In September 2025, Taxa Genomics sponsored day one of the 25th annual Inter-Island Environment Meeting, which was held in the Isle of Man for the first time. The three-day event brought together delegates from NGOs, governments, companies and community groups from the Crown Dependencies and beyond to share their work and explore the contributions they can make together.
Over the course of three days, three core themes became clear as to what can be achieved through collaboration between different specialties in the environmental sectur and further afield: innovation, engagement, and partnership.
The IIEM25 showcased teh depth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm present in the environmental sector that drives innovative and successful environmental projects. Whether focused on restoring natural habitats, involving local communities, targeting invasive non-native species, or supporting endangered local species, the projects presented were the product of collaboration between individuals, teams or even islands to create new and imaginative solutions to the environmental issues their islands face.
Throughout the event, environmental DNA (eDNA) testing arose as a key tactic already being employed across the Islands in various projects involving environmental monitoring and biosecurity. eDNA has the potential to further develop these projects through its own innovative developments. With the ability to sequence DNA from water, soil, sediment, surface and even air, the applications of eDNA can be tailored to a range of environmental projects to explain or enhance understanding of the habitats and species these projects work on.
Several success stories from the IIEM's presentations demonstrated the value and importance of community outreach and education for environmental projects. Accessible citizen science projects and direct community involvement in conservation work create strong links between people and their environment.
eDNA based studies can feel inaccessible to non-specialists within the community as projects can contain confusing technical jargon. However, with clear communication and education, the science behind eDNA can be fascinating and engaging. With simple sampling methods, eDNA has underutilised potential for valuable outreach opportunities while generating baseline biodiversity data, building public involvement in conservation projects and increasing awareness of not just environmental issues but inspiring the community with the innovative solutions being developed.
The final day of the IIEM focused on businesses partnering with environmental organisation and the benefits that both parties can obtain from collaborating. Providing more than just financial support allows companies to enhance their sustainable and social impact while getting involved in environmental projects, leading to improvements in both commercial performance and staff retention.
eDNA based collaborations can be particularly suited to these partnerships as they can provide clear and accessible evidence to demonstrate a company's successful work towards their ESG goals, supporting investment decisions, and strengthening public perception.
The IIEM demonsrated the strength of bringing individuals, companies and communitiies to gether to worktowards protecting the environment and highlighted the unique benefits that each group can gain from collaborating. Innovative solutions are essential to effective conservation work and combining expertise and ability between conservation groups, environmental consulting firms, large corporation, and the community, results in the best outcomes. eDNA has the potential to be at the forefront of not just monitoring and research efforts, but community engagement projects, and corporate partnerships to promot effective involvement in environmental protection.
