First Nation-led stewardship of Country through innovative eDNA and cultural knowledge systems. The EnviroDNA Traditional Owner Program represents an innovation for First Nation-led environmental monitoring, co-created by EnviroDNA and Traditional Owner collaborations.
This program empowers First Nations communities by providing the tools, training, and authority to enhance biodiversity management using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology.
Participants gain hands-on experience collecting and analysing eDNA samples on Country, learning how to interpret data to understand species distributions and ecosystem health.
Grounded in cultural governance, it fosters a two-way exchange between traditional knowledge and scientific methods to support caring for Country. We proudly collaborate with Traditional Owner organisations across Australia through this program.
How can eDNA be used to survey on Country?
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the genetic material that all living things shed into the environment.
By collecting and analysing samples from water, land, or air, eDNA provides powerful insights into local species and overall biodiversity.
This program equips Traditional Owners with the knowledge and skills to carry out eDNA surveys, enabling biodiversity monitoring and conservation work on Country.
How can you use eDNA on Country?
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Establish biodiversity baselines. Gather biodiversity data to understand the distribution of species and measure ecosystem health.
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Inform on-ground management. Conduct ongoing biodiversity monitoring to detect change over time, before and after disturbances (e.g., fire) and management interventions.
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Aboriginal Waterway Assessments. An effective monitoring tool within Aboriginal Waterway Assessments to inform management decisions, such as cultural flows and ongoing monitoring.
Our program is tailored to meet your objectives.
The program is fully tailored to each group, offering flexible delivery options, from multi-day on-Country field sessions to shorter hybrid-online formats.
Part 1: Introduction to eDNA (in-person)
- Introduction to eDNA: Learn what eDNA is and how it can be used to detect species and understand biodiversity on Country
- Laboratory tour (if onsite): Meet our scientists and see where your samples will go and how they are analysed
- Introduction to eDNA water sampling training at a nearby waterway site: Learn the different sampling techniques, including manual and automated eDNA water sampling
Part 2: eDNA pilot study on Country
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Sampling on Country: 1 to 3 days sampling on Country with EnviroDNA staff support, including pilot study of ~50 samples.
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On Country application of eDNA water sampling, including site selection and key considerations such as safety, hydrology, contamination, etc.
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Knowledge sharing: Knowledge sharing session, including traditional knowledge of the biodiversity expected on Country. All Indigenous cultural and intellectual property is legally protected and EnviroDNA will work with Traditional Owners prior to the sampling on Country to develop an appropriate knowledge sharing approach for each program.
Part 3: Results and knowledge sharing (online or in person)
- Report: Provision of data and biodiversity survey report.
- Knowledge sharing: Knowledge sharing session to discuss eDNA pilot study results and connecting to on Country knowledge.
- Management application of eDNA: how eDNA data can be used and analysed to inform management and investment decisions.
Case studies
Baseline Data for the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
The Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation developed eDNA sampling skills and led a biodiversity survey of the region using eDNA.
“We have world heritage indicators to maintain the aquaculture system and its species. Using eDNA, it helps us to identify pest species within the system, native species and our cultural significant species.”
- Nicky Hudson, Water Officer, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
Community-driven water stewardship in western Cape York
We partnered with Indigital for the second season of the Caring for Country initiative, which is dedicated to engaging with communities through two-way learning experiences that build trust, relationships, and skills towards a collective vision.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of Australia and the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work.
We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s first scientists, with over 65,000 years of knowledge in caring for and managing Country, and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
This artwork by Gerald Black, a Worimi man, is a unique and meaningful representation of the partnerships and outcomes achieved through this program.
It reflects the connection between science, culture, and Country, and demonstrates our commitment to a vision of flourishing species and resilient ecosystems on Country.
