This paper explores the feasibility and implications of using de-extinction technology as a tool for conservation. De-extinction presents a novel approach to restoring species that have been lost to extinction. The potential to reintroduce species like the New Zealand moa offers a unique opportunity to rectify historical biodiversity losses and re-balance ecosystems. However, this technology also poses significant ecological challenges and ethical considerations, requiring a thorough assessment of potential impacts on current ecosystems and biodiversity.
From an economic perspective, de-extinction could transform conservation funding models by creating new avenues for generating revenue, such as ecological exhibitions and ecotourism. These ventures could provide the necessary capital to support both the technology’s development and broader conservation efforts, making de-extinction a self-sustaining approach. This paper evaluates the economic viability of de-extinction by comparing it to successful historical analogs in technology development, such as the evolution of jet technology, which transitioned from a high-cost, niche application to a mainstream, economically viable technology.
Overall, this analysis seeks to determine whether de-extinction can be strategically developed into an effective and practical conservation tool, considering both the ecological soundness and economic feasibility of its application. The paper concludes that while promising, de-extinction requires careful, context-specific consideration to ensure it complements traditional conservation strategies rather than replacing them.