Communities from around the country are putting their river restoration efforts to the test via the use of eDNA technology. Working with the Environmental Protection Agency NZ, we’re proud to provide ten community groups with funded eDNA kits and testing services to monitor the biodiversity in their local waterways.
eDNA testing detects tiny traces of genetic material left behind by organisms in water. From a single sample, the groups can discover which fish, insects, plants, or mammals are living in and around their rivers, helping them track change over time.
Our partnership with the EPA places cutting-edge technology and professional-grade ecological data into the hands of the grassroots organisations driving real change within their local ecosystems.
“We hope to empower communities by providing an opportunity to gather robust eDNA baseline data which they can use to inform, measure and advocate for the restoration of their waterways and catchments.”
– Paula Knaap, EPA
One of the groups, the Waingongoro Awa Restoration Project, has already planted over 40,000 trees and overseen fencing on 5km of land near the Waingongoro river in Hawke’s Bay. Each group will complete multiple rounds of testing to track changes in riverine biodiversity as their restoration efforts continue.
“For us these eDNA kits will help provide a really good picture of the health of the awa and show if the work we’re doing is making a difference.”
– Sharon Walker, Waingongoro Awa Restoration Project
Find out more about Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao – Open Waters Aotearoa, the EPA’s community water testing programme.
