eDNAqua-Plan Fact Sheet

Towards a harmonised digital ecosystem of eDNA repositories and integrated reference libraries for aquatic species to support future marine and freshwater biodiversity monitoring. PROJECT FACTSHEET Impacts Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Programme, Grant Agreement No. 101112800 (eDNAqua-Plan). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. • A harmonised and interoperable infrastructure for aquatic eDNA data, promoting consistency and comparability across monitoring programs and research endeavours. • An integrated open-access reference library for marine and freshwater species facilitating access to eDNA information and supporting researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in their conservation efforts. • Advancement of aquatic biomonitoring through harmonised eDNA data, providing a crucial basis for understanding and addressing the impact of climate change and other impacts on aquatic ecosystems. • Global collaboration creating an international network of researchers and institutions working together to advance our understanding of aquatic biodiversity. The challenge In the face of escalating climate change and the critical need for effective biodiversity conservation, the application of eDNA-based methods offers enormous opportunities for aquatic biodiversity monitoring and assessments. Despite the immense potential of this field, the lack of standardised data formats and the absence of a consolidated repository for eDNA data are major challenges. These challenges hinder the seamless exchange of information and collaboration within the scientific community, limiting the full realisation of the power of eDNA in biodiversity monitoring. The solution eDNAqua-Plan will conduct a comprehensive audit and gap analysis of the current landscape of eDNA-based aquatic biodiversity assessments. It will address the needs and requirements for establishing a digital ecosystem of eDNA repositories and an integrated reference library for marine and freshwater species. Finally, it will propose a sustainable framework for the implementation of eDNA-based approaches in future aquatic biodiversity monitoring. The eDNAqua-Plan project represents a significant step forward in the harmonization and advancement of eDNA application, offering a promising future for the monitoring and conservation of aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Programme, Grant Agreement No. 101112800 (eDNAqua-Plan). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. COORDINATOR 18 project partners PROJECT COORDINATOR Nicolas Pade | EMBRC | [email protected] PROJECT MANAGER Paulina M. Ramírez Quevedo | EMBRC | [email protected] [email protected] @eDNAqua_plan eDNAqua-Plan @ednaquaplan.bsky.social ednaquaplan.com Programme Actions for the Implementation of the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 (HORIZON-MISS-2022-OCEAN-01) Type of action Research and Innovation Action (RIA) Duration September 2023 - August 2026 Coordinator European Marine Biological Resource Centre – European Research Infrastructure Consortium (EMBRC-ERIC), France Consortium 18 participants from 12 countries Total budget € 1 978 282.50