The Contribution of Digital Sequence Information to Conservation Biology: A Southern African Perspective

Abstract

Many recent contributions have made a compelling case that genetic diversity is not adequately reflected in international frameworks and policies, as well as in local governmental processes implementing such frameworks. Using digital sequence information (DSI) and other publicly available data is supported to assess genetic diversity, toward formulation of practical actions for long-term conservation of biodiversity, with the particular goal of maintaining ecological and evolutionary processes. Given the inclusion of specific goals and targets regarding DSI in the latest draft of the Global Biodiversity Framework negotiated at the 15 th Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022 and the crucial decisions on access and benefit sharing to DSI that will be taken in the coming months and future COP meetings, a southern African perspective on how and why open access to DSI is essential for the conservation of intraspecific biodiversity (genetic diversity and structure) across country borders is provided.

A pragmatic approach for integrating molecular tools into biodiversity conservation

“…As a way forward, we suggest the following steps to facilitate the uptake of molecular data in conservation management and policy. They cover the following topics: (1) training and capacity building, (2) data generation, storage, and analysis, (3) communication, and (4) implementation. Encourage co‐creation of conservation genetics projects : Involve all relevant parties, including Indigenous Peoples and local communities, early in the project co‐design phase to ensure that decisions are pragmatic and cost‐effective, and partnerships are balanced and equitable, consistent with the Nagoya protocol (see also https://www.cbd.int/abs/; also see Hogg et al (2017); Rayne et al (2022); Taft et al (2020); Taylor et al (2017); Russo et al (2023)). Develop in‐person laboratory training programs : Standardize the training program curricula, ingredient lists, and laboratory exercises for workshops that increase the adoption of genomic technology (including portable technology) and field‐sequencing pipelines; strive for approaches that can be used as widely as possible; also see Watsa et al (2020). Enhance in‐country capacity for data generation : Increase support to develop and operationalize low‐cost and flexible laboratory facilities in countries or regions without established molecular biology research infrastructure: This includes (1) ensuring genetic dataset creation and data analysis can remain within the scope of in‐country scientists, (2) accounting for the prohibitive costs and challenges with in‐country availability of reagents, and (3) considering limited or no access to reliable cold chains; also see Ebenezer et al (2022); Pomerantz et al (2018).…”

“… Provide training in genetic concepts and theory : Integrate foundational genetic training into curricula available to conservation practitioners and policymakers to empower their use of genetic data interpretation for management applications, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries, where opportunities for conservation genetics training may be limited; also see Schweizer et al (2021). Establish central knowledge hubs for conservation genetics : Provide “one‐stop‐shops” to make relevant resources findable and accessible (e.g., the webpage of the Coalition for Conservation Genetics: https://www.coalitionforconservationgenetics.org/); also see Hoban et al (2013); Kershaw et al (2022); Russo et al (2023). Commit to long‐term storage and availability of samples, data, and metadata : Enable future research, consistent with both the FAIR and CARE guiding principles, with clear agreements regarding sample, data, and metadata ownership and conditions of use.…”

“…Develop open‐access educational resources: Increase the scope and range of open‐access conservation genetics resources online (e.g., recorded lectures, textbooks, field and laboratory protocols, GitHub repositories, and hands‐on exercises); also see Kurelovic (2015); Roche et al (2022). Establish platforms for networking and communication : Connect practitioners with those who can provide guidance, data, or access to reagents required for in‐country genetic studies to address management and policy needs; also see Pärli et al (2021); Sandström et al (2019); Taft et al (2020); Russo et al (2023). Encourage communication across laboratories/institutions/countries : Explore opportunities to align work, and increase standardization and compatibility of datasets, allowing for continuous expansion of shared baselines; also see Hindrikson et al (2017); Taylor et al (2017); Shaffer et al (2022).…”