The promise of DNA barcoding when proposed two decades ago was that it would provide fast and accurate species identification in a standardized manner that could permit automation. With the breadth of taxa represented in the DNA barcode library now rivaling the number described by traditional taxonomy, it is timely to strategize the next advancement of this endeavour: a mission to monitor biodiversity on a planetary scale. In this panel discussion, we will review critical and practical topics that will help launch our community into the next era for DNA barcoding. This will include discussion of different methods to passively sample DNA (e.g., collecting whole specimens vs environmental DNA, and air vs water vs soil sampling), standardization and compatibility with other international efforts, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; review of varying approaches to geographical coverage (i.e., complete coverage vs employment of sentinel sites); how to balance environmental sustainability with the volume of samples to be processed; and most critically, how to source financial support and equitably share the burden of cost on an international scale. Biodiversity science needs to mature into a mega-science, but doing so will not be possible without careful planning and community alignment.

 

 

Moderator(s)

Pete Hollingsworth (RBG - Edinburgh)

Panelists

Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat (European Forest Institute)

Amy Rosenthal (Planet)

Manpreet Dhami (Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research)

Natialia Paes (Vale)

María Cecilia Londoño Murcia (Humboldt)