Welcome to the December 2025 edition of our Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) newsletter.
In October, I had the privilege of representing Australia at a major international biodiversity meeting in Bogotá, Colombia. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) brings together countries from around the world to share and connect data that helps us understand and protect nature. The discussions this year focused on how we can keep this global network strong and sustainable, while embracing new technologies like environmental DNA and advanced data standards. These innovations will make biodiversity information richer and more useful for conservation, science, and policy worldwide. Shortly after this meeting I participated in the international Living Data Conference, which provided an opportunity to engage more broadly with the international biodiversity data and infrastructure community.
Through the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), we play a leading role in this global effort. Our participation ensures Australian biodiversity data contributes to international programs—and that we benefit from data collected elsewhere, which is vital for research and biosecurity. We also explored opportunities to strengthen partnerships across Oceania, support Indigenous data governance, and collaborate on cutting-edge tools that will shape the future of biodiversity science. By staying connected and sharing knowledge, Australia helps drive global solutions for nature while delivering real benefits at home.
The conversations in Bogotá highlighted that biodiversity data is more than just numbers—it’s the foundation for tackling global challenges like climate change and species loss. Australia has a chance to lead by example, not only through our technical expertise but also by fostering collaboration across the region. Continued engagement will help ensure that our scientists, policymakers, and communities have the best possible information to protect and enhance biodiversity for future generations.
I’d like to acknowledge the work of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the Colombian hosts of Living Data, and our partners from the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEOBON), Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) and the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) who made the events in Bogota so successful.
Thank you to all our partners, users and stakeholders and I wish everyone an enjoyable summer break and festive season.
Andre Zerger
ALA Director