An Indigenously-designed ecosystem for environmental DNA research and application in Aotearoa New Zealand.

An Indigenously-designed ecosystem for environmental DNA research and application in Aotearoa New Zealand.Clare I. M. Adams1, Mere Roma Roberts2,3, Phillip L. Wilcox*1,41 Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, 9016. New Zealand2 Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142. New Zealand.3 Māori Tribal Affiliations: Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Hikairo.4 Māori Tribal Affiliations: Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Rakaipaaka.*corresponding author: Phillip.wilcox@otago.ac.nzOrchid IDs:Phillip L. Wilcox: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8485-6962Clare I. M. Adams: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3379-7795AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) is one of the most used gene technologies accepted by indigenous communities worldwide. However, despite its increasing application by indigenous Māori communities in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ), there are interconnected challenges that contribute to persistent shortcomings in organizational praxis. In highlighting these we also critique existing structures and practices in AoNZ for their ability - or inability - to meet the requirements of tikanga Māori (Māori ethical standards), Māori data sovereignty principles, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. We then propose an ecosystem for eDNA research and application that addresses these challenges applicable to AoNZ but could be adopted for other countries. This ecosystem includes proposals for data storage and analysis, indigenous governance framework implementation, along with researcher and institutional-level certification programmes that encapsulate minimum cultural competency standards for working with Māori communities and eDNA-derived information. We contend these proposals will provide an equitable, national eDNA research ecosystem that is inclusive of and optimises beneficial outcomes from this technology for all actors, both indigenous and non-indigenous.