Tohoku University and Karatsu City to use eDNA in nature positive partnership

Tohoku University and Karatsu City have signed a partnership agreement to advance regional Nature Positive goals. The collaboration will use scientific methods, including environmental DNA analysis, to visualise the value of natural capital and build a sustainable model of coexistence between people and nature.

The agreement aims to protect and utilise the natural capital of Karatsu’s diverse landscapes, which are deeply connected to its history and culture. It focuses on re-evaluating and sustainably using local resources, promoting biodiversity conservation, and creating new business models based on natural assets.

The partnership follows the “Nature Positive Forum Kyushu #1 KARATSU” held in March 2024, where Karatsu became the first municipality in Saga Prefecture to issue a “Nature Positive Declaration.” The global Nature Positive goal, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, aligns with circular economy principles of regenerating natural systems. Karatsu is also recognised by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as a “Regional Circular and Ecological Sphere.”

A key element of the collaboration is the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) technology. This method allows scientists to identify species present in an ecosystem by analysing DNA traces in water or soil samples, without needing to capture organisms. This provides a low-cost, quantitative way to monitor biodiversity. For example, the university will support a local fishery, Kesamaru Suisan, in its seaweed bed restoration project by using eDNA to scientifically monitor the initiative’s impact on marine life.

“I am very pleased to be able to participate in Karatsu City’s rich nature and future-oriented community development,” said Professor Michio Kondo, head of the Tohoku University Nature Positive Hub. “We aim to build a pioneering Nature Positive model with Karatsu City that can be shared nationwide, emphasising not only scientific approaches but also human connections.”

Karatsu Mayor Tatsuro Mine stated that the agreement marks a new step in science-based community building. “This partnership agreement is a new step towards science-based, nature-positive community building,” he said. “By combining the academic and practical knowledge of the university and the region, we will create a model that can be expanded from Karatsu to the rest of the country.”