Early career Senegalese researcher from the African Aquatic Conservation Fund Joins Regional eDNA Training Workshop in Accra

Early career Senegalese researcher from the African Aquatic Conservation Fund Joins Regional eDNA Training Workshop in Accra

Diana Seck, Research Assistant at the African Aquatic Conservation Fund (AACF), took part in a five-day Environmental DNA (eDNA) training workshop held in November 2025 at the University of Ghana. The workshop was supported by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO, and the Ocean Teacher Global Academy through its Regional Training Centers in Belgium and Ghana. This high-level training brought together scientists, conservation practitioners, and researchers representing more than ten African countries, creating a vibrant and diverse learning environment.

Designed to strengthen technical competency in eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring, the workshop offered a comprehensive introduction to the full eDNA workflow. Participants were trained in field sampling techniques suitable for a variety of aquatic systems, followed by laboratory-based DNA extraction, purification, amplification, and visualisation through electrophoresis.

The program also included modules on bioinformatics pipelines, data analysis, and the increasing relevance of eDNA for biodiversity assessments, ecological monitoring, and marine conservation decision-making. The combination of lectures, demonstrations, and practical laboratory sessions ensured that participants not only understood the theory but also developed hands-on confidence with the tools and methods

Beyond the technical curriculum, the workshop was a valuable platform for regional collaboration. Early-career researchers had the opportunity to exchange experiences with more established scientists, explore collaborative project ideas, and discuss the potential of eDNA to address knowledge gaps in African marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Diana stood out for her strong engagement and commitment to applying eDNA techniques for her future doctoral research on the Atlantic humpback dolphin. Her active participation highlighted the importance of building local expertise to advance marine mammal conservation in West Africa. Organisers emphasised the significance of this capacity building, noting: “It was inspiring to see participants from different backgrounds gain hands-on experience in eDNA techniques. This training will significantly contribute to marine mammal research in West Africa.”

For AACF, participation in this training represents an important step in expanding the organisation’s technical capacity to an additional researcher.