Asilomar's Legacy in Aotearoa New Zealand

摘要

Aotearoa New Zealand is called 'the land of the long white cloud'. It is known for its 'stunning landscapes, lush vegetation, and unique wildlife'. A 'paradise for nature lovers' is how Tourism New Zealand (2004) portrays it. New Zealand has a strong environmental image, and it forms part of the self-perception of the peoples of New Zealand and consequently of their environmental awareness (Egoz, 2000), and pro-environment action (Drew, 1999). The history of non-violent protest that led to the country becoming nuclear free has continued with fierce public opposition to genetic modification (GM), specifically of GM agriculture. Despite this, New Zealand is proceeding with caution (making way for traceable releases) with agricultural or 'green' biotechnologies—and others, including germ-line genetic modification of humans (or 'red' biotechnologies).