 |
 |    |
Genetic Engineering and Ecology
Aims
The Working Group on Genetic Engineering and Ecology aims at bringing together scientists who feel concerned about the implications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to the environment. It is important not only to cooperate with scientists who investigate environmental impacts of GMOs but it is also required to look at secondary effects for farming and the environment. Furthermore, we look at biosafety and biodiversity issues, socio-ecological implications and the agro-economical context.
From time to time, the Working Group is sending out email news. If you want to be included in the list, please contact the spokesperson:
Contact:
Hartmut Meyer
In den Steinaeckern 13
D-38115 Braunschweig
hmeyer (at) ngi.de
What does "Gene Ecology" mean?
The study of interactions between hereditary materials and their
surrounding environment in the broadest sense. This includes the organization,
function and transmission of genes and nucleic acid fragments in different
ecosystems and in the context of varying ecological parameters. Hence, gene
ecological research should be based on knowledge from functional genomics
and other modern biosciences, combined with ecology, evolutionary sciences,
bioethics, social sciences, and the philosophy of science. Since human-made
changes crucially influence the ecosystems, social scientif ic approaches should be
included in the working hypotheses, research designs and impact analyses of gene
ecology.
From: BIOSAFETY FIRST – Holistic Approaches to Risk and Uncertainty in Genetic
Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms, Terje Traavik & Lim Li Ching (eds.), 2007
Resolution of the Ecological Society
At the Annual General Meeting 1999 in Bayreuth, the Ecological Society adopted the resolution
"Scientific Risk Assessment and Monitoring in the Context of the Deliberate Release and Commercial Application of Genetically Engineered Organisms"