Monitoring biodiversity using DNA

A platform makes it easy for companies and conservationists to understand their nature impact

Spotted: One key element of effective conservation and environmental restoration is collecting accurate data. But, relying on the use of field teams to collect samples can be slow and expensive and can also result in an incomplete picture of the biodiversity of a wider area or ecosystem. Enter NatureMetrics.

NatureMetrics starts by identifying individual species from small samples of soil, water, and air. The environmental DNA (eDNA) gathered in these samples, which is left behind by organisms, offers a detailed picture of a site’s biodiversity and the full spectrum of life in a given area. NatureMetrics’ platform also makes it easy and affordable for almost anyone to collect data.

People from local communities, including school children, scientists, park rangers, and site contractors can collect eDNA with simple kits. For example, in the UK, NatureMetrics has run citizen science projects with local conservation groups and schoolchildren. Each sample gathered yields vast amounts of DNA. NatureMetrics data analytics can then use this to give a picture of trends and actionable insights.

There are a wide number of uses for NatureMetrics’ platform. Businesses can evaluate and easily report on the effect of commercial activities or conservation work, which is becoming increasingly necessary to comply with regulations and meet targets like those outlined in the Global Biodiversity Framework.

NatureMetrics has already engaged in more than 1500 projects across 110 countries, and claims to have detected more than 300 threatened species. At the same time, NatureMetrics offers biodiversity monitoring training to thousands of people, empowering underrepresented communities around the world. The company was selected as a finalist for this year’s Earthshot Prize.

This article was originally published on 26th April 2022.