Environmental DNA (eDNA) Training for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (in preparation - Carol)

Résumé

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and analysis has 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 is expected. 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.

Venue

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the participants are expected to have acquired:

• Increased understanding of the eDNA technology and its practical application.
• Enhanced skills in the collection and preservation of eDNA samples.
• Insights on the analysis of eDNA data, and use of bioinformatics tools. 
• Knowledge of utilization of eDNA technique in assessing marine biodiversity and monitoring ecosystems

Target audience

The training is focused on ocean practitioners from African countries, including Early Ocean Career Professionals (ECOPs) and mid-career ocean scientists interested in and needing to use eDNA in their scientific or technical work.

Pre-requisites

Participants must:

• Have prior knowledge of marine biodiversity sampling and monitoring.
• Bring their laptop and sample data from their institutions.

Course content

Module 1: Introduction to eDNA

Module 2: Molecular methods for eDNA

Module 3: Bioinformatics and Data Management 

Language of instruction: English

Course Duration, Synchronous Sessions, and Format

The course will take place face-to-face between XX, 2025, with a duration of approximately 40 hours.

The course has an online learning component to be completed before the onsite classes of approximately 12h.

Participants will be required to:

• Complete online self-paced learning activities before the onsite classes.
• Familiarize themselves with documentation and methods shared by the group previously.

Instructors