About the workshop

A webinar on Biodiversity Data Mobilisation in Pakistan was held to enhance understanding and participation in biodiversity data sharing through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The event brought together researchers, institutions, and biodiversity data managers from across Pakistan to discuss data standards, publishing mechanisms, and the benefits of open access to biodiversity information.

Key Highlights

The session opened with an introduction to the objectives of the webinar, emphasising the growing importance of biodiversity data management and the value of inter-institutional collaboration. The discussions highlighted Pakistan’s rich and diverse ecological regions and the urgent need to mobilize biodiversity data for conservation and sustainable resource use.

A presentation from GBIF Asia provided a global overview of GBIF’s role in making biodiversity data openly accessible and explained the benefits of publishing data, including increased visibility, opportunities for collaboration, and improved research outcomes. It was noted that while Pakistan currently has good number of registered publishers in GBIF, most remain inactive. The session encouraged active participation, capacity building, and greater institutional engagement.

There was also showcasing of the HKHBIF hosted portal.

Challenges and Opportunities

Key challenges identified included limited awareness of data sharing benefits, reluctance to share data, and a lack of financial and technical resources for data digitization. The webinar emphasised the importance of technical assistance, data standardisation, and capacity development to address these barriers. Participants were encouraged to use available publishing platforms, such as the ICIMOD-hosted IPT, for biodiversity data publishing.

Action Points

• Encourage more institutions in Pakistan to register and actively publish biodiversity data through GBIF.

• Facilitate data publishing using existing IPT infrastructures hosted by regional or global partners.

• Promote training and awareness programs to strengthen data quality, metadata completeness, and adherence to data standards (e.g., Darwin Core).

Conclusion

The session concluded with an open discussion and Q&A, focusing on data sharing mechanisms, quality standards, and the potential for enhanced collaboration in biodiversity information management. The webinar reinforced a shared commitment to mobilize biodiversity data from Pakistan to support conservation, research, and policy development at both national and regional levels

Contacts:

Ajaz Ahmed, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department, Pakistan

Lily Shrestha, Asia Regional Support Team, GBIF

Ramesh Kathariya, ICIMOD

Bandana Shakya, ICIMOD