Assembling a European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA)

Building a Portuguese coalition for biodiversity genomics

The Importance of Biodiversity in Portugal

The diverse physiography of the Portuguese land and marine territory, spanning from continental Europe to the Atlantic archipelagos, has made it an important repository of biodiversity throughout the Pleistocene glacial cycles, leading to a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. This rich biodiversity is under threat from anthropogenic drivers, such as climate change, invasive species, land use changes, overexploitation, or pathogen (re)emergence.

The Role of Genomics in Biodiversity Conservation

The inventory, characterisation, and study of biodiversity at inter- and intra-specific levels using genomics is crucial to promote its preservation and recovery by informing biodiversity conservation policies, management measures, and research.

The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) Initiative

The participation of researchers from Portuguese institutions in the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative and its pilot effort to generate reference genomes for European biodiversity has reinforced the establishment of Biogenome Portugal. This nascent institutional network will connect the national community of researchers in genomics.

Portuguese Contribution to ERGA’s Pilot Effort

Portugal’s contribution to ERGA’s pilot effort involves the generation of high-quality reference genomes of six species that are endemic, iconic, and/or endangered. These species include plants, insects, and vertebrates (fish, birds, and mammals) from mainland Portugal or the Azores islands.

Objectives of Biogenome Portugal

The objectives of Biogenome Portugal are as follows:

1. Promote scientific collaboration
2. Contribute to advanced training
3. Stimulate the participation of institutions and researchers based in Portugal in international biodiversity genomics initiatives
4. Contribute to the transfer of knowledge to stakeholders and engage the public to preserve biodiversity

This initiative will strengthen biodiversity genomics research in Portugal and fuel the genomic inventory of Portuguese eukaryotic species. Such efforts will be critical to the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and will contribute to ERGA’s goal of generating reference genomes for European species.

Authors

• João P. Marques
• Paulo C. Alves
• Vítor C. Sousa

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the importance of biodiversity conservation and the need for scientific collaboration and partnerships to preserve biodiversity.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats
• Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts
• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources

The article emphasizes the need to take action to preserve biodiversity and integrate biodiversity values into planning and development processes. It also highlights the importance of partnerships and knowledge sharing for sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No, the article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

The article provides a general overview of the issues related to biodiversity conservation and the establishment of partnerships, but it does not provide specific indicators or metrics for measuring progress.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nature.com