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 It is a great honor for me to host the first international conference of the eDNA Society. “The eDNA Society International Meeting 2023” will be held at Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, on the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest and oldest lake in Japan. Lake Biwa is home to many endemic organisms and is the birthplace of eDNA studies in Japan, and research has been conducted on a wide range of organisms, from microbes to higher animals, present in the lake.

 eDNA research began in Japan around 2009, and targeted Lake Biwa and its surrounding areas. In 2018, the eDNA Society was established with the participation of many members. Apart from Japan, eDNA research is extensively being conducted in Europe, North America, Oceania, and several other regions. The first eDNA study on a macroorganism was published 15 years ago in 2008. Presently, eDNA studies are transforming from a mere discipline of natural science into an important research tool for conserving global biodiversity. Under the theme of "Moving from knowledge into practice," the purpose of this conference is to provide a forum for discussing the practical applications of the knowledge we have gathered over the years. Biodiversity loss is occurring simultaneously throughout the planet. Therefore, it is important for eDNA researchers from around the world to gather together and discuss common issues such as accurate monitoring of biological distributions over large areas, establishment of protected areas based on the identification of breeding grounds, and, of course, to share the excitement of the science.

 Otsu City, the host city, is adjacent to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Participants will thus be able to experience not only the rich natural environment of Lake Biwa, but also the history and culture of Japan. We look forward to welcoming you to Japan.