Genetic engineering, breeding and biodiversity. Summary

Will the use of genetic breeding techniques finally destroy the remaining agricultural diversity of varieties, or can modern biotechnology actually help in the conservation and use of global biodiversity? What strategies are being discussed for the long-term protection of biodiversity, what role can international agreements play in this? And what political possibilities or necessities for action result from this? These are the guiding questions of this study commissioned by the German Bundestag. On the basis of an overview of the situation of biological diversity in Germany and worldwide, as well as of the status and perspectives of plant breeding, the authors describe chains of effects that can emanate from the use of new plant varieties in agriculture. In particular, they ask whether the use of genetic engineering methods will exert qualitatively new influences compared to conventional breeding approaches. Based on this technology-centred perspective, the need for action with regard to the conservation of agricultural diversity as a whole is discussed, with concepts of comprehensive coordination and integration at the spatial, content-related, institutional and political levels forming the core of the proposals.