COST – CA25165 Consensus Standards for Applied Biodiversity Genomics (CONSENSA)

Biodiversity is essential for human food security, health, and planetary survival, yet we are facing a severe biodiversity crisis, potentially leading to a sixth mass extinction. Genetic diversity, crucial for the resilience and adaptability of species, is at risk due to environmental changes and human activities. While various methods exist to monitor genetic diversity, genomics provides the most comprehensive toolkit for assessing genome-wide variation, revealing insights into species demographics and evolutionary potential. However, the absence of standardised methods and harmonised approaches for genomic data generation, analysis, and interpretation complicates its application in conservation policy and biodiversity management. This COST Action aims to address these challenges by fostering international collaboration to establish informed community consensus and promote genomic data standardisation, ensuring data accuracy, interpretability, and comparability. The initiative includes five Working Groups: 1) developing standardised protocols for genomic data from fieldwork to analysis; 2) establishing guidelines for metadata management to enhance data interoperability; 3) defining strategies for applying genomic standards in both ex situ and in situ conservation; 4) fostering capacity building through accessible training programmes for scientists and practitioners; and 5) standardising communication practices to effectively engage stakeholders. By addressing these critical areas through co-creation with policymakers and practitioners, the COST Action seeks to enhance the uptake of genomic-data-informed approaches in biodiversity conservation across Europe and beyond, ultimately contributing to the preservation of genetic diversity and restoration of ecosystem health.