Biodiversity across the landscape. Evidence throughout the study.
Studies associated with mining need to connect baseline assessment, monitoring and environmental context. Molecular tools can complement the information that guides this work.
What information is missing to monitor biodiversity?
Baseline assessments and monitoring programs may require information on groups of interest, differences between areas and changes across sampling campaigns. The comparison relevant to the study needs to be defined before choosing the analysis.
Molecular information should be integrated with conventional surveys, environmental records and sampling history.
Characterize, compare and investigate.
A molecular approach can support the characterization of organisms detected in samples and the investigation of predefined groups. The choice of sample types and markers needs to be compatible with these objectives.
Comparing sampling locations, areas or campaigns requires compatible design and procedures. Differences in detections need to be evaluated in light of environmental conditions, effort and analytical resolution.
The evidence needed guides the choice.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding can be part of a study investigating signs of biodiversity in environmental samples. If the question involves identifying individual biological material, DNA barcoding can be discussed.
Questions about genetic diversity and population structure require their own study design. Bioinformatics connects data processing with quality and interpretation criteria.
A difference alone does not establish a cause.
Defining areas, sampling times, replicates, controls and environmental records is part of planning. Comparability also needs to be assessed when the program incorporates historical data.
An isolated molecular detection does not establish an impact or attribute its cause to the development. Results need to be integrated with other evidence and the limitations of the study design.
Align the question with the environmental program.
MetaGen can discuss with the responsible team which questions justify a molecular approach, which materials are suitable and which conclusions are possible. Scope, timeline and deliverable formats are defined according to the study.
To start the conversation, share the program objectives, planned areas and sampling campaigns, groups of interest and available data.
What biodiversity question does your program need to address?
Tell us about the project context, environment and the question you need to answer. An initial conversation helps define the approach and scope.