Māori perspectives on development of an eDNA reference library: Summary for MfE Molecular Library of Groundwater Fauna project

Abstract

The use of eDNA as a biodiversity monitoring tool is becoming an increasingly viable option for Councils and communities however its effectiveness is dependent on access to high quality reference libraries. Over the past 12 months a range of discussions and consultations were held on the topic of eDNA and DNA reference libraries as part of the MfE Molecular Library of Groundwater Fauna project and the Te Huinga Ira Taketake o Aotearoa National DNA Reference Library Project1. Across the range of activities Māori views and perspectives on eDNA and DNA Reference Libraries including issues associated with its development and governance into the future. This report focuses on the consultation and online engagement sessions and identifies the key messages coming out of these sessions.