New Zealand cannot decide to release a “gene drive” GMO on its own without a significant impact on its international relations.
Research into using this new form of genetic engineering to wipe out pests has had a lot of attention, but there has been scant recognition that other affected nations would have to agree to any release.
The key finding of a new study on the governance of gene drives is that the “collective consent” of all countries affected by a gene drive release would be needed. The report by the Sustainability Council was supported by a grant from the New Zealand Law Foundation.
