The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Bhutan, known for its rich and diverse ecosystems, has taken a significant step toward modern biodiversity conservation by inaugurating its first environmental DNA (eDNA) laboratory. The facility, located at the College of Natural Resources (CNR), was officially launched on 25th April 2025, Lobesa, Punakha, marking a milestone in Bhutan’s efforts to document and monitor its natural heritage.
The introduction of eDNA offers the country a breakthrough opportunity. eDNA involves collecting genetic material left behind by organisms in the environment, such as in soil, water, or air, to detect and identify species. This method allows researchers to monitor biodiversity and track ecological changes more efficiently than traditional techniques.
The lab at CNR was established with support from ETH Zurich and WWF-Bhutan, along with contributions from Bhutan for Life and other conservation partners. It is equipped to carry out DNA analysis within the country, a task that previously required sending samples abroad—an expensive and time-consuming process.
The establishment of the lab follows a successful pilot eDNA project in the Mangdechhu river basin, carried out by the Department of Forests and Park Services with support from WWF-Bhutan, Bhutan for Life, and ETH Zurich. The pilot provided valuable data, detecting a total of 201 unique vertebrate taxa, of which 134 were identified down to the species level. These results underscore the potential of eDNA technology in revealing Bhutan’s hidden biodiversity, especially in areas that are difficult to access or under-studied.
Professor of Ecosystems and Landscape at ETH Zurich, Loïc Pellissier, inaugurated the lab, and emphasized the importance of this advancement.
“When we go to the field and try to make an inventory it is time consuming,” Professor Loïc Pellissier. He highlighted that eDNA now enables researchers to collect water or soil samples and make rapid biodiversity assessments. “This is a revolution for the country because it means we can assess how biodiversity is doing and how it is evolving over time,” said Professor Pellissier.
CNR President, Sonam Wangchuk, described the lab as a “groundbreaking milestone” for the college. He said the facility not only enhances the college’s work in applied science but also opens new opportunities for collaboration with national and international conservation agencies. The lab will help generate results faster and at lower cost compared to previous efforts.
Currently, the college has two Master’s students studying eDNA under the supervision of a doctorate student, signaling the beginning of specialized academic training in this emerging field. The eDNA lab also holds promise for capacity building, with potential to train future scientists and strengthen local expertise in biodiversity science.
With the lab now operational, CNR, the Department of Forests and Park Services, WWF-Bhutan, the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, and ETH Zurich are exploring collaborative plans to expand sampling across all major river systems in Bhutan. The goal is to create a national biodiversity baseline, which can serve as a foundation for long-term conservation planning and scientific research.
The establishment of the eDNA lab marks not just a technological achievement, but also a commitment to deepening its understanding of the natural world—led by institutions like CNR and key partners such as WWF-Bhutan.
