Charting Perspectives of Genetic Modification for Pest Control in Aotearoa New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand focuses on pest control to preserve the country’s fragile biodiversity. Genetic modification presents a potential strategy for pest control, but it raises complex ethical, social, and political viewpoints. We collaborated with Dr. Ocean Mercier to chart researchers’ and environmentalists’ perspectives on gene-based pest control, which furthers her goal of understanding Aotearoa’s opinions on novel biotechnologies for conservation. Through the Q-Method, we organized shared views on gene-based pest control, which will help Aotearoa reach its goal of being a predator-free country.