The Department of Conservation (DOC) has released a new report assessing its readiness to use the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) as a trusted infrastructure for mobilising and sharing biodiversity data.
The report, GBIF Readiness for the Department of Conservation (DOC LC4583), was developed in parallel with a recent assessment for regional councils on their potential use of GBIF. Together, the two studies provide complementary insights into how New Zealand’s government agencies can better align with global best practices for biodiversity data management.
DOC manages some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most nationally significant biodiversity datasets, including long-term Tier 1 monitoring, species recovery programmes, and invasive species management. The report finds that GBIF offers a ready-made, internationally recognised infrastructure to make these datasets more accessible, standardised, and interoperable.
Key findings of the report include:
- Alignment with national and global goals – Mobilising DOC datasets through GBIF supports Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand’s Biodiversity Strategy, and contributes to reporting on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Efficiency and interoperability – GBIF reduces duplication, provides technical tools and standards, and enables integration of DOC’s monitoring and research with regional, national, and global biodiversity infrastructures.
- Opportunities for innovation – The report highlights potential for applying emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, eDNA, and Indigenous Data Governance frameworks through GBIF’s federated system.
- Building readiness – While DOC already publishes some biodiversity information, further investment in workflows, staff capability, and governance processes would accelerate mobilization of priority datasets.
The assessment recommends that DOC continue working with GBIF New Zealand, hosted by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, to pilot mobilisation of Tier 1 monitoring data, invasive species data, and other nationally significant datasets.
This report underscores the benefits of a coordinated national approach to biodiversity data, where DOC, regional councils, and other agencies can rely on GBIF’s open, federated infrastructure to connect New Zealand’s biodiversity knowledge with the rest of the world.
👉 Read the full report: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Report
👉 Explore New Zealand’s GBIF portal: https://www.gbif.org.nz