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Innovative eDNA initiative at UN Ocean Conference

On 28 June 2022, the UNESCO eDNA initiative was featured at the United Nations Oceans Conference in Lisbon (Portugal), during a side event which showcased ambitious science-based initiatives that inform policy.
Innovative eDNA initiative at UN Ocean Conference © UNESCO

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to revolutionize marine biodiversity assessments. This could save marine World Heritage site managers' precious time and resources, while at the same time drastically increasing the available knowledge needed for effective marine management.

UNESCO presented its innovative eDNA initiative during the side event “Ocean Science and Its Policy Interface: from Knowledge to Sustainable Ocean Solutions”, which took place on Tuesday 28 June 2022, from 17:30-18:45 (GMT +1). The side event was structured around a panel of scientists, ocean science champions, high-level policy makers and international partners (UN and non-UN).

The 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference (Lisbon, 27 June - 1 July), co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, was themed around “Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14: stocktaking, partnerships and solutions.” UNESCO was heavily present at the Conference, bringing science, culture and conservation to the fore of political commitments and calls to action. Find out more here.

The project is implemented by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and World Heritage Centre, with the support of the Government of Flanders. It is the first UN Decade Action for Marine World Heritage, in the context of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

More information about the project is available here.