DNA Barcoding and Cross-Border Conservation: NEXUS-BIO Presented at the 45th IAD Conference

At the 45th IAD Conference in Sofia, we proudly presented our scientific poster titled:"NEXUS-BIO: Cross-Border Biodiversity Exploration Using DNA Barcoding in Lake Ohrid."

This innovative project marks the first use of DNA barcoding to identify both invasive and endangered aquatic species in Lake Ohrid, a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by North Macedonia and Albania.

Key highlights from the poster presentation include:

• The establishment of a pilot genetic biodiversity database.

• Identification of 10 target species (5 invasive + 5 endangered) through advanced molecular techniques.

• Capacity-building workshops involving over 200 stakeholders—including scientists, students, NGOs, and policymakers.

• A strong emphasis on cross-border collaboration, gender equity, and the integration of local ecological knowledge.

NEXUS-BIO sets a new benchmark for biodiversity monitoring in the region by linking scientific innovation with institutional cooperation and community engagement. It directly supports goals under the CBD Global Biodiversity Framework and demonstrates the potential of regional conservation diplomacy.

We thank the IAD organizers and participating institutions for recognizing the relevance of this work and providing a platform to share it.

🌍 For updates on the NEXUS-BIO initiative, stay tuned through our channels.