DNA Sequencing: A Game Changer in Biodiversity Conservation?
Posted 4th November 2024
In recent years, DNA sequencing technologies have gained significant traction in biodiversity conservation, revolutionizing how we understand and protect ecosystems. By determining the precise order of nucleotides in an organism’s DNA, these technologies provide a complete genetic blueprint, offering valuable insights into the genetic diversity of species, populations, and ecosystems.
In conservation, DNA sequencing enables the identification of species at risk of extinction by detecting genetic variation, a key indicator of vulnerability to diseases or environmental changes. This data is essential for shaping effective conservation strategies, such as genetic rescue programs, which improve the health and resilience of endangered populations. These cutting-edge tools unlock deeper insights into population health, species adaptability, and genetic diversity—information critical to the preservation of biodiversity and sustaining life on Earth in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
To delve deeper into the impact of these technologies, we spoke to our Associate, Chiara Bortoluzzi, a computational biologist with over seven years of experience at the intersection of DNA sequencing and conservation genomics. As a leading voice in the field, Chiara shared valuable insights into how genomic data is shaping conservation efforts and how businesses might leverage this information to support biodiversity. Here’s what we learned.
How do you see genomic data transforming conservation efforts, especially for endangered species?
“Genomic data is already transforming conservation efforts in many ways,” Chiara explains. “Take the examples of orcas (Orchinus orca), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), and puma (Puma concolor) Through genomics, we have gained insights for genetic rescue of inbred populations with the scope of bringing species back from the brink of extinction by reducing health issues associated with their small size.”
She also points out that rewilding efforts in Europe would benefit from the use of genomic data to support species reintroductions and ecosystem restoration programmes. “Rewilding and habitat restoration have huge use cases for genomic technologies,” she adds, emphasizing their role in the restoration of degraded ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity resilience.
What are the biggest challenges in applying genomic technologies to real-world conservation efforts?
According to Chiara, one of the main challenges is to maintain momentum around the potential of these technologies. “It’s important that we don’t lose the hype,” she says. Political barriers, along with a lack of consistent funding in biodiversity research, often hinder the application of genomic data in conservation efforts. Convincing stakeholders that the investment is worth it—despite upfront costs—remains a significant hurdle. Another challenge is inclusivity. “We need to ensure that all stakeholders, from governments to local communities, are involved from the beginning,” she emphasizes. “This collaboration is essential to make sure that the genomic data is applied meaningfully and knowledge is transferred.”
Can we turn this technology into services that businesses could benefit from, such as IBC’s clients?
Chiara is optimistic about the potential for businesses to integrate these technologies into their environmental practices. For example, companies that operate in areas with endemic or critical species could use genomic insights to assess ecosystem health and develop biodiversity-friendly strategies. “Businesses like offshore farms, renewable energy providers, and even agro-industries could benefit from DNA sequencing to minimize their ecological impact and give back to the environment,” she suggests.
What could such a service look like in practice?
She envisions a future where companies commission DNA sequencing services to conduct impact assessments. For instance, offshore wind farms might assess the impact of their operations on marine ecosystems, while agro-industries could use genomic data to develop sustainable breeding programs. “This would provide companies with scientifically-backed recommendations to not only reduce harm but also actively support the ecosystems they interact with,” Chiara adds.
Who might our clients be?
Chiara highlights several industries that could benefit from such services, including: Agro-industries, Aquaculture and fisheries, Renewable energy companies (wind and solar), Palm oil producers or any company conducting impact studies. This scope is endless.
How do AI and machine learning fit into biodiversity conservation, and what challenges do they present?
AI and machine learning offer powerful tools for processing genomic data, but Chiara notes that there are still challenges around transparency. “Many processes in computational biology can be automated using machine learning, but the fact that machine learning models operate as “black boxes” makes it difficult to understand how they arrive at certain conclusions. This lack of transparency can hinder trust among stakeholders and limit the applicability of findings in conservation planning.” she says.
Final thoughts
As DNA sequencing technologies continue to evolve, they offer unprecedented opportunities to protect our planet’s biodiversity. By harnessing these innovations, businesses can take a more active role in conservation and contribute to the long-term sustainability of ecosystems while minimizing their environmental impact. Whether through the conduct of genomic impact assessments or through addressing issues such as diseases within populations, the future of conservation is increasingly digital—one that can be strengthened through the adoption of these cutting-edge tools.
Chiara’s work with Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) is instrumental in setting the standards needed to apply genomic data in conservation. By developing these standards, she ensures that businesses, including IBC’s clients, can confidently integrate DNA sequencing into their environmental practices. This framework for reliable, transparent, and ethical use of genomic data enables companies to better assess biodiversity impacts and implement more sustainable strategies. Chiara’s efforts are particularly valuable for industries looking to align with global conservation goals while reducing their ecological footprint.
Chiara Bortoluzzi is a computational biologist with over 7 years of experience working at the intersection of DNA sequencing technologies and biodiversity conservation. Throughout her career, she has cultivated an extensive international network, fostering collaborations with leading academic institutions across Europe. She holds a PhD degree from Wageningen University (The Netherlands) in conservation genomics and has worked as a research associate at the University of Cambridge (UK) and Wellcome Sanger Institute. Here, she worked for the Darwin Tree of Life Project, a monumental endeavor dedicated to sequencing the genomes of 70,000 species of eukaryotic organisms in Britain and Ireland.
Chiara is a committed advocate for citizen science, recognizing its transformative potential in engaging communities and democratizing scientific research. Her commitment to citizen science initiatives is evident in her role as steering member of the citizen science committee of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA), a pan-European scientific response to current threats to biodiversity. Since 2023, she has been elected to the ERGA Executive Board as Dissemination Officer.