EXTENDED - Sample processing and sequencing services for the project eDNA expeditions in marine World Heritage sites

United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) hereby invite qualified companies to submit tenders as follows:

UNESCO is searching for a professional eDNA laboratory that can provide sampling kits and sample processing for a global citizen science initiative. The project’s outcomes will raise global awareness on the importance of UNESCO’s marine World Heritage sites for the conservation of the ocean’s top biodiversity and will estimate the effects climate change will have on the distribution of fish species at these sites. The project will involve the full analysis of approximately 500 water filter samples from a maximum of 25 World Heritage marine sites across the globe. The lab is expected to procure the citizen science sampling kits and manage sample processing, i.e. DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of a minimum of two biomarkers from water filter samples. In addition, it is essential that the contractor can provide scientific advice on sampling methods, and optimal sample processing and sequencing to achieve the required objectives.