Backgrounder

February 14, 2008

SAFEGUARDING GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY

Ontario is investing $5 million to support a world-class research project at the University of Guelph  that aims to preserve and protect the world’s biodiversity. Through the project, Ontario researchers are developing a unique barcode method to catalogue DNA records of the world’s living things. 

The government’s investment comes from its Fall Economic Statement  – a $3 billion plan to enhance Ontario’s global competitiveness and create the next generation of economic growth.

DNA barcoding was invented in Ontario: It is the fastest, most cost effective method to preserve and protect biodiversity

Dr. Paul Hebert , a researcher at the University of Guelph, invented DNA barcoding in 2003. Dr. Hebert was researching a fast and efficient method to identify plant, insect and animal life.

Dr. Hebert leads a team of researchers at the University of Guelph’s Biodiversity Institute of Ontario  that is working with over 100 scientists from 25 countries to compile the largest DNA-based species identification system in the world. 

The research team is developing a technology they hope will allow for virtually instant DNA identification by simply scanning a specimen with a hand-held device, similar to how groceries are scanned at a supermarket. Currently, scientists rely on sending samples to a lab to conduct DNA sampling – a much slower process.

This barcoding system will revolutionize how biological information is accessed. Better access to species information will impact many aspects of society including disease and pest control, food safety and resource conservation.  As an example, the technology will help reduce the threat of global epidemics. By simply scanning DNA scientists will be able to quickly identify if a bird is carrying an infectious disease such as avian flu .

DNA contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. The growing amount of barcode data will also lead to major advances in our ability to identify and discover new species.

The health of the world’s biodiversity has many critical impacts on the economy. Today, with global trade on the rise and the increasing risk of climate change, all jurisdictions face unprecedented exposure to invasive species that threaten agriculture, forestry and fisheries. DNA barcoding will allow for faster identification of species, making it easier to take decisive action sooner and minimize the related costs.

Key Facts: 

• Dr. Hebert has published more than 270 papers on the subject of DNA barcoding. His current efforts to establish the International Barcode of Life Project will barcode 500,000 species within five years. 
• Led by the Dr. Hebert’s team in Guelph, Canada was the first country to establish a national research network focused on the acquisition and analysis of DNA barcode records for new and existing plant, insect and animal species.  
• Ontario was the first province to build a specialized facility dedicated to gathering barcode records and to the creation of an informatics platform for their storage and analysis.
• The project will integrate international efforts to create a comprehensive and universal system for gathering, sharing, identifying, preserving and analyzing the world’s biodiversity and calls for 25 nations to join the International Barcode of Life Project. 

For more information about the programs and funding of the Ministry of Research and Innovation, please visit www.ontario.ca/innovation.

 

-30-