About eBioAtlas
eBioAtlas is an ambitious partnership between NatureMetrics and IUCN to rapidly create a global atlas of life in the world’s river basins and wetlands using cutting-edge eDNA technology. It will provide a comprehensive picture of biodiversity in each location, mobilising local stakeholders and citizen scientists to fill in critical knowledge gaps to support conservation efforts and inform global policy to reverse the loss of biodiversity.
IUCN will recruit and work with a network of global and local implementing partners to collect the environmental DNA (eDNA) samples.
NatureMetrics will analyse the samples to identify the range of fish, vertebrates, and mammals present at each location and add the data to the eBioAtlas database.
To maximise impact, the database will be freely available to non-commercial users and will be designed to interface with the IUCN Red List, and other national and global environmental databases including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the first implementing partner for eBioAtlas. They have been carrying out eDNA testing in Liberia and Guinea since 2019 and will expand this to more survey sites in Africa to contribute data to the eBioAtlas.
Implementing partners will identify local projects and stakeholders to assist with sampling. They will work with NatureMetrics to ensure compliance with local regulations (e.g. sampling permits) and assist in training local stakeholders. They will also take responsibility for communication of the results to local stakeholders.
About IUCN
IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice.
About NatureMetrics
NatureMetrics is an award-winning technology start-up using cutting-edge genetic techniques to monitor biodiversity. We can uncover multiple species from complex environmental samples in low-cost and repeatable ways. By surveying everything from bats to bacteria, we help understanding of how to protect and build natural capital through activities such as farming, energy generation and forestry.
