Achieving global biodiversity conservation targets requires massive spatial and temporal in-situ biodiversity data, which is still limited by the high cost and heavy workload of traditional sampling. In the past decade, environmental DNA (eDNA) has been widely used and become a standard method for aquatic biodiversity sampling. With high efficiency in data collection and processing, eDNA technology will be particularly helpful for biodiversity sampling in understudied areas, with the potential to promote the implementation of findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) sampling strategies. By compiling global eDNA databases following consistent protocols, scientists can analyze how the distribution of aquatic biodiversity at various levels (taxonomic, functional, genetic diversity) are attributable to drainage characteristics, climate and human impacts, and assess the spatial scale and magnitude of the land-water linkage of biodiversity across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, by combining with existing traditional biodiversity databases, the use of eDNA is expected to make an important contribution to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

In this session, we will bring together scientists and engineers that work on or are interested in eDNA technology and its potential applications in regional to global biodiversity sampling. We will explore how to leverage the growing wealth of eDNA database resources to advance biodiversity research on a broader scale and provide reference information for effective decision-making.