22 October 2013: Initiated by the Global Biodiversity Informatics Conference (GBIC), an international scientific collaboration launched in July 2012 to use information technology to support decisions around biodiversity, has released its framework document.

The Global Biodiversity Informatics Outlook (GBIO) framework identifies areas of action based on: creating a culture of shared expertise, common data standards, incentives for data sharing, and a system for archiving data; mobilizing biodiversity data from all available sources; providing tools to convert data into evidence; and generating increased understanding of biodiversity.

The GBIO was presented during the 17th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with the CBD Executive Secretary calling for enhanced access to biodiversity data. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility, which facilitated the development of the framework, urged governments and funders to support the implementation of the framework, particularly by providing incentives to contribute biodiversity data.

The GBIO is accompanied by a website that tracks progress on the framework and includes collaboration from Bioversity International scientists. Bioversity International is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [Bioversity International Press Release] [Publication: Delivering Biodiversity Knowledge in the Information Age] [GBIO Website] [IISD RS Coverage of CBD SBSTTA]