The Finnish Biodiversity Information Facility as a best-practice model for biodiversity data infrastructures

Abstract Biodiversity informatics has advanced rapidly with the maturation of major biodiversity data infrastructures (BDDIs), such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility sharing unprecedented data volumes. Nevertheless, taxonomic, temporal and spatial data coverage remains unsatisfactory....

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Leif Schulman, Kari Lahti, Esko Piirainen, Mikko Heikkinen, Olli Raitio, Aino Juslén
Format: article
Language:EN
Published: Nature Portfolio 2021
Subjects:
Q
Online Access:https://doaj.org/article/3d2972f11f6b4a12995491c7e53eb819
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Biodiversity informatics has advanced rapidly with the maturation of major biodiversity data infrastructures (BDDIs), such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility sharing unprecedented data volumes. Nevertheless, taxonomic, temporal and spatial data coverage remains unsatisfactory. With an increasing data need, the global BDDIs require continuous inflow from local data mobilisation, and national BDDIs are being developed around the world. The global BDDIs are specialised in certain data types or data life cycle stages which, despite possible merits, renders the BDDI landscape fragmented and complex. That this often is repeated at the national level creates counterproductive redundancy, complicates user services, and frustrates funders. Here, we present the Finnish Biodiversity Information Facility (FinBIF) as a model of an all-inclusive BDDI. It integrates relevant data types and phases of the data life cycle, manages them under one IT architecture, and distributes the data through one service portal under one brand. FinBIF has experienced diverse funder engagement and rapid user uptake. Therefore, we suggest the integrated and inclusive approach be adopted in national BDDI development.