Widespread adoption of DNA-based environmental monitoring will depend on trust more than on education: Insights from a SWOT analysis

The rapid decline in biodiversity underscores the urgent need for robust monitoring systems to assess ecological responses to environmental change and to inform effective conservation and sustainable management strategies. Owing to its non-invasive nature, high sensitivity, rapid results, and cost-effectiveness, environmental DNA (eDNA) represents a promising approach to addressing this challenge. Nevertheless, the limited uptake of eDNA beyond scientific contexts suggests that the characteristics of the innovation alone are insufficient to ensure its adoption. With this study, we aimed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with the use of eDNA for biodiversity monitoring in Canada. Our methodological approach combines qualitative and quantitative insights to assess the strategic landscape of eDNA adoption. Through a comparative SWOT analysis, we examined the perceptions of genomics experts and potential users, combining interview data and literature-based evidence to identify key factors influencing uptake across stakeholder groups. Our findings reveal broad consensus among experts and end-users regarding the strengths and opportunities of eDNA. However, perceptions diverge regarding its limitations and associated risks, including data reliability, cost, and operational complexity. Trust emerged as a pivotal factor influencing eDNA adoption, encompassing multiple dimensions: confidence in protocols, skepticism toward laboratories and regulatory bodies, concerns over user capacity, and apprehensions regarding the interpretation and potential misapplication of results. To broaden eDNA uptake in Canada, we recommend emphasizing not only education, but also the alignment between user expectations, confidence in the methodologies, and trust among organizations.