017;

2. Recognizes that synthetic biology is rapidly developing and a cross-cutting issue, with potential benefits and potential adverse effects vis-à-vis the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity;

3. Agrees that broad and regular horizon scanning, monitoring and assessing of the most recent technological developments is needed for reviewing new information regarding the potential positive and potential negative impacts of synthetic biology vis-à-vis the three objectives of the Convention and those of the Cartagena Protocol and Nagoya Protocol;

4. Recognizes the need to conduct an analysis of synthetic biology against the criteria in decision IX/29, paragraph 12, in order to complete the analysis requested in decisions XII/24, paragraph 2, and XIII/17, paragraph 13;

5. Also recognizes that developments arising from research and development in the field of synthetic biology may pose challenges to the ability of some countries, especially developing countries, in particular those with limited experience or resources, to assess the full range of applications and potential impacts of synthetic biology on the three objectives of the Convention;

6. Further recognizes the role of information and resources under the clearing-house mechanism of the Convention and the Biosafety Clearing-House of the Cartagena Protocol and capacity-building initiatives in assisting those countries;

7. Emphasizes the need for a coordinated, complementary and non-duplicative approach on issues related to synthetic biology under the Convention and its Protocols, as well as among other conventions and relevant organizations and initiatives;

8. Takes note of the current efforts by Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and others to inform on development, gaps in knowledge and other matters relevant to the objectives of the Convention in relation to synthetic biology;

9. Recognizes that, as there could be potential adverse effects arising from organisms containing engineered gene drives, before these organisms are considered for release into the environment, research and analysis are needed, and specific guidance may be useful,  to support case-by-case risk assessment;

10. Notes the conclusions of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology  that, given the current uncertainties regarding engineered gene drives, the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples and local communities might be warranted when considering the possible release of organisms containing engineered gene drives that may impact their traditional knowledge, innovation, practices, livelihood and use of land and water;

11. Calls upon Parties and other Governments, taking into account the current uncertainties regarding engineered gene drives, to apply a precautionary approach,  in accordance with the objectives of the Convention, and also calls upon Parties and other Governments to only consider introducing organisms containing engineered gene drives into the environment, including for experimental releases and research and development purposes, when:

12. Calls upon Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations to continue to develop or implement, as appropriate, measures to prevent or minimize potential adverse effects arising from exposing the environment to organisms, components and products of synthetic biology in contained use, including measures for detection, identification and monitoring, in accordance with domestic circumstances or internationally agreed guidelines, as appropriate, with special consideration to the centres of origin and genetic diversity;

13. Also calls upon Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations to continue to disseminate information and share, especially through the clearing-house mechanisms of the Convention and the Biosafety Clearing-House, their experiences on scientific assessments of the potential benefits and potential adverse impacts of synthetic biology to biological diversity, including, inter alia, that of specific applications of organisms containing engineered gene drives, and from the use of living modified organisms that have been released into the environment;

14. Decides to extend the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology with renewed membership, taking into account, inter alia, the work on risk assessment under the Cartagena Protocol, to work in accordance with the terms of reference annexed hereto;

15. Also decides to extend the Open-ended Online Forum on Synthetic Biology, taking into account the work on risk assessment under the Cartagena Protocol, to support the deliberations of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology, and invites Parties, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant organizations to continue to nominate experts to take part in the Online Forum on Synthetic Biology;

16. Invites Parties, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, and relevant organizations to provide the Executive Secretary with relevant information related to paragraphs (a) to (d) of the annex in order to contribute to the work of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group;

17. Requests the Executive Secretary, subject to the availability of resources:

18. Requests the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice: