SGS Search and biodiversity
Biodiversity is the driving force behind healthy ecosystems. Everything in nature depends on species diversity. As a world leader in monitoring, analysis, inspection and certification, we are committed to preserving and stimulating biodiversity together with you. We do this by putting all our efforts into measuring and monitoring biodiversity using Environmental DNA (E-DNA).
Biodiversity in the picture
Climate change and the increase in the world population are major factors putting great pressure on our ecosystem. Due to our ever-increasing ecological footprint, habitats for flora and fauna are being squeezed and biodiversity is declining. According to experts, one million animal species are threatened with extinction worldwide.
The good news is that the realisation that we only have one world and must work together to ensure that it remains liveable is really starting to sink in. We are part of this ecosystem and also dependent on it in every way. Taking action is therefore crucial. That is why biodiversity is increasingly in the picture, both nationally and internationally.
Laws and regulations
Governments, organisations and companies are increasingly concerned with biodiversity. Both to protect their (brand) reputation and to comply with the increasingly stringent laws and regulations surrounding biodiversity.
EU Green Deal
As part of the Green Deal, the EU developed its own EU biodiversity strategy. The targets endorsed by nearly 200 countries at the recent COP15 (the United Nations biodiversity conference) are also likely to lead to many new regulations.
More space for nature
The Netherlands is following the line of the European Green Deal by rolling out various policy and legislative proposals related to biodiversity. Objectives include: more space for nature, reducing pesticide use, effectively combating invasive exotic species and actively pursuing policies to boost biodiversity.
Biodiversity and E-DNA
To make the impact of governments, organisations and companies on biodiversity transparent and measurable, SGS developed several biodiversity surveys based on Environmental DNA (E-DNA).
E-DNA is the genetic material of a plant or animal that is released into the environment. This includes, for example, (skin) cells, hairs, faeces and pollen. Analysis of this E-DNA is a form of forensic investigation. Based on the DNA traces left by plants or animals in the water, air or on a surface, we determine which species are present, this is also called metabarcoding.
Improvement or deterioration
With E-DNA, we can measure species richness much faster, more often, on a larger scale and, in many cases, more accurately. This allows us to make statements about the possible improvement or deterioration of biodiversity due to human activity.
