Biotechnology is the use of technology to alter or enhance the genetic makeup of an organism. There is no shortage of controversy surrounding this area of research. More than any other science, biotechnology has been a catalyst for a gradual strengthening of global alliances between non-government organisations (NGOs) dealing with issues as diverse as genetic pollution, religious beliefs, medical ethics, human rights, consumer choice and the rights of people in the developing world.

One branch of biotechnology, transgenics or genetic engineering - the transfer of genes from one plant or animal species to another - has brought the entire field into the socio-political spotlight. The stigma attached to this one application has the capacity to derail other potentially valuable advances in biotechnology that could address some of our most pressing ecological and social challenges: sustainable agriculture and food safety, distribution anbd health.

How we use this complex and powerful technology will continue to attract widespread attention as our understanding of genetics continues to grow. And so it should. On one hand, it has the potential to better align our production systems with the biosphere through the use of renewable biological resources. On the other, it gives us the power to wreak havoc with basic evolutionary processes without really understanding the consequences. For example, the release of genetically modified organisms into the ecosystem remains high risk - we can't predict what will happen long-term. The social impacts of biotechnology are also not well understood.

Yet it may be our ability to develop and commercialise appropriate biotechnologies that have an acceptable level of risk and add clear value to society which, in large part, determine whether we survive as a species. Increased ecological stress and growing social pressures are the common challenge facing activists, corporations and governments alike.

Ecos Corporation believes that there is a significant role for new biotechnologies in achieving sustainability. By promoting a sophisticated discourse between our clients, scientific research organisations and a diverse range of stakeholders, we believe we can forge partnerships that can deliver sustainable outcomes in keeping with our societal ethics and standards.

We have worked with DuPont USA , Cotton Australia  and government organisations to help define the challenges and opportunities of biotechnology.