The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) has launched SPLICE, a new initiative that aims to fully integrate environmental DNA (eDNA) data into its global biodiversity data infrastructure. Supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and led by the GBIF Secretariat in collaboration with the Danish GBIF node (DanBIF), the project will enhance the discovery, sharing and reuse of DNA-derived biodiversity data.
Environmental DNA has become an increasingly important tool for biodiversity monitoring, enabling researchers to detect species from genetic material found in environmental samples such as water, soil or air. However, several technical barriers still limit the accessibility and interoperability of eDNA data, including fragmented DNA reference libraries, limited search functionality and the lack of continuous taxonomic updates.
Through six work packages, SPLICE will address these challenges by developing new infrastructure for sequence-based searches, continuous taxonomic reinterpretation, improved data publishing workflows and a unified catalogue of DNA reference libraries. The project will also establish a Danish demonstration case to showcase how eDNA data can support national biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem restoration.
According to GBIF, integrating eDNA into its core infrastructure will strengthen global biodiversity monitoring by making DNA-derived evidence more accessible, interoperable and reusable for research, conservation and policymaking. The initiative also supports international biodiversity goals, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while encouraging greater standardisation and data sharing across the biodiversity community.
Cover image: Tritonia BHAK6631-22 (lateral, anterior and dorsal views), collected in British Columbia, Canada. Courtesy of the International Barcode of Life Consortium (iBOL). Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.