Call for
Biodiversity Information for Development Programme in Pacific
Application Deadline:
27 May 2025
About Organisation
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is an international network and open-data infrastructure, funded by governments worldwide. It provides free and universal access to data about all forms of life on Earth. GBIF aims to empower researchers, policymakers, and organizations by delivering high-quality biodiversity information to support science-based decision-making and sustainable development. The organization collaborates with institutions across the globe to mobilize biodiversity data and make it accessible via its online platform. GBIF’s efforts play a vital role in monitoring global biodiversity, addressing environmental challenges, and achieving international conservation goals, including those set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Through its Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) programme, GBIF supports biodiversity data initiatives in regions with critical needs, such as the Pacific. By enhancing institutional capacity and encouraging collaborative partnerships, GBIF fosters a culture of open data sharing that strengthens regional biodiversity strategies. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, GBIF promotes the use of biodiversity data in research, conservation planning, and policy development, ultimately contributing to global environmental well-being.
About the Grant
GBIF invites concept notes from eligible organizations in the Pacific region for project funding through the Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) programme. This grant initiative, supported by the European Union’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), aims to boost the capacity of institutions to mobilize and share biodiversity data openly. The focus is on addressing regional knowledge gaps and supporting evidence-based policymaking. The BID programme supports two types of grants: Institutional-level biodiversity data mobilization grants (up to €30,000) for individual institutions, and Multi-institutional grants (up to €60,000) for collaborative projects between organizations. Both types of projects must align with BID objectives, such as enhancing access to existing biodiversity data, building institutional and regional capacity, supporting the application of data in research and policy, and fostering sustainable partnerships for data sharing. Projects are expected to run for 24 months, beginning in February 2026. Selected participants must also attend a capacity-building workshop, with travel costs covered separately. Through this funding, GBIF aims to foster stronger biodiversity data ecosystems that contribute to global conservation targets and sustainable resource management.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must be legal entities such as universities, research institutions, museums, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or government agencies legally registered in eligible Pacific countries. Organizations headquartered outside the region may also apply if they operate a registered local entity in an eligible country and submit the application through that entity. All proposed projects must be strictly not-for-profit and aligned with the objectives of the Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) programme. Furthermore, projects should aim to mobilize and publish biodiversity data under open-access licenses, specifically under a CC0 1.0 waiver or CC-BY 4.0 license. To ensure maximum impact and sustainability, projects should focus on addressing regional biodiversity knowledge gaps, enhancing institutional or collaborative capacity for biodiversity data management, and developing strong national or regional partnerships. Projects involving institutions that are part of the existing GBIF network must provide a letter of endorsement from the relevant GBIF Head of Delegation or node manager at the full proposal stage. The overall goal is to empower local and regional institutions in the Pacific to play a more significant role in global biodiversity data sharing and to apply these insights to local policy and conservation planning.
How to Apply?
Interested organizations must submit concept notes in English through the GBIF Grants Portal by the stated deadline. Submissions will be reviewed for eligibility and relevance. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit detailed full proposals, including project plans and budgets. Successful projects will begin in February 2026 and include participation in a capacity-building workshop.
Application Deadline
Concept notes must be submitted by 27 May 2025 at 23:59 CEST (UTC+2). Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Last Date to Apply
The final date for concept note submissions is 27 May 2025. Applicants are advised to prepare and submit well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Grant Amount
Institutional-level grants offer up to €30,000, while multi-institutional collaboration grants provide up to €60,000. Both categories support 24-month projects focused on biodiversity data mobilization and capacity building.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
