EcoNexus, founded in February 2000, is a small public interest research organisation consisting of scientists and dedicated researchers analysing and reporting on new technologies that have the potential for significant negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Our work
We actively participate in the processes and deliberations of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Protocols, especially the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and also participate at key moments in specific processes at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), as well as in other international or regional bodies.
We analyse developments in science and emerging technologies that have implications and risks for the environment and society. We investigate, report, and act upon threats specific to: biodiversity, climate, ecosystems, local and agro-ecological farming systems, food security & sovereignty, health and the interests of indigenous peoples and local communities.
We share our analysis and insights in reports, briefings, articles, scientific publications and talks, and take part in panels, meetings and workshops ranging from local to international.
We collaborate directly with civil society organisations, farmers and farmers organisations, indigenous peoples, local communities and movements to share knowledge, insights and concerns, as well as discussing different kinds of agriculture, necessary systems approaches, and positive ways forward.
We also work with policy makers, decision makers, the research community and academia.
We consider the application of the Precautionary Principle, the Polluter Pays Principle and full and ongoing consultation with the public to be essential when addressing new technologies, their impacts and their risks. For this a strong, inclusive, international framework for technology assessment is required.
We analyse the role of the corporations in promoting such technologies and how corporate structures, rights and strategies enable their directors and shareholders to avoid accountability for any damage caused by the company.
Crucially, we are working to highlight the need to respond to the many crises we face. In order to do this there is a need for an integrative systems approach that builds resilience and addresses the underlying problems and causes. This means we have to move away from short-lived symptom alleviation, which often deepens problems and enhances crises. Any new technology or technological approach needs to be assessed in this broad context.