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The Role of Community Science in DNA-Based Biodiversity Monitoring

Summary

Scientists and the general public are working together to monitor biodiversity using DNA-based methods. These collaborations allow researchers to collect data across wider geographic areas and longer time periods than traditional monitoring alone. Community participants, especially hobby experts and nature enthusiasts, help collect samples and contribute to building the genetic reference databases needed to identify species. Recognition and training of volunteers enhances both data quality and participant satisfaction.

Background

Biodiversity loss is occurring rapidly due to anthropogenic factors including climate change, land-use change, pollution and overexploitation. Community science (CS) has emerged as a collaborative approach to biodiversity monitoring, offering potential to scale biomonitoring efforts beyond traditional scientific capacity. DNA-based methods combined with CS can enhance temporal and geographic coverage of biodiversity surveys.

Objective

To present an overview of the complementarity between community science and DNA-based biomonitoring through examples from ongoing projects. The review identifies key points related to learning opportunities and participant recognition to maximize the success, impact and benefit of community participants in DNA-based monitoring.

Results

The review demonstrates that community scientists can provide high-quality samples for eDNA analyses when researchers provide ongoing learning and collaboration opportunities. Hobby experts are particularly crucial for building species reference databases. Learning opportunities extending beyond sampling, games as educational tools, and recognition of participants enhance volunteer motivation and data quality.

Conclusion

DNA-based monitoring projects should embrace the potential of community science, especially in the Global South. Combining community science with DNA-based methods enhances temporal and geographic scope of biomonitoring and complements taxonomy. CS engagement should evolve toward genuinely collaborative and participatory processes involving co-design, co-analysis and co-discovery.
  • Published in:Molecular Ecology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40937587, DOI: 10.1111/mec.70100
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