A Promising Solution to Safeguard Earth’s Biodiversity
Currently, numerous animal species are facing the threat of extinction. According to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a concerning total of 45,321 species are at risk. To prevent these species from disappearing forever, researchers are exploring new and innovative methods to protect them. One of the most promising options is the preservation of biological samples on the moon.
Biodiversity
The state of biodiversity is, to put it mildly, alarming. We are facing a looming extinction crisis, with many animal and plant species threatened with extinction. The reason? “The Earth’s biodiversity is severely threatened by climate change, natural disasters, overpopulation, and other anthropogenic factors,” the researchers write in their study. “There is an urgent need for innovative strategies to preserve this biodiversity.”
The Moon
In their study, they propose a creative solution: storing biological samples on the moon. While biological samples can also be stored on Earth, this may not be sufficient to safeguard the Earth’s biodiversity. One significant advantage of the moon is its extreme cold, especially in permanently shadowed regions near the poles, where temperatures consistently remain below -196 degrees Celsius. These conditions are perfect for long-term storage of biological samples without human intervention or energy sources, which could compromise the reliability of Earth-based storage. Additionally, a lunar facility offers protection against natural disasters, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts on Earth.
An Extra Safety Net
The researchers advocate that a “lunar biobank” is precisely what we need. “Most biobanks on Earth can help address the current biodiversity crisis, but it’s important to have an additional safety net,” explains researcher Mary Hagedorn. “This is that safety net. Our biodiversity is one of our most valuable resources, and we must do everything necessary to protect and defend it. Our idea can ensure its preservation for future generations.”
Skin Samples
The idea is initially to transport animal skin samples to the moon for storage. Why skin samples? “We don’t precisely know how to preserve the sperm, larvae, or embryos of most wild species,” Hagedorn explains. “By using skin cells, we get a consistent type of cells: fibroblast cells. These are easier to store and can be treated similarly for different species. Moreover, they can be transformed into stem cells.”
Species
The team has begun developing guidelines with the Asterropteryx semipunctata, a ray-finned fish species, but more species will follow soon. The focus will be on species currently threatened on Earth and species that play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems. “We haven’t chosen specific species, but groups essential for life on Earth, such as ecosystem engineers and pollinators,” Hagedorn notes. The researchers also plan to utilize extensive samples currently being collected by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) of the U.S. National Science Foundation to further support the development of fibroblast cells.
Challenges
While it’s a promising idea, transporting animal skin samples to the moon is not straightforward. It entails significant technological and logistical challenges. For instance, robust packaging must be developed to ensure the samples arrive intact on the moon. The samples must also be protected from harmful cosmic radiation. Furthermore, carefully considering the location of the biobank, where temperatures remain consistently at -196 degrees Celsius, is critical. Additionally, international agreements must be established regarding the management of the biobank. The authors call for cooperation among countries, organizations, and international stakeholders to realize this long-term project. This collaboration should be similar to that of the global seed bank, involving an international team of public and private financiers, scientific partners, countries, and public sector representatives.
Long-Term Plan
All this means that it may take several decades before we see a biobank on the moon become a reality. Despite the challenges that must be overcome, the authors emphasize the urgency of taking action. “Due to many man-made problems, many species and ecosystems are under pressure from destabilization and extinction,” they highlight. “And this is happening faster than we can save these species in their natural environment.”
An Important Step
In conclusion, with Earth’s biodiversity under pressure, a biological storage facility on the moon may provide a crucial solution. It could be a significant step in preserving biodiversity for the future. Furthermore, it could help not only protect current species but also store valuable biological data that could be essential for future efforts to restore and maintain Earth’s ecological systems. “We believe that we are developing plans that benefit both the future of our biodiversity and space exploration,” says Hagedorn. “Additionally, this could become a part of space exploration that directly benefits Earth.”
The next steps include expanding partnerships, especially with space agencies. Further tests on Earth and aboard the International Space Station are also needed to determine how cryopreserved cells react to prolonged exposure to microgravity.
