Putting Genomes into Conservation Action

Modern conservation increasingly depends on molecular tools to uncover hidden aspects of population health and resilience. While eDNA and metabarcoding have transformed how we track species and communities, they tell us little about the genetic factors that determine whether populations can adapt and persist. Conservation genomics fills this gap by revealing the genetic diversity, inbreeding, and adaptive potential that shape species’ long-term survival — information directly relevant to conservation managers, policymakers, and stakeholders.
This session explores how large-scale whole-genome sequencing (WGS) datasets are helping us understand how populations respond to environmental and human pressures. By combining genomic data with ecological and trait information, researchers can establish genomic baselines for species and their populations, identify genes linked to adaptation, estimate genetic load, and design strategies to maintain resilient populations and reduce local extirpations. Importantly, the re-use and expansion of WGS datasets allow changes in biodiversity and population health to be monitored over time, offering a dynamic tool for conservation in a changing world.
Through real-world examples across plants, animals, and other taxa, we highlight how conservation genomics bridges evolutionary biology and applied conservation. In a session-wide discussion, we explore actionable insights to guide restoration, breeding, and climate adaptation efforts.