Global efforts to address the multiple planetary crises in biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change tend to regard technology as an important part of the solution. While technology does hold some potential solutions to some important problems, accelerating technological development and deployment has also resulted in adverse consequences to the planet. This often  occurs because the Precautionary Principle  is ignored in the rush to implement the latest technofix. New high-risk technologies such as artificial intelligence/machine learning are rapidly advancing and being deployed in a wide range of fields without societal deliberations or energy use considerations, and without mechanisms for monitoring their impacts on society, biodiversity and the climate. Without the capacity to undertake broad and regular horizon scanning for new and emerging technologies and developments that may impact biodiversity and without a mechanism for anticipatory and participatory assessment of technologies that are presented as solutions to planetary challenges, some of these new technologies could wreak even more havoc on our fragile planet.

In the context of synthetic biology, the Multidisciplinary Ad Hoc Technical Experts Group (mAHTEG) has presented concrete recommendations on horizon scanning, monitoring and assessment to mitigate inequity and to contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the Convention with the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities.  They stressed the importance of knowledge sharing and cooperation among Parties in building capacities, exchanging experiences and sharing information on trends, developments and issues in synthetic biology in order to achieve the goals and targets of the KMGBF.

Horizon scanning is “a technique for detecting early signs of potentially important developments through a systematic examination of potential threats and opportunities, with emphasis on new technology and its effects on the issue at hand” (OECD).  Among UN agencies, UN Environment has generated a number of reports on foresight exercises that look into potential scenarios that could arise beyond scanning of potential threats and opportunities in new technologies.  These resources and existing expertise in the UN could be a starting point for cooperation and knowledge sharing with CBD Parties, especially among developing countries.

The proposed Side Event will tackle the importance of establishing mechanisms and processes for horizon scanning, monitoring and assessment within the Convention and the KMGBF, building on existing resources and expertise.  Invited speakers include representatives from the Science unit of UN Environment, the mAHTEG, academia and experts from civil society organizations and indigenous communities.