Extinct Species Revival Through Genetics Highlighted At WGS 2026

The World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026 hosted a session titled "Can Government Keep Up with Human Imagination?", which explored whether genetic engineering and genomics could support the return of extinct animals. Speakers linked these scientific efforts to biodiversity protection, ecosystem stability and new applications that may affect both human and environmental health.

Ben Lamm, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Colossal Biosciences, explained that the work aims to reconnect lost species with their original habitats. Lamm said the ambition is that, within the next 20 years, some extinct animals could again live in the wild, reinforcing global awareness of biodiversity loss.

The discussion at the World Governments Summit examined how projects focused on extinct species might influence future biodiversity strategies. Participants noted that reviving lost animals is not a stand-alone goal. Instead, it links to broader conservation policies, ecosystem restoration plans and fresh approaches to protecting endangered species that still survive.

Moderator Jeffrey Katzenberg, Founding Partner of WndrCo, opened the session by underlining the link between creativity, science and nature. Katzenberg said the project shows how advanced technology can be directed towards environmental goals. The session then moved to explore how this concept first emerged and how researchers are now turning it into practical scientific work.

Lamm traced the origin of the initiative to a meeting with Professor George Church, Chair of Genetics at Harvard University and a leading specialist in synthetic biology. According to Lamm, Church warned that up to 50 percent of global biodiversity could disappear within the next 25 years unless strong measures are taken.

That warning, Lamm said, shifted the idea from a theoretical concept into a structured scientific programme. Curiosity, an entrepreneurial approach and the creation of highly focused research teams became the main driving forces. These teams now work across several disciplines, including genomics, reproductive biology and computational modelling.

World Governments Summit biodiversity, extinct species and health

Early laboratory findings, according to Lamm, appear promising and support investment in ambitious projects similar in scale to space programmes. Lamm argued that such large initiatives can speed up scientific progress, while also drawing international attention to climate pressure, species loss and the wider environmental challenges facing governments and societies.

Lamm also disclosed plans for a worldwide system of biobanks that would store genetic samples from endangered animals. These facilities are intended to secure DNA for future research and possible restoration efforts. Linked educational programmes would target children and young people, encouraging interest in environmental science and biology.

The session further highlighted that studying extinct animals may have medical benefits for humans. Research on ancient traits could guide new methods to increase disease resistance and improve immune system responses. Speakers stressed that, for this reason, the work has a health dimension as well as conservation value, aligning environmental stewardship with scientific innovation.

With inputs from WAM