GBIF is not the only large-scale biodiversity informatics initiative. New projects and networks are continually being created. However, it is essential to encourage the adoption of common standards to ensure interoperability across the biodiversity domain. GBIF, as a megascience initiative, is in a strong position to undertake a coordination role for the integration of biodiversity data and can draw on its experience to engage and collaborate with other projects.

Activity 1: Strengthen relationships between GBIF and other major biodiversity networks to enable GBIF to act as broker/integrator of biodiversity data

IDA will coordinate participation in and provide leadership for appropriate advisory groups and workshops (e.g. LifeWatch, Encyclopedia of Life, International Long Term Ecological Research, or ILTER), within relevant GEOSS fora (e.g. Architectural Implementation Pilot, Biodiversity Observation Network) and in appropriate European Union funded projects (e.g. EuroGEOSS). It will also promote the uptake of relevant standards.

• GEOSS / GEO BON
• EuroGEOSS
• ILTER

Activity 2: Liaison with BIS (TDWG) and other standards bodies to contribute to the development of standards relevant to GBIF's work.

With its remit to promote the development and adoption of biodiversity standards, it is essential for IDA to liaise closely with relevant standards organisations including Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) to help establish and contribute to the development of standards relevant to GBIF's work. IDA will coordinate GBIF representation on the TDWG Executive Committee, participate in and provide leadership in TDWG task groups, convene sessions on appropriate topics for the annual TDWG conference, and drive the process of standards development and uptake by convening special task groups and workshops.

IDA will convene a Life Science Identifier (LSID) Task Group to review the status of LSID uptake and devise a strategy for wide deployment of LSIDs or other Globally Unique Identifiers (GUIDs); it will also organise workshops on the Species Profile Model (SPM) uptake. IDA will work through TDWG, or directly, as required, to liaise with other relevant bodies such as the OGC and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on issues related to biodiversity standards.