In September 2023, Oslo, Norway, played host to an event aimed at enhancing global biodiversity through data sharing. The Norwegian Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) node and the Nansen Legacy project collaborated to organise a two-day workshop from 21st to 22nd September 2023. This event was designed to assist researchers and enthusiasts in publishing their biodiversity data using Darwin Core Archives, an essential step in making biodiversity data accessible and usable worldwide.
Why Darwin Core Archives?
The Darwin Core Archive format is pivotal for biodiversity data because it standardises how data are structured, making it easier to share and use globally. This format is crucial for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers who rely on accurate and accessible biodiversity information to make informed decisions. The workshop focused on teaching participants how to convert and publish their data in this format, ensuring their contributions could be easily integrated into global databases.
Workshop Highlights
The event kicked off with introductory presentations on the importance of biodiversity data publishing, an overview of GBIF, insights into the Nansen Legacy project, and an introduction to the Darwin Core standards. Following these presentations, the workshop shifted to hands-on sessions where participants, guided by experts, worked on publishing their data. These sessions covered the practical aspects of data conversion, mapping parameter names to Darwin Core terms, and using GBIF’s Integrated Publishing Toolkit (IPT).
One of the key aspects of this workshop was its inclusive approach. No prior experience was required, allowing a diverse group of participants to learn, practice, and apply their new skills to both their own data and provided dummy datasets. This approach not only facilitated a rich learning environment but also fostered a sense of community among attendees, united by their interest in biodiversity data.
For additional information and details about previous courses, please visit GBIF website.
