Dołącz do projektu COST: eDNA4Policy

As the Polish Barcode of Life initiative, we warmly invite researchers, policymakers, and environmental experts to participate in the new COST Action: CA25163 - Advancing the integration of environmental DNA based approaches into policy frameworks (eDNA4Policy).

The aim of this project is to successfully integrate modern environmental DNA (eDNA) methods into European and national legal frameworks and environmental policy.

We strongly encourage volunteers to get involved in the project's activities! You can apply to join specific Work Packages that best align with your expertise and research interests.

Applications for the various Work Packages can be submitted directly through the official COST portal (e-COST).

We invite you to collaborate with us—help shape the future of environmental monitoring and policy in Europe!

Application is avaiable here: e-services.cost.eu/user/login

Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation are accelerating, creating urgent demand for reliable, policy-ready monitoring tools. Environmental DNA (eDNA) enables non-invasive, high-resolution detection of species and communities from DNA traces in environmental samples. It offers transformative potential for biodiversity monitoring, invasive species management, pollution monitoring, and ecosystem health evaluation. Europe leads in eDNA research and innovation, but markets and policy integration are fragmented due to gaps in standardisation, data interoperability, and cross-sector communication. eDNA4Policy addresses this science–policy gap by linking leading European researchers, authorities, industry partners, and international stakeholders in an inclusive, transdisciplinary network. eDNA4Policy will:

1.) map implementation routes across European directives and international frameworks,
2.) co-develop new, policy-aligned eDNA-based indicators,
3.) outline a scalable pathway for deployment and analysis,
4.) propose a digital landscape enabling FAIR data integration into policy while respecting intellectual property rights,
5.) support method standardisation and Quality Assurance / Quality Control frameworks,
6.) co-develop implementation strategies with decision makers, and
7.) expand markets and opportunities for European businesses.

eDNA4Policy will engage European regions, particularly Inclusiveness Target Countries, and Young Researchers and Innovators through six thematic Working Groups, stakeholder dialogues, training activities, Short-Term Scientific Missions, and capacity-building. Outputs support the Water Framework Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Nature Restoration Regulation, Invasive Species Regulation, and consider aspects of One Health and the Global Biodiversity Framework. By aligning scientific readiness with legislative needs, eDNA4Policy positions Europe at the forefront of eDNA-based monitoring, strengthens technological sovereignty, and lays the foundation for a long-term, cross-sectoral European eDNA stakeholder network.