To understand the richness of biodiversity across World Heritage marine sites, the UN scientific organization launched on Monday a project to protect and preserve biodiversity, based on the study of environmental DNA.
Launching the new programme, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said that scientists and local residents would take samples of genetic material from fish waste, mucous membranes or cells, eDNA, to monitor species.
"Marine World Heritage sites play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems of exceptional universal value and provide opportunities for the public to appreciate and preserve marine environments", reminded UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone Ramírez.
🚨Fish species diversity is rapidly decreasing🚨
To assess potential future impacts of global warming on local #biodiversity across marine #WorldHeritage sites, we're launching an environmental DNA initiative.
