At the World Biodiversity Forum (14-19 June, 2026) in Davos, Switzerland, GENOA’s co-chair Isa-Rita Russo contributed to two oral presentations highlighting the work of the GENOA COST Action and its role in advancing genetic diversity monitoring across Europe. Both talks were delivered within the thematic track focused on implementing and achieving the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), specifically Target 4 on genetic diversity.
The first presentation, titled “Integrating genetic diversity monitoring in Europe: The GENOA COST Action,” was delivered within the session on methods, tools, and lessons learned for integrating genetic diversity monitoring. This contribution, co-authored by a broad consortium of European experts, emphasized the need for coordinated approaches to monitor genetic diversity across species and ecosystems. It showcased GENOA and GINAMO’s efforts to develop standardised methodologies, foster data sharing, and build capacity among researchers and practitioners. The presentation highlighted key challenges, including the lack of harmonised indicators and gaps in long-term monitoring systems, while demonstrating how collaborative frameworks such as COST Actions can help bridge these gaps.
The presentation titled “Implementing the indicators for genetic diversity of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework across Europe” focused on translating high-level global biodiversity commitments into practical, measurable actions at the European scale. This talk, presented by Isa-Rita Russo on behalf of Linda Laikre and the GENOA network, focused more explicitly on linking scientific approaches to policy needs. The talk addressed one of the key gaps in biodiversity policy: the implementation of robust, standardised indicators for genetic diversity under the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The session overall reinforced the growing recognition that genetic diversity is a critical but underrepresented component of biodiversity conservation.
Across both sessions, approximately 30 participants attended, with six talks per session. Discussions were constructive and demonstrated strong support for GENOA’s mission to integrate genetic diversity into biodiversity monitoring and policy. Participants appreciated the emphasis on practical tools, collaboration, and the translation of research into actionable frameworks.
Overall, the conference was highly successful, both in terms of scientific exchange and strategic networking. The positive reception of GENOA’s work and the strong interest from participants reaffirmed the importance of advancing genetic diversity monitoring as a core component of biodiversity conservation efforts in Europe and beyond.
How to cite: Russo, I.-R., Buzan, E., Galbusera, P., Gargiulo, R., Heuertz, M., Hoban, S., Hvilsom, C., Kalamujić Stroil, B., Kopatz, A., Laikre, L., Mergeay, J., Paz-Vinas, I., Segelbacher, G., Vernesi, C., Fedorca, A., and Action, G. C.: Integrating genetic diversity monitoring in Europe: The GENOA COST Action, World Biodiversity Forum 2026, Davos, Switzerland, 14–19 Jun 2026, WBF2026-932, https://doi.org/10.5194/wbf2026-932, 2026.
