The Global Names Architecture (GNA) refers to an effort by GBIF and others to develop shared infrastructure and standards to improve the sharing and integration of taxonomic information resources.  The GNA aims to identify and redirect those who need taxonomic information to those who can provide it. It is developing methods that allow more rapid, direct and accountable access to the data, and a path toward creating a complete list of scientific names that are integrated into a consistent, comprehensive and stable taxonomic framework. Such a framework serves as a global informatics tool for access to information about species.

GBIF contributions to the Global Names Architecture

GBIF is leveraging its own resources in the area of name resolution into this larger framework, in partnership with the Encylopedia of Life, the Catalogue of Life Partnership, and many others who either provide or require access to information about names. As part of its effort, GBIF is developing core components a shared architecture, including:

• Developing the Global Resources Discovery System (GBRDS) to serve as a common names-resource registry system capable of serving the requirements of multiple data mobilisation initiatives
• Working with the Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) group to define a series of exchange standards for taxonomic/nomenclatural data suited to different user communities
• Offering the Integrated Publishing Toolkit as a taxonomic and nomenclatural data publishing system that, in combination with the GBRDS, provides a distributable publishing and exchange framework for the GNA
• Developing best practice guides on the mobilisation, use and application of taxonomic data in biodiversity informatics
• Hosting workshops and providing support for GNA activities
• Developing taxonomic indexing services, tools and applications that draw upon the GNA.