Sharjah Initiates Pioneering Genetic Barcoding Project For Biodiversity Preservation

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) has recently unveiled an innovative initiative known as the "Genetic Barcoding" project. This pioneering project is designed to enhance the skills of employees and establish a robust scientific foundation for the study and classification of living organisms through DNA analysis. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, the Chairperson of the EPAA, highlighted that this initiative is the first of its kind in the region, perfectly aligning with the authority's commitment to fostering sustainable development and conserving biodiversity within the UAE.

The project aims for tangible outcomes, such as swiftly identifying unknown species and uncovering new ones, thereby ensuring pharmaceutical and food security through precise identification of plants used in these industries. Additionally, it will facilitate early detection of invasive species and help monitor the illegal trade of endangered species. The initiative rests on two fundamental pillars: studying and classifying living organisms in Sharjah and encoding their data using genetic sequencing.

Implementation of the Genetic Barcoding project involves several phases, starting with field trips for sample collection, followed by DNA extraction and amplification using PCR techniques. Subsequent DNA sequencing and analysis aid in species identification. The genetic barcoding sequences are then added to databases, with barcode data published in the BOLD systems.

Since its inception, significant progress has been made in sample collection. The Biotechnology Laboratory has received 265 animal samples and 974 local plant samples. In 2023, additional samples including reptiles, fish, and amphibians were collected. These samples are meticulously sorted, labeled, preserved, and organized into separate databases for each group. To date, the laboratory has collected 974 plant samples from 325 species and established approximately 1764 genetic barcodes across three genetic markers.

The Genetic Barcoding project not only aims to train specialized Emirati cadres but also seeks to create a comprehensive database for the genetic barcoding of living organisms. This initiative stands as a testament to Sharjah's dedication to sustainable development, biodiversity preservation, and scientific progress in the UAE.

With inputs from WAM