Interviews were held with experts from diverse fields who shared valuable insights with the team

Introduction

At iGEM Bolivia, we believe that responsible innovation is rooted in a strong commitment to ethics and societal well-being. Our approach focuses on creating solutions through Synthetic Biology that not only succeed in the lab but also make a positive difference in people's lives, both in Bolivia and globally, while contributing to the global scientific community.

Our goal is to address the core questions of iGEM human practices:

• How does our project impact the world around us?
• And how does the world around us impact our project?

We aim to develop a holistic approach that fosters ethical reflection, social responsibility, and effective communication in the execution of synthetic biology projects. Our mission is to ensure that our initiatives not only solve real-world problems but also engage with and respect the communities and stakeholders directly affected by them.

To gain a deeper understanding that many Bolivian communities are facing currently, we have engaged with government officials, held discussions with leaders of Indigenous Peasant Territories (TIOC), established direct contact with grassroots community members, and consulted experts in fields such as: law, bioethics, biosafety, and socioeconomics. Additionally, we have collaborated with leaders representing diverse perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded and cooperative approach. This process enables us to develop sustainable solutions that are tailored to local needs, ensuring our proposals effectively address the realities and priorities of the affected communities.

Moment of Inspiration

The Bolivian Amazon region, often referred to as the green lung of our planet, is essential for maintaining global climate balance. It is an ancient ecosystem that has sustained life for millennia, supporting countless species and indigenous communities. However, this vital region is now under serious threat: mercury contamination. This toxic metal, largely released by mining activities, has infiltrated the rivers and soils of the Amazon, poisoning natural resources that are crucial not only to the region but to the health of the entire planet.

With more than 40% of the Bolivian territory being part of the Amazon, this issue is close to our hearts. We understood that, if we really wanted to understand the problems and needs of our region, we had to witness them first hand. It was then that we learned about the Pan-Amazonian Social Forum (FOSPA), where the challenges and concerns of the Amazonian peoples are discussed, was going to be held in Bolivia in June 2024. It was held in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, in the communities of Rurrenabaque and San Buenaventura.

This issue became personal for us when a team of students from iGEM BOLIVIA traveled to Rurrenabaque to attend the XI Pan-Amazonian Social Forum (FOSPA). At this 3-day event, where people from all over the Amazon basin gathered, we heard an indigenous representative share a sobering observation: "It is sad to see how the indigenous person who once drank water directly from their river now carries a bottle of mineral water in their bag." That statement had a profound impact on us, highlighting how the mercury crisis not only poisons the water but also erodes the hope and future of generations to come. The communities we spoke with were not just asking for immediate solutions but for tools to defend their land and water.

We realized that we couldn't remain passive. Inspired by what we learned at FOSPA and drawing on our experience in synthetic biology, particularly our work developing an arsenic biosensor for the iGEM Bolivia 2021 competition, we decided to develop a biosensor to help communities detect mercury contamination in the water they rely on. Since then, we have been committed to creating a tool that empowers people to safeguard their environment. Our goal is that this mercury biosensor will have a tangible impact in the fight to protect the Amazon and its people.

BEST INTEGRATED HUMAN PRACTICES

REFLECTING ON DESIGN DECISIONS

Technical Exploration

Visit to the Environmental Quality Laboratory

Darío Achá Cordero, PhD.

"If you focus on detecting organic mercury, it would greatly benefit the project."

Recognizing the need for expert technical guidance, we decided to consult Dr. Darío Achá Cordero, whose expertise and access to specialized equipment we believed would be essential for evaluating the potential of our technology. Our goal was to gain his perspective on the current challenges in mercury detection and explore how our biosensor could help address the limitations in detecting organic mercury.

Dr. Achá, who leads the Environmental Quality Laboratory (LCA) at the Institute of Ecology at Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, heads a team dedicated to analyzing mercury contamination in environmental samples. Our visit provided a valuable opportunity to assess the relevance and importance of the mercury biosensor we were developing. While we had anticipated presenting a novel research project. Dr. Achá showed us that the lab’s mercury detection equipment was already quite advanced and capable of delivering rapid results for contaminated soil and water samples.

Although this required us to adjust our initial expectations, it did not diminish our enthusiasm. In fact, it highlighted a key challenge the lab faced: measuring organic mercury. While the necessary equipment for detecting this contaminant existed, the high costs of reagents and operational limitations revealed a gap our project could fill. Additionally, the need to transport samples to sophisticated laboratories in the city made the process expensive and slow, something that our portable, sensitive, specific and above all, inexpensive biosensor could address by providing quicker detection in remote communities.

By the end of the meeting, the takeaway was clear: our biosensor would provide significant value if it could detect organic mercury. As a result of this visit, we reflected on the biosensor’s design, and decided to upgrade it , to not only to detect mercury, but also distinguish between organic and inorganic forms, while keeping it transportable and accessible to communities, marking a major turning point in the development of our work.

EXPLORING AND REFLECTING ON CONTEXT BEYOND THE LAB

1. Legal Exploration

In Bolivia, the uncontrolled use of mercury has triggered a crisis that goes beyond environmental degradation: it affects the very fabric of society, culture and health. By diving into the legal landscape surrounding this problem, we discover not only the gaps in regulation, but also the powerful forces shaping the future of our most precious ecosystems. What we discovered could change our approach to protecting the Amazon and ourselves.

Assemblyman in the Departmental Legislative Assembly of La Paz, Andrea Echeverría

In our meeting with Andrea Echeverría, Departmental Assembly Member and expert in Environmental Law, we explored the gravity of mercury's impact on our region. She made it clear that "The effects of mercury use are already being felt in our generation, with cases of cancer on the rise. Unfortunately, the central government is not conducting the necessary studies." Given this reality, it's critical to consider existing regulations, such as Law 1333 on the Environment and the Minamata Convention, which regulate mercury use. However, the enforcement of these laws has been far from adequate.

This insight only heightened our sense of urgency in developing an effective and accessible tool for mercury detection. Andrea also emphasized that our biosensor must not only be technically robust but also socially responsible and culturally sensitive. "It's essential to respect the customs and traditions of different communities. Our society is diverse and multicultural, and we must approach these differences with ethical care," she reminded us

With her guidance, we committed to a comprehensive approach that addresses the broader national and international perspective: How the global demands for resources, especially from industrialized countries, are making huge demands on the Amazon region and how our actions at the local level (or lack of them) to prevent forest fires, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and contamination from illegal gold mining affected the whole planet: "We are all interrelated in a global ecosystem and the issue of illegal gold mining with mercury is a social, economic, and cultural issue that requires support and collaboration across all sectors."

While our focus is on mercury contamination, it's important to acknowledge that the use of mercury is closely tied to gold mining operations in the Amazon. The global demand for gold (driven by markets in China, industrialized nations and burgeoning markets) intensifies the use of mercury in these processes, which pressures poor nations to exploit their natural resources, often at the cost of their environment and the health of their people. This unchecked demand not only fuels environmental degradation but also puts vulnerable communities at risk, reinforcing the urgency of addressing this issue on all fronts.

Senator in the Legislative Assembly of Plurinational State of Bolivia Cecilia Requena, PhD.

"It would be a significant step for local communities to measure mercury levels in their own water, but the biggest challenge will be ensuring this can be done without risking health or harming the environment."

Securing an interview with Senator Cecilia Requena, which was not an easy task, gave us a unique opportunity to better understand the legal context surrounding mercury contamination in Bolivia. During the interview, the senator recognized that our biosensor could address a critical gap in mercury detection, a problem that poses a direct threat to public health and the environment. This issue is particularly pressing given that there is existing legislation prohibiting the use of mercury, yet these laws are not always enforced due to complex socio-economic factors.

Senator Requena emphasized the ethical and biosafety concerns that must be treated with the utmost seriousness and responsibility. "It is vital that any technology we develop avoids creating unintended environmental consequences, both in the short and long term." She identified several potential risks during the interview, ranging from improper use of the device to economic interests that could compromise its ethical implementation.

Her warnings not only made us reconsider the direction of our project but also prompted us to take immediate action. In response, based on established protocols, we developed the Environmental Biosafety Protocol to ensure that our approach to biosafety and ethics is both comprehensive and effective.

The Senator also highlighted the complex social and political dynamics surrounding mining in Bolivia. "Mining, particularly illegal mining in the Amazon basin, is a disaster that brings multiple forms of violence and exploitation. Introducing a device like this means confronting powerful interests that may resist change," she noted.  InSight Crime, Climate-Diplomacy, HRW

Despite these challenges, Senator Requena encouraged us to move forward with our work, as long as we maintained an attitude of humility and openness to dialogue. "Science is incredibly important, especially when it serves the needs of our country. But we must proceed with caution, responsibility, and a strong ethical foundation, learning from the mistakes of the past," she advised, referencing historical cases where a lack of foresight in scientific development led to unforeseen negative consequences.

Assistant manager of SENACYT Panamá, Ediner Fuentes, M.Sc.

“Science advances rapidly, while the regulations governing its application lag far behind. It is our responsibility to push for and support the creation of regulations to bridge this gap.”

Ediner, an iGEMER from Panama and biotechnology expert, is one of the founders of the Synbio Bootcamp, an event that brought together many teams, including iGEM Bolivia. Through this experience, we recognized the critical importance of understanding the regulatory framework governing the use of our device.While it’s challenging (though not impossible) to create laws specifically addressing synthetic biology, it raises an important question: Who is responsible for driving the creation of these regulations? Is it the politician, who may have limited understanding of synthetic biology, or the scientist, who might undervalue the role of social and political sciences? As Ediner aptly points out, “It’s easier for scientists to learn about politics and regulations than for politicians to learn about science.”

Furthermore, he recommended that iGEMers participate in COPs, as he had done in the past, to gain a deeper understanding of critical issues such as the degradation and loss of biodiversity in the Amazon region, and the safe use of synthetic biology tools through Risk Assessment. These topics are discussed by parties during these meetings to shape international policy.

One way to influence the development and updating of these regulations is by leveraging international agreements. For instance, Bolivia is a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol and Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which provide mechanisms encouraging sustainable utilization. Participating in these global events is essential for gathering the arguments needed to advocate for structural changes in our country and ensure compliance with these treaties. Simultaneously, we share this information with communities impacted by extractive industries, empowering them with tools to protect their rights and confront these challenges.

The key takeaway from the Assistant manager of SENACYT is this: “We don’t all need to be experts in politics and regulations, but as scientists, we must recognize their importance and learn enough to support those who act as intermediaries between the two fields.”

As our work progresses, we realize that our biosensor is not merely a technical tool; it is a bridge connecting science with society, culture, and politics. Anthropologists, sociologists, and other experts have become our compass, helping guide us to ensure that our biosensor not only functions effectively but also resonates deeply with the people who need it most.

Our team was fortunate to have specialized guidance from professionals with expertise in national and global environmental policy. With it, we developed a deep understanding about the need and the value to develop good policies  to safeguard environmental, animal and human health. We learned through the holistic concept on OneHealth how the health of humans, animals, plants and ecosystems is closely linked and how national and international policies should reflect this. In fact, we gain a good perspective of our role as future scientists, synthetic biologists, on how to interpret and abide by international policy and how to develop future policy in Bolivia.

Human and social dimension

"Biology is hard but people are harder"

Kevin Yu

To conduct meaningful work in Human Practices, it's essential to deeply understand the human dimension. In developing our biosensor, we’ve focused on gaining a profound understanding of people, their hopes, beliefs, education, and way of life and how these elements shape their perspectives

Juan Pablo Neri Pereyra, M.Sc.

Our connection with Anthropologist Juan Pablo Neri began at the Pan-Amazonian Social Forum (FOSPA), where he explained that the issue of mining goes beyond health concerns, it is also a social and economic challenge.

We also discovered that perceptions within these communities are divided when it comes to environmental initiatives. There are both supporters and opponents of projects aimed at environmental protection. Areas focused on agriculture and tourism tend to show a strong commitment to protecting their lands, while those involved in mining often disregard the risks of contamination.

During our interview, we learned that the local economy is heavily dependent on extractive activities like mining, which, instead of promoting development, is actually holding the region back. As the anthropologist put it, "The resources extracted don’t contribute to a circular economy. The financial gains are wasted, attracting temporary workers chasing the gold rush." He further explained that this cycle leads to the neglect of other critical industries, such as agriculture and tourism, which are vital to the livelihood of many communities.

Juan Pablo Nery highlighted that indigenous communities are generally open to new technologies, but only if they see a clear benefit. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate concepts like Synthetic Biology and biosensors clearly and transparently, making sure the benefits are understood by the residents.

Rodrigo Muños Reyes, M.Sc.

Anthropologists Rodrigo Muñoz and Juanita Roca traveled to La Paz to meet with our team and share their insights, drawing from their experience working with Amazonian communities. Rodrigo Muñoz emphasized the challenges of informality in mining activities. Despite laws against illegal mining, the lack of a strong state presence in the region allows corruption and bribery to undermine the enforcement of these regulations.

Anthropologist Muñoz emphasized that the design of a biosensor is accessible if it is adapted to the reality of the context, supporting the idea of Anthropologist Juan Pablo Nery in the previous interview, he also suggested offering the target audience didactic manuals and training to learn how to use the biosensor properly.

Thanks to the anthropologists' recommendations, we realized the importance of creating user-friendly infographics that explain how to quickly and easily operate the mercury biosensor. To reinforce this, we also developed short training courses on the applications of Synthetic Biology in the education area.

Dr. Juanita Roca offered invaluable advice based on her experience with indigenous communities. She emphasized that projects like ours require careful planning, particularly when addressing the issue of mistrust among local residents. She stressed the importance of having a clear communication strategy that facilitates the acceptance of the biosensor project.

Dr. Juanita R. positively highlighted our participation in FOSPA, noting that the introduction of projects in Amazonian communities often requires an exploratory trip. Our trip to FOSPA fulfilled that purpose, as it allowed us to directly witness the local situation and problems by talking to the community members and leaders directly.

She also highlighted the critical need to earn the trust of the communities. Drawing from personal experience, she shared how failed NGO projects, where initiatives were launched, data collected, but promises left unfulfilled, have fostered distrust. As a result, many communities are now cautious when approached by new organizations offering support. To improve our chances of success and establish trust, he suggested collaborating with organizations or anthropologists who have a proven track record in the region.

Anthropologist Juan Pablo Nery echoed this sentiment in his previous interview, stating, “It’s critical to be transparent when engaging with community members. Mistrust is the hardest obstacle to overcome when a new organization enters the region. Forming alliances with organizations that already have established connections with the communities can help. Always maintain honesty and explain why your work is important."

Drawing on the anthropologist’ advice, we understood that the contact and implementation of our project with the Amazonian communities was feasible if we could identify the regions that could be interested in the implementation of our project and present it to the local authorities and organizations with previous work in the region.

So we proactively reached out to local organizations and authorities with established connections in the northern region of la Paz,  which are mainly engaged in agriculture and had previously complained to the government about the contamination by mercury. By collaborating with these trusted partners, we gained valuable insights into the cultural dynamics and concerns of the people, which helped shape our approach. This set the stage for establishing meaningful partnerships with organizations actively working to protect the Amazon.

Contact with Local Organizations

We established valuable connections with several organizations dedicated to protecting the Amazon. Among these were the “Friends of Nature Foundation” and the “La Paz Indigenous Peoples Center” (CPILAP). We shared our project with them, finding common ground in our shared goals for Amazon conservation and the application of innovative technologies, such as our mercury contamination biosensor.

In our meeting with the Friends of Nature Foundation (FAN in Spanish), we learned about their work on the MapBiomas project, an initiative focused on mapping and satellite analysis of the Amazon region. This project has revealed the alarming advance of deforestation and mining in protected areas, both of which pose significant threats to biodiversity and the region's overall vitality.

Deforestation and mining in protected areas.
Ref: MapBiomas Bolivia, the image shows the National Protected Area - Madidi. The transitions from agricultural or non-vegetated areas to forest cover or non-forest natural areas between the years 1985-2023 are observed.

3. Economic exploration

Ing. Mario Velasco

Mining is often seen as controversial from a social perspective, with its environmental and health impacts generally viewed negatively. In our meeting with Minera San Cristóbal, a company that does not use mercury in its operations, there was interest in the potential of biosensors for detecting other heavy metals, given the clear benefits they could offer. “Our goal is not just operational efficiency but also ensuring that our communities trust what we do and demonstrating minimal contamination of our resources,” Velasco said. His statement underscores the importance of integrating advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and community trust.

Velasco noted that the biosensor could quickly and cost-effectively measure mercury contamination in local resources. Currently, the company sends environmental samples to labs in other cities, or even countries like Canada, which incurs significant time and financial costs. Implementing this technology would not only optimize detection processes but also reduce operational costs and improve efficiency, aligning business interests with greater social responsibility while strengthening relationships with local communities.

CEDIB’s Director Oscar Campanini, PhD.

"Early and accurate detection of mercury is critical, as it persists in the environment and is hard to eliminate. Identifying where and when it’s present in the cycle is key to taking the necessary actions."

The biosensor aims to make mercury monitoring more accessible and significantly reduce costs, especially in regions where affected communities often have limited resources to address such issues.

Beyond detection, this project represents a commitment to a future where economic and social responsibility go hand in hand. As Campanini emphasized, “The effects of mercury are not immediately visible but can manifest decades later with severe and lasting consequences.” By lowering detection costs and making this technology more accessible, we are not only promoting safer and more sustainable mining practices but also empowering local communities with the tools they need to protect their environment and advocate for more just and equitable economic development.

In response to valuable insights shared by experts such as Mario Velasco and Oscar Campanini, we took decisive steps to ensure that our mercury biosensor addressed the economic and practical challenges faced by both communities and industries. Aware of the high costs and delays involved in shipping samples to distant laboratories, we designed our biosensor to be portable and affordable. The mercury biosensor is the result of a painstaking collaboration that integrates device and social considerations to create a tool that will have a significant impact on communities and industries striving for sustainability. We didn't just listen: we acted, and our device is proof of that commitment.

ANTICIPATING POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS

4. Advice from Bioethics and Biosafety dimension

Pablo Almaraz
As the iGEM Bolivia team, our primary goal is to ensure that our project contributes to a comprehensive and responsible implementation that prioritizes the well-being of Bolivian society. We are aware of the positive and negative outcomes synthetic biology carries, so we are committed to protect both human, health and the environment, ensuring that our solutions adhere to bioethics and biosafety principles.

Based on the feedback we received from previous interviews, we sought to better understand how to improve the biosafety of our biosensor and apply relevant bioethical concepts to our project. To establish more refined guidelines, we consulted two experts in areas related to the bioethical aspects of our work. One of them, Pablo Almaraz, served on the Ethics Committee of Research (CEI) at the Department of Research, Postgraduate, and Social Interaction (DIPGIS) at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), where he worked to strengthen the application of ethical principles in research.

Pablo Almaraz advised that for a project of this nature to succeed, it must pass through three critical filters: technical, biosafety, and bioethical. In terms of bioethics, he recommended following the seven parameters outlined by Ezekiel Emanuel (2003): value, scientific validity, equitable selection of subjects, favorable risk-benefit ratio, independent review, informed consent, and respect for enrolled subjects. Our team reviewed these criteria and evaluated how well our project met these bioethical standards. The summary of this review is as follows:

We also discussed our future plans to make our biosensor available to the public, particularly in areas with limited access to laboratories, once the device is fully validated. Pablo Almaraz stressed that to introduce our project to the general population, we must prepare an informed consent document. This is essential, as it must provide all necessary information about both the risks and benefits of the project, as well as outline the procedures involved. Almaraz also emphasized that the biosensor should be handled by specialists at health centers, especially in indigenous communities. This is crucial because the disposal of the biosensor requires individuals who are knowledgeable about biosafety protocols for genetically modified organisms. Additionally, health centers must have the proper infrastructure for sterilization and incineration of used materials.

All the feedback that we got until this point, gave us a broader perspective and highlighted areas we haven’t previously considered in detail. As a result, we decided to develop an Environmental Biosafety Protocol, outlining how the biosensor should be used in the field, with particular attention to environmental risks in case of accidental release. We also created a containment and biosafety protocol for both the operators of the biosensor and the health centers responsible for proper waste disposal.

Isabel Morales Belpaire

Once we developed the Environmental Biosafety Protocol we consulted with Dr. Isabel Morales Belpaire, head of the Environmental Biotechnology Department at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, for her expert opinion. She provided two key recommendations: first, regarding the sterilization process, and second, on the need for agreements with health centers to ensure access to the necessary personnel and equipment for disinfection. She also suggested that our team be involved in monitoring the protocol and the waste disposal chain. These insights were vital to improving the safety and effectiveness of the protocol, strengthening our strategy for implementing the biosensor.

5. Conclusions

Our biosensor project is a direct response to the urgent need for sustainable solutions to tackle mercury contamination in the Bolivian Amazon. Inspired by the voices of indigenous communities and supported by experts from various fields, we integrated all these inputs to develop a tool that not only addresses a critical environmental issue but also respects and empowers those who are most affected. This project represents our commitment to a future where science and society work hand in hand for a more just and sustainable world.

However, beyond being a detection device, our biosensor symbolizes how synbio can deeply integrate into the social and cultural fabric of communities. Yet, we understand that while this tool offers significant benefits, it alone will not fully solve the problem. Therefore, we have explored other complementary solutions, such as bioremediation with immobilized microalgae to remove mercury, which could offer additional pathways in the near future.

Despite these possibilities, our focus remains on refining the biosensor, reaffirming our dedication to creating practical and effective solutions that not only work in the lab but also transform the realities of affected communities. With every step we take, we strengthen our belief that technology should serve life and collective well-being. This is our contribution to a future in Bolivia, where science is not just a technical advancement, but a tool for justice and hope for all.