For infrastructure, resource extractive, or industrial projects that operate under the spotlight of environmental permitting, environmental DNA (eDNA) is a transformative technology.
eDNA approaches map the presence of living organisms through detection of their genetic material in easy to collect environmental samples such as water. The power of eDNA testing is in its extreme sensitivity to detect a species’ presence, the reliability of the results, and especially the relative ease with which knowledge about biological distributions can be acquired over large areas and repeatedly through time.
The increased power to gather information using eDNA methods has the potential to create greater clarity around the environmental considerations at a site and increase certainty about balanced and ecologically sustainable management plans and approaches. Applicable to a wide range of projects including mines, ports, roads, pipelines and infrastructure, this technology also reduces the number of people required on site for surveys, which has shown itself to be a major benefit for progressing projects while Covid-19 social distancing rules are in effect.
Presented by Dr. Doug Bright, Head of Environmental Risk Assessment, this webinar will look at some of the innovative ways that we have used eDNA to help clients overcome challenges. The webinar will discuss:
- eDNA technology's ability to increase certainty around environmental considerations and its implications for permitting
- Why the new technology is an improvement over existing survey methods
- Case studies of specific applications in natural resource and infrastructure projects