The Campaign to Stop GE Trees

Genetically engineered trees pose risks of contaminating forests, damaging ecosystems and harming communities

Sign on to stop the large-scale commercial release of Genetically Engineered Trees!

The President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, must immediately cancel the legalization of Suzano’s nine varieties of genetically modified eucalyptus trees.

Sign on to endorse the Open Letter calling on President Petro of Colombia as Host of the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 in October 2024 to enforce the CBD’s 2008 decision and stop the commercial release of genetically engineered trees.

Ambassador Leonor Zalabata of Colombia to the UN receives from Ambassador for the Environment for the Ponca Nation Casey Camp-Horinek Call to Ban Genetically Modified Trees from 100 organizations and Indigenous Peoples from 30 countries during UN Climate Week September 27, 2024 in New York.

The goal of the campaign is to protect native forests, and to defend the rights of forest dependent communities and Indigenous Peoples from the unknown and irreversible risks of releasing genetically engineered (GE) trees.

Genetically engineered (GE or genetically modified) trees:

Genetic engineering makes changes directly to the genetic material of an organism, without mating, by introducing genetic material or material that induces change to that genetic material. This invasive process causes mutations and other impacts.

Trees such as eucalyptus, American chestnut, poplar and pine are being genetically engineered for traits including faster growth, insect and disease resistance, and altered wood composition. If released, these GE trees risk contaminating native forests, damaging ecosystems and harming communities.

Trees have a very long life-cycle. They can live for decades or centuries. This means the risks GE trees pose to forests and communities are impossible to assess over the lifespan of the tree. Because these risks are both profound and unknowable, GE trees must be prohibited.

Recent Publications:

Are you looking to learn more about genetically engineered trees? The campaign has put together reports, newsletter, factsheets, and bulletins about genetically engineered trees. They can be found on the publications section of our website. Many are offered in multiple languages.

We also have a newsletter that serves as an informative forum for updates and action to stop the release of GE trees around the world. Spread the word by signing up to our newsletter and sharing it with your networks.

 

Calls to Action:

Are you looking to take action? Current calls to actions include sending a letter to stop GE Trees, signing on against industral tree plantations, and signing on in support of Indigenous and local communities devastated by the social and ecological impacts of industrial tree plantations, and threatened by the planned future use of GE tree plantations.

We also have a list of partner organizations if you wanted to get involved in your local community.

WHAT ARE GE TREES?

Trees are being genetically engineered for traits such as faster growth, and disease resistance.

TAKE ACTION

It’s time to mobilize! You can help end the threat of genetically engineered trees.

GE TREES RESOURCES

Arm yourself with information about GE Trees (also called GM Trees)