1. Engaging European local communities in biodiversity genomics research : a five-step framework for scientistsChristian de Guttry, Chiara Bortoluzzi, Luísa S. Marins, Tinatin Chkhartishvili, Camilla R. De Pierri, Stefaniya Kamenova, Jennifer A. Leonard, Kay Lucek, Lada Lukić-Bilela, Camila J. Mazzoni, Elena Bužan, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Biodiversity genomics research can inform conservation, management, and policy, including implementation and monitoring linked to the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Still, its societal relevance depends on how research is designed and interpreted with the people who live in, work with, and care for the species and places being studied. Local Communities often hold Local Ecological Knowledge that can improve sampling design, contextualise genomic patterns, and support the translation of findings into practice. Yet, community participation in biodiversity genomics remains limited, partly because researchers may lack practical guidance, training, incentives, or time for engagement. Here, we propose a five-step framework for engaging European Local Communities in biodiversity genomics projects. The framework covers early relationship building, respect for local context and knowledge, co-creation of research roles, transparent benefit sharing, and long-term knowledge transfer. We also outline biodiversity genomics-specific points that require early discussion, including biological sampling, genomic sequence data, genetic variant data, analytical outputs, associated ecological and locality information, Digital Sequence Information, repository deposition, interpretation, and reuse. The framework is intended as a practical starting point for research teams, funders, and community collaborators seeking to make biodiversity genomics research more transparent, locally informed, and useful for conservation decision-making.
Keywords: biodiversity conservation, community engagement, equitable research, knowledge co-creation, local ecological knowledge, participatory genomics
Published in RUP: 14.07.2026; Views: 306; Downloads: 13
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2. Biodiversity genomics research practices require harmonising to meet stakeholder needs in conservationElena Bužan, Christian de Guttry, Chiara Bortoluzzi, Nathaniel R. Street, Kay Lucek, Anna Rosling, Lino Ometto, Alice Mouton, Luísa S. Marins, María José Ruiz-López, José Melo-Ferreira, Elisabet Ottosson, Camila J. Mazzoni, Robert M. Waterhouse, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Biodiversity resilience relies on genetic diversity, which sustains the evolutionary potential of organisms in dynamic ecosystems. Genomics is a powerful tool for accurately estimating genetic diversity across genomes of species and populations. However, integration of genomic data into conservation efforts faces challenges due to the heterogeneity of approaches employed. Establishing common sets of standards for genomic data production and analysis is essential to consistently interpret results and clearly communicate outcomes to stakeholders. While the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) community has contributed significantly to the standardisation of reference genome methodologies in synergy with other initiatives, there is now an urgent need to extend these principles to downstream analyses. ERGA aims to build on its experience to help establish harmonised approaches in applied biodiversity genomics research, aligned with ongoing efforts to define standardised metrics for measuring and reporting genetic diversity. Establishing consensus on best practices for genome-wide data generation methods and applications will substantially increase accuracy, interpretability, and comparability, together with enhanced stakeholder capacities. By identifying key opportunities and challenges, as well as conducting preliminary stakeholder mapping and examining case studies, the goal is to build an inclusive framework that ensures the relevance and widespread adoption of these best practices: fostering trust and confidence in genomics research practices to meet stakeholder needs in biodiversity conservation. We call upon the broader research community to join efforts in establishing these approaches, recognising the importance of participation of end-users, to foster the integration of genomic data into the toolkit for measuring and reporting genetic diversity.
Keywords: best practices, biodiversity genomics, genome-wide genetic diversity, stakeholder engagement, standardisation, whole genome resequencing data
Published in RUP: 16.01.2026; Views: 1017; Downloads: 4
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