Environmental DNA (eDNA) Training for Africa and the Adjacent Island States 2026

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. Monitoring of endangered species, invasive species, pathogens, and harmful algal bloom 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. 

Application process and selection criteria

• Course Coordinators: Ibukun Adewumi i.adewumi@unesco.org; Edwin Mwashinga e.mwashinga@unesco.org;
• OTGA Secretariat: ioc.training@unesco.org

Costs

Free of charge. There are no tuition fees.

For the selected participants, course organizers will cover the costs of travel, accommodation, local transport, and food. Eligibility for support requires meeting the pre-requisites and target audience. The instructors will give the course voluntarily.

Costs of this training are co-sponsored by the Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.