Gene Drive Consultation Protocol
Second Draft
Category: Advice sought
(Explanatory diagram from wikipedia, so everyone can have some idea of wtf is going on):
The World Assembly;
Noting a “chromosome” to be a parcel of typically half the genetic matter that gets passed on to a descendant,
Noting that a descendant typically inherits one of the two chromosomes from a parent, and the descendant has a half chance of inheriting either chromosome,
Noting that typically hitherto an artificially edited chromosome has therefore had a half chance of being inherited with the artificial genetic edit,
Observing that it is now possible to artificially edit a chromosome in such a manner that the edit will get copied from the chromosome it is on to the other chromosome, which causes a “gene drive” where the genetic edit is typically inherited by all descendants, rather than only some of them,
Observing that it is therefore possible to spread a genetic edit to all members of a species by natural reproduction,
Noting the release of widely-damaging gene drives, or genes drives which could match particular engineered diseases or the like suitable for the purpose of blackmail, may be considered to constitute an act of war without proper safeguards or consultation,
Believing the continuation of scientific research into gene drives, countermeasures, and the limited use of gene drives against invasive species and dangerous diseases is justifiable and indeed to be encouraged where proper safeguards can exist, and
Observing the WA has passed legislation on safe scientific testing, but
Believing the correct balance of safeguards in the initiation of genetic drives is a matter best determined by open and informed consultation between the community of nations;
Therefore:
1. Requires that all actors, e.g. persons, corporate persons, states, and alliances, may not initiate or spread any gene drive within the jurisdiction of World Assembly members without:
(i) Informing all nearby nations and delegates of regions, i.e. those within six thousand nautical miles of the nation(s) where the actor(s) shall initiate or spread the gene drive, and
(ii) Providing those nations and delegates with a period to reply and make arrangements or negotiate safeguards, if they wish to do so
Where this period shall be at least one month, unless the delegate of the region where the gene drive is being initiated agrees that urgent initiation is suitable, in which case they may reduce that period by simultaneously informing the other nearby nations and delegates of regions,
2. Further charges the delegates of regions, or delegated regional governments, with more widely consulting with other likely-to-be-affected nations in the case of gene drives in migratory or wide-ranging organisms,
3. Further requires that any actors who have previously initiated a gene drive inform all nearby nations and delegates of regions within one month of the passage of this act,
4. Requires that member states rigorously enforce these provisions at least within their own territories, and
5. Further charges WASP with providing technical advice and/or dispute mediation regarding gene drives and safeguards where requested by affected nations.
"Apologies to delegates for the unreservedly technical nature of this proposal, and its unconventional style. We look forward to comments and suggestions."