How to improve biodiversity monitoring and conservation using DNA technologies, from genes to communities

We will use short impactful talks and question-answer time to provide participants with understanding of genetic technology and innovations for monitoring and mitigating biodiversity change. Our session will be in two parts. First, we will emphasize how intraspecific genetic diversity is important for nature resilience, climate change, and species’ survival. Speakers will discuss ongoing initiatives (including with IUCN Specialist Groups and GEOBON) for improving genetic diversity monitoring. We will also connect genetic assessment to policy at regional and local scales. Second, we will introduce the use of innovative environmental DNA technologies for the detection of whole biodiversity, especially for rare or elusive species. Speakers will present standardized methods for ecological assessment and data comparison at global scale, towards a global biodiversity monitoring network.