MacDonald Edith Anne, Neff Mary Beth, Edwards Eric, Medvecky Fabien, Balanovic Jovana
Department of Conservation, Biodiversity Group, Wellington, New Zealand.
School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
J R Soc N Z. 2021 Jan 4;52(1):95-107. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2020.1850481. eCollection 2022.
New genetic tools can potentially mitigate the decline of biodiversity. Democratisation of science mandates public opinion be considered while new technologies are in development. We conducted eleven focus groups in New Zealand to explore three questions about novel technologies (gene drive and two others for comparison of pest control tools): (1) what are the risks/benefits? (2) how do they compare to current methods? and (3) who should be represented on a panel that evaluates the tools and what factors should they consider? Findings from the content analysis of the risks/benefits revealed three main considerations that were of social concern - Environmental, Practical, and Ethical. Most participants were self-aware of their insufficient knowledge to compare the different technologies. Unanimously, respondents wanted the available information provided throughout the tool development process and saw multi-sector panel oversight as essential. Scientists and policy makers should match the public's willingness to engage collaboratively.
新的基因工具有可能缓解生物多样性的下降。科学的民主化要求在新技术研发过程中考虑公众意见。我们在新西兰开展了11个焦点小组，以探讨关于新技术（基因驱动以及另外两种用于害虫防治工具比较的技术）的三个问题：（1）风险/益处是什么？（2）它们与现有方法相比如何？以及（3）在评估这些工具的小组中应该有哪些代表，他们应该考虑哪些因素？对风险/益处的内容分析结果揭示了社会关注的三个主要考量因素——环境、实际和伦理。大多数参与者意识到自己缺乏比较不同技术的知识。受访者一致希望在整个工具开发过程中提供可用信息，并认为多部门小组监督至关重要。科学家和政策制定者应与公众合作的意愿相匹配。
