Delivering global biodiversity monitoring through eDNA metabarcoding

In 2021, G7 leaders announced that “our world must not only become net zero, but also nature positive, for the benefit of both people and the planet”, igniting the nature positive movement. Subsequent new nature reporting requirements, such as the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Science-based Targets for Nature (SBTN) are now driving a paradigm shift in how globally corporates, investors, and consumers view nature, which is beyond just limiting damage but enhancing biodiversity.
eDNA has emerged as the most powerful and ultimately scalable biodiversity monitoring tool in the world to provide the data required for the nature positive movement. This technology is at the point of delivering beyond the hype and could finally provide an ‘omics driven tool to transform how we collect, collate and deliver positive action for what is a global biodiversity crisis. However, there is a need for standardisation, collaboration and open dialogue which challenges traditional academic practises. This presentation will cover some of the highlights and the future directions from our EcoDNA team, est 2013 in delivering on this global challenge.
About Dianne
Dianne is a geneticist, with 27yrs of research experience in the application of DNA technologies for biodiversity conservation and biosecurity in both New Zealand and Australia. Her career focus has been facilitating the translation of fundamental research into applied outcomes, working closely with stakeholders to ensure uptake. Previously at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research NZ, she developed a successful business unit, EcoGene, resulting in a national award for Women in Science Entrepreneurship. She now leads the EcoDNA team at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra which is focussed on the development of eDNA technologies for surveillance and detection of species.