A project led by The University of Western Australia that aims to safeguard Western Australian plants and animals currently under threat has received more than $1.5 million in seed funding from Lotterywest. 

WA Genome Atlas will establish the first of its kind transdisciplinary hub of excellence in Australia to genetically characterise, record and support the State’s unique biodiversity.

This open-source data will fill a critical gap in genetic knowledge required for ecosystem and species conservation. 

Image: Associate Professor Parwinder Kaur.

The program’s founder and chairperson, Associate Professor Parwinder Kaur, from UWA’s School of Agriculture and Environment, said the donation was an extraordinary contribution.

“This funding will allow us to create a genetic reference dataset for up to 100 WA species with the priority given to those most at risk of becoming extinct,” Associate Professor Kaur said. 

To mark the occasion, WA Genome Atlas is releasing the world’s first full 3D DNA maps for three marsupials dubbed ‘The Three Muskaroos’ – the Western brush wallaby, Swamp wallaby and Matschie's tree-kangaroo.

Associate Professor Kaur said building a strong knowledge-based bioeconomy through comprehensive surveys of life and open data sharing had the potential to advance science and innovative sustainability solutions.

“Investing in sequencing of ecosystems can help meet the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

“The availability and understanding of relevant genomic and ecological systems can be used to develop inclusive, efficient, safe and sustainable policy frameworks.”

The initiative is valued at more than $3 million with $1,549,756 in seed funding from Lotterywest to support salaries, laboratory equipment and crucial supplies to aid conservation.