Building a global observing system for biodiversity

The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) has been in formal existence for three years, following several years of design and discussion. It is the realisation of the biodiversity societal benefit area envisaged in the GEO System of Systems (GEOSS). GEO BON links together existing networks, each covering particular aspects of biodiversity or parts of the world, and takes steps to help fill important gaps in the system. GEO BON focusses on coordination and harmonisation of the existing and emerging systems; advocacy and action to sustain the observing systems and to fill the identified gaps; and understanding and servicing user needs for biodiversity observations, particularly in the policy-making domain.

► There is an enormous amount of biodiversity information, but it is patchy and unconnected.
► GEO BON is a mechanism to help create a genuinely global biodiversity observation system.
► A framework and procedure for integration of complex biodiversity datasets is emerging.