A bold new initiative has emerged, aiming to safeguard our planet's precious biodiversity. Colossal Biosciences, a trailblazer in species revival, has unveiled plans for a biovault in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a critical step towards preserving endangered species.
This ambitious project, housed within Dubai's Museum of the Future, will serve as a sanctuary for millions of frozen tissue samples and other crucial specimens from an impressive 10,000 species. Among these, the focus will be on the 100 most critically endangered species globally and within the UAE itself.
But here's where it gets controversial: Colossal Biosciences has already made headlines by 'resurrecting' the dire wolf, an extinct species. Using ancient DNA, cloning, and gene-editing technologies, they created three wolves, a blend of dire wolf and gray wolf genetics. Experts argue that this is not a true resurrection, but rather a hybrid, resembling their extinct ancestor.
The company's approach is two-fold. They aim to utilize these samples for research purposes, gaining a deeper understanding of endangered species, and also as a potential tool for bringing back species that may face extinction in the future.
In an interview, Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal, likened their biovault to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, emphasizing the need for similar preservation efforts for animals. He highlighted the urgent need to back up all life on Earth, as conservation efforts alone are not keeping pace with the rapid loss of species.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List serves as a stark reminder, listing over 48,000 species as threatened with extinction out of the 172,600 assessed. The exact number of species going extinct annually is uncertain due to the vast number of undiscovered or unidentified species.
Lamm believes in the importance of preserving genetic diversity, aiming to hold multiple samples of each species to ensure long-term population viability. He argues that saving endangered animals is crucial, as many are keystone species, and their loss can have a ripple effect on entire ecosystems.
"There's also a wealth of data we risk losing when a species becomes extinct," Lamm said. "Take birds, for instance; they have superior immune systems compared to humans. Studying them could provide insights that benefit human health as well."
"If you're not convinced by the ethical argument, consider this: animals help humans. They play a vital role in our ecosystems, and their loss could have far-reaching consequences."
Despite the uniqueness of this endeavor, Colossal Biosciences is not alone in their mission. The San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research operates a "Frozen Zoo," housing samples from over 1,300 species and subspecies. Other projects, like The Frozen Ark charity, have amassed thousands of animal DNA samples across multiple sites in the UK.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has praised the acceleration of "cryptopreservation of living cells" as an urgent necessity, recognizing that no single organization can tackle this challenge alone. They emphasize the need for careful consideration of regulatory frameworks, long-term governance, and international cooperation.
Dusko Ilic, a professor of stem cell science at King's College London, agrees that more details are needed to fully assess Colossal's biovault. He highlights the importance of understanding the scope, governance, access, long-term funding, and integration with existing conservation frameworks.
"Cryobanking is just one piece of the puzzle," Ilic said. "While frozen zoos raise awareness about biodiversity loss, they should be seen as complementary to in situ conservation, habitat protection, and population management, not as a substitute."
This new biobank venture is part of a significant nine-figure initiative in the UAE, a nation that has shown its commitment to conservation by investing $60 million in Colossal. The biovault's location within a museum aims to bring the public closer to ongoing scientific endeavors.
"We chose the Museum of the Future for a reason," Lamm explained. "We want to create living laboratories on display, inspiring curiosity and excitement about science, especially among young minds."
The final list of the 100 most imperiled species to be included in the biovault is still being determined, with Colossal collaborating with the UAE on this critical research project.
Colossal Biosciences sees this biovault as the first step towards a global network of sites, a crucial infrastructure in the fight to preserve our planet's precious biodiversity.
