By integrating these insights with an understanding of humanity’s evolving relationship with biodiversity, we aim to provide essential tools and knowledge to address the current biodiversity crisis, marked by unprecedented rates of species extinction and habitat loss.
Tools for biodiversity monitoring
Our approach leverages environmental DNA (eDNA) and cutting-edge genomics techniques to monitor ecosystems in a non-invasive, scalable way. By collecting and analyzing genetic material from the environment - such as soil, water, or air samples - we can detect species presence, assess genetic diversity, and identify ecological shifts. This allows us to gather data on entire ecosystems and species distributions without disturbing natural habitats, making it ideal for tracking hard-to-reach or cryptic species that might otherwise be missed by traditional methods.
Drivers of species diversity and distribution patterns
At EDGE, we are also deeply committed to advancing our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive biodiversity and shape distribution patterns. In addition to studying how new species arise, we investigate the factors that influence why certain species thrive in certain regions and how genetic diversity within and between species helps them adapt to changing environments. This research is crucial for predicting how ecosystems might respond to climate change, habitat fragmentation, and other anthropogenic pressures associated with the biodiversity crisis.
The relationship between humans and biodiversity
Understanding biodiversity requires recognizing its essential connection with human societies. At EDGE, we explore how people across cultures interact with plant diversity, relying on it for food, medicine, cultural practices, and trade. By integrating this traditional knowledge in our analyses, we uncover the ways humans shape biodiversity and reveal pathways for sustainable, culturally informed conservation efforts.
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