Three Horizon Europe projects, TrIAS, B-Cubed and OneSTOP have published a policy brief based on their findings and experience with Belgium’s involvement in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). 

The policy brief focuses on Belgium’s experience as part of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). It shows the specific tangible economic and strategic returns, as well as the national capacity building Belgium has benefited from. With over 55 million species observation records to GBIF, Belgium proves that open, standardised data accelerates science, saves resources, and supports urgent action on conservation, agriculture, climate, and invasive species. 

In addition, using GBIF data has helped improve openness and transparency, ensuring compliance with EU and international standards in biodiversity, land-use planning, environmental impact assessment, climate resilience strategies, conservation planning, and early warning and invasive species management. 

Consequently, the brief aims to encourage other governments to follow Belgium’s example and to participate more actively in GBIF, especially governments wishing to strengthen their environmental data systems. 

Read the policy brief here. 

It is also available on the Horizon Results Platform.