Participant Nodes play the key role in implementing GBIF as a truly decentralised global network. They are involved in a wide range of activities that are essential for the successful operation of GBIF.

Our main goals are to help:

1. GBIF Participants to develop and maintain functional Nodes, and
2. Participant Nodes to perform their role easily and cost-effectively.

It seeks to ensure that any GBIF Participant, at any stage of development, has ready access to an adequate level of technical assistance, guidance, documentation and tools for effective and efficient implementation, and that Participant Nodes can share their capacity and expertise to support GBIF as a global network. Increasing the number of active Nodes is a top priority.

The Nodes work area objectives are based on three inter-linked strategies:

1. Increase the relevance of GBIF for its Participants
2. Make the work of Nodes simpler, easier and faster
3. Promote Node-to-Node collaboration.