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Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and analysis have become an increasingly popular tool for studying biodiversity and monitoring ecosystems. It provides a relatively easy, non-invasive method to scan environments; estimate number of species, assess biodiversity, and monitor changes in a community without having to collect organism samples.
Additionally, eDNA has the potential to inform on the movements and habitat associations of endangered/rare species, migratory species, water quality, detecting and tracking invasive species, harmful algal blooms, pathogens, and parasites. eDNA uses traces of genetic materials that organisms leave behind in water, soil, or air. Regardless of its wide application, knowledge of this technique is still underused in several parts of the world, such as in Africa.
Marine ecosystems of Africa and the adjacent island states are teeming with biodiversity, including 439 key marine biodiversity areas. These ecosystems are facing significant threats from climate change, overexploitation, invasive species, urbanization, and other factors, as such, impact on biodiversity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to accelerate the understanding of African biodiversity patterns and monitor ecosystems more efficiently. Implementing eDNA techniques in biodiversity assessment in African countries is a promising opportunity to maximize the conservation and management of marine life.
In this context, this blended training aims to provide participants with a comprehensive theoretical understanding of environmental DNA (eDNA) and its applications in environmental sciences. It will cover all relevant aspects from eDNA sampling, laboratory and bioinformatic analysis, data analysis of results and possible application.
The participants will learn about the origins of eDNA, how it enters the environment, and its significance in measuring biodiversity. The training will give an overview of eDNA, including its definition and different ecosystems where it can be studied with a specific focus on marine ecosystems.