Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Establishment: GBIF was established in 2001 as an international open data infrastructure, funded by governments worldwide. – Purpose: To provide free and open access to biodiversity data, enabling research and informed decision-making for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. – Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark. |
| Objectives | – Data Mobilization: Facilitate the sharing of biodiversity data from multiple sources globally. – Capacity Enhancement: Support countries and institutions in developing the skills and tools necessary for biodiversity data management. – Policy Support: Inform and assist in the development of biodiversity-related policies through accessible data. – Research Advancement: Promote scientific research by providing comprehensive biodiversity data. |
| Members as of December 2024 | – Composition: GBIF comprises over 100 countries and international organizations as members, including both voting and associate participants. – Notable Members: Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, China, Brazil, and organizations like the European Union. |
| Reports/Indices | – GBIF Science Review: An annual publication highlighting research and developments facilitated by GBIF-mediated data. – GBIF Annual Report: Summarizes yearly activities, achievements, and financial statements of the organization. – Economic Valuation and Assessment of the Impact of the GBIF Network: A report analyzing the economic benefits and societal impacts of GBIF’s data infrastructure. |
| Instruments | – Integrated Publishing Toolkit (IPT): A free, open-source software tool designed to facilitate the publication and sharing of biodiversity datasets. – GBIF Data Portal: An online platform providing access to a vast repository of biodiversity occurrence data. – GBIF API: Allows developers to programmatically access GBIF data and integrate it into applications and analyses. |
| Structure | – Governing Board: The main decision-making body, comprising representatives from voting participant countries and organizations. – Secretariat: Based in Copenhagen, responsible for daily operations and coordination among members. – Nodes: National and thematic nodes that act as liaisons between GBIF and data providers/users within their regions or focus areas. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Science Committee: Provides scientific guidance and ensures the relevance and quality of GBIF’s data and services. – Budget Committee: Oversees financial planning and resource allocation. |
| Committees | – Executive Committee: Assists the Governing Board in implementing decisions and strategies. – Nominations Committee: Manages the nomination and election processes for GBIF leadership positions. |
| Initiatives | – Biodiversity Information for Development (BID): A program aimed at enhancing the capacity of African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries to mobilize and use biodiversity data. – Biodiversity Information Fund for Asia (BIFA): Supports projects in Asia to improve biodiversity data accessibility and use. – Capacity Enhancement Support Programme (CESP): Provides support for capacity-building activities among GBIF participants. – Young Researchers Award: Encourages and recognizes innovative research by graduate students using biodiversity data. |
