Biodiversity and ecosystem preservation efforts have become critical in the light of global environmental degradation. The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services reveals that 75% of the world’s land surface is altered, 66% of ocean areas face increased pressures, and over 85% of wetlands have been lost. Around one million species are threatened with extinction. Biodata resources are being used to inform policies and conservation initiatives, helping to preserve ecosystems and protect endangered species.
For instance, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which tracks the conservation status of over 163,000 species, has been a vital tool in saving vulnerable species. In 2024, the TUI Care Foundation and the Mediterranean Conservation Society launched the “Sea the Change” programme in Türkiye to protect the Mediterranean monk seal. Using IUCN data, the programme monitors seal habitats, builds rest platforms for seals, and works with authorities to establish protection zones.
In Mozambique, biodiversity data mobilised through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is helping the government make land-use decisions aligned with sustainable development goals. Biodiversity data portals like the Biodiversity Network of Mozambique (BioNoMo) serve as repositories for critical species data, aiding in policy formulation.
The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) similarly supports ocean conservation, providing a wealth of marine biodiversity data. OBIS collaborates with OceanTeacher Global Academy to train users in data management and analysis, boosting conservation efforts worldwide.
These examples demonstrate the power of biodata in shaping conservation strategies. By leveraging interconnectivity between various data resources, scientists and conservationists can address complex environmental challenges and protect biodiversity for future generations.