GBIF was established in 2001 to take on a special set of tasks that would make it possible for people all around the globe to electronically access the world's supply of primary scientific data on biodiversity.

The world's biodiversity has dramatically changed since the Industrial Revolution. To understand the rate of change, we need access to historical information about biodiversity. Although there is substantial historical information about biodiversity dating back as far as 300 years, this information is on paper and not available digitally. To track current changes, we need to incorporate observational and ongoing monitoring data.

Making the world's biodiversity data freely and openly available on the Internet. GBIF's purpose is to promote, co-ordinate, design and implement the compilation, linking, standardisation, digitisation and global dissemination of the world's biodiversity data. GBIF works in close co-operation with established programmes and organisations (such as natural history museums and universities) that compile, maintain and use biological information resources.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed beginning in December 2000 by more than 10 countries; GBIF officially established in March 2001.

David Penman, Chair of the Governing Board

Hugo von Linstow, Acting Director

Copenhagen, Denmark

GBIF is funded through contributions from its Voting Participant countries.

EUR 3.2 million

GBIF's data are regularly used by scientists, but it can also be used by others, such as natural resource managers, backyard nature enthusiasts, dedicated birdwatchers and primary school teachers giving science lessons to students.

Convention on Biological Diversity, Consortium for the Barcode of Life, Catalogue of Life partnership, Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG), others. In all, GBIF is a partnership of over 70 countries and international organisations. To see a full list, go to http://www.gbif.org/GBIF_org/participation.