The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is an international organization established in 1996 by scientists and government officials from the
biodiversity informatics working group of the Megascience Forum of the OECD to ensure that Earth's biodiversity data is freely and openly available via the
Internet. It focuses on sharing biodiversity data for the benefit of science, society, and a sustainable future. GBIF members include countries, NGOs, research
institutes, or international organizations.
GBIF was conceived in 1996 by scientists and government officials from the Biodiversity Informatics Working Group of the OECD Megascience Forum.
Provides accessibility, standardization, and interoperability of biodiversity databases
Maximizes benefits for data contributors and users through training, tool support, etc.
Fulfills information networks through nodes
Develops tools for the access, linkage and analysis of new and existing databases and their standards
Gathers input from diverse collaborators and users, and to support and promote them
The Governing Board (one representative per Member State), the Executive Committee (including Chair, Vice-Chair, and Standing Committee Chairs), the Standing Committees (Node/Budget/Science Committees), and the Secretariat.
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| The Governing Board | Decides on major agenda items (operations, planning, etc.) once a year. |
|---|---|
| Standing Committees | Supports the Governing Board, as well as meets and decides as needed. |
| Node Committee | Technical support for data collection and sharing by member countries, etc. |
| Science Committee | Technical support for producing biodiversity data, utilization, training, and support to developing countries using the GBIF budget, etc. |
| Secretariat | Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, with 26 staff members. |
107 countries, institutions and international organizations (64 Member States, 43 institutions/international organizations)