Biodiversity in focus
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth and is crucial for sustaining essential ecosystem services. It ensures clean air and water, healthy soils, and the pollination of crops. Ecosystems like forests and wetlands filter pollutants from water, while plants and microorganisms break down harmful substances, purifying water before it reaches rivers and lakes. Plants and trees also improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, and trapping particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants. This balance is maintained by the diversity of species, each playing a unique role in ecosystem functioning.
However, climate change and a growing global population are placing increasing pressure on ecosystems. Our expanding ecological footprint is shrinking habitats for both plant and animal species, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Experts warn that one million species worldwide are currently at risk of extinction. Thankfully, awareness of biodiversity’s importance is rising, and there is growing recognition that collective action is needed to create a sustainable future.
Laws and regulations related to biodiversity
Governments, organizations, and businesses are increasingly focusing on biodiversity. This is driven not only by a growing awareness of its importance but also by stricter laws and regulations related to biodiversity. Additionally, consumers and investors are increasingly demanding sustainable practices, making biodiversity crucial for brand reputation and long-term viability.
European Biodiversity Strategy
At the UN’s COP15 summit, a global framework for biodiversity was discussed. Europe has its own biodiversity strategy under the EU Green Deal. The Netherlands, in alignment with the European Green Deal, is rolling out various policies and legislative proposals aimed at enhancing biodiversity. Key objectives include expanding natural habitats, reducing pesticide use, combating invasive species, and promoting biodiversity through active policymaking.
Biodiversity and eDNA
To assess the impact of governments, organizations, and businesses on biodiversity, SGS has developed various biodiversity assessments or "bioscans" using Environmental DNA (eDNA).
eDNA is genetic material shed by plants or animals into the environment through skin cells, hair, waste, or pollen. By analyzing these DNA traces in water, air, or on surfaces, we can identify the species present, a method known as metabarcoding.
This approach allows for faster, more frequent, large-scale, non-invasive, and – in many cases – more precise measurements of species diversity. As a result, we can assess how human activities are influencing biodiversity, either positively or negatively.
Benefits of eDNA-Based biodiversity research:
• Rapid and accurate insights into biodiversity and the presence of specific species.
• Simple sampling methods with minimal disruption to ecosystems.
• Analysis and reporting from soil, sediment, vegetation, water, and air samples.
• Reliable, repeatable studies that enable long-term monitoring of biodiversity and the impact of policy interventions.
• A comprehensive eDNA database with continuously updated DNA barcodes of numerous species.
• A global SGS network that facilitates the rapid development of a reference database, allowing benchmarking of specific areas against comparable ecosystems.
• eDNA research supplements theoretical biodiversity models, providing local, real-time data for ecosystem monitoring and management.
