The final part of this session addressed the rapid growth and commercialization of environmental DNA methods for effective biodiversity monitoring in water, soil and air, as well as the need for sustained technological development, cross-domain collaboration, standardisation and reference databases.

This second session began with a mosaic of case studies on the application of DNA barcoding and reference genomes to monitor populations, reduce the impact of invasive species, support sustainable fisheries, and track genetic diversity and health for long-term survival of species and ecosystems.

The presentations emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration between the barcoding and reference genome communities in Europe, and represented BGE as a successful example of this.
#dna #biodiversity #europe #genomics #science

Furthermore the session gave an detailed introduction to BGE’s two communities: @iboleurope.bsky.social, for DNA barcoding, and @ergabiodiv.bsky.social for reference genomes.

This first session was about genomics tools and why they are essential for accelerating species identification, monitoring ecosystems, and informing European biodiversity-related policy.

Workshops held as part of the events also introduced students to the idea of #citizenscience, showing them how to record and analyse wildlife data using mobile apps, camera traps, and #eDNA techniques.
@ergabiodiv.bsky.social @iboleurope.bsky.social @horizoneu.bsky.social @biogeneurope.bsky.social

During this event participants explored methods for gathering and applying #wildlife information and were introduced to the national SRNA application designed for wildlife data recording.

Importantly, the goal was to showcase genomic-informed actions that are already having an impact, rather than the potential applications of the #data.

The #conference marked the conclusion of BGE’s “Genome Applications” work package and had the goal to demonstrate the many different ways genomic #science is being used to help address real-world issues, such as #biodiversity conservation and the development of the #bioeconomy.

The conference was streamed live to a global audience, bringing together around 70 in-person participants and a similar number of remote attendees.

This case study, led by Justyna Kubacka, discusses how whole-genome sequencing can inform conservation of the threatened aquatic warbler
🪶 Aquatic warbler genome: www.ebi.ac.uk/ena/browser/...

👉 Corrales et al. wrote a paper about "The Role of Community Science in DNA-Based Biodiversity Monitoring"
biodiversitygenomics.eu/2025/11/03/n...

👉 Buzan et al. wrote a paper about "Harmonising genomics research excellence and stakeholder needs in conversation management" biodiversitygenomics.eu/2025/11/03/n...