BID Call for Proposals: Regional and Cross-Regional Biodiversity Data Mobilization Projects

Deadline: 02-Feb-2026

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), funded by the European Union, has launched the 2025 Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) call for proposals. The program supports regional and cross-regional biodiversity data mobilization projects in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Grants of up to €90,000 for regional projects and €120,000 for cross-regional projects are available to strengthen data accessibility, capacity building, and sustainable collaboration.

Overview of the BID Call

The Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) Programme aims to strengthen the capacity of institutions and countries to mobilize biodiversity data, make it openly available, and use it to inform research, policy, and decision-making. The programme supports projects that:

• Make existing biodiversity data accessible through GBIF to address knowledge gaps

• Enhance regional and cross-regional capacity for managing and using biodiversity data

• Promote the application of biodiversity data in research and policy

• Develop sustainable regional and cross-regional partnerships for data sharing and reuse

• Support skills mobility at regional and cross-regional levels

The BID programme contributes to global priorities, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, by ensuring that biodiversity data informs decision-making and sustainable development.

Eligible Regions

Concept notes are invited from organizations based in:

• Sub-Saharan Africa

• Latin America and the Caribbean

• The Pacific region

Grant Types and Funding

Regional Biodiversity Data Mobilization Grants

• Supports projects that build or strengthen regional collaborations

• Includes capacity building and skills mobility

• Mobilizes data for research and policy addressing regional priorities

• Funding up to €90,000

• Implementation period: 24 months

Cross-Regional Biodiversity Data Mobilization Grants

• Supports projects that build or strengthen cross-regional collaborations

• Includes capacity building and skills mobility

• Mobilizes data for research and policy addressing shared cross-regional priorities

• Funding up to €120,000

• Implementation period: 24 months

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Research institutions and universities

• Museums and biodiversity-focused organizations

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Government agencies registered in eligible countries or with a legal presence in these regions

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate previous experience in biodiversity data mobilization

• Align proposed projects with the objectives of the BID call

• Conduct non-profit activities only

• Ensure all mobilized data is published under CC0 1.0 or CC-BY 4.0 licenses

Expected Outcomes

Selected projects are expected to:

• Address critical gaps in biodiversity data

• Promote data application in research and policy-making

• Build sustainable networks and communities of practice committed to open biodiversity data

• Foster regional and cross-regional collaboration for enhanced data availability and reuse

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your organization is a legal entity in the eligible regions and has experience in biodiversity data mobilization.

2. Develop a Concept Note: Align your proposal with the objectives of the BID call and demonstrate regional or cross-regional impact.

3. Submit Proposal: Follow GBIF submission guidelines for concept notes.

4. Project Implementation: Funded projects will mobilize data, build capacity, and strengthen collaborations over a 24-month period.

5. Data Sharing: All mobilized data must be openly published under a CC0 1.0 or CC-BY 4.0 license.

Why It Matters

The BID call strengthens biodiversity data infrastructure, enhances research and policy capabilities, and encourages regional and cross-regional collaboration. By mobilizing data and sharing knowledge, the program contributes to informed decision-making, sustainable resource management, and the global biodiversity agenda.

FAQ

Q1: Which countries are eligible for funding?
A: Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific region.

Q2: What are the grant amounts?
A: Up to €90,000 for regional projects and €120,000 for cross-regional projects.

Q3: What is the project duration?
A: 24 months for both regional and cross-regional grants.

Q4: Who can apply?
A: Legal entities such as universities, research institutions, museums, NGOs, or government agencies registered or legally present in eligible countries.

Q5: What are the main objectives of the projects?
A: Mobilize biodiversity data, strengthen regional capacity, promote data application, and develop sustainable collaborations.

Q6: What are the data publication requirements?
A: All data must be published under CC0 1.0 or CC-BY 4.0 licenses.

Q7: Are commercial projects eligible?
A: No, all activities must be non-profit.

Conclusion

The GBIF 2025 BID call provides a strategic opportunity for organizations in eligible regions to mobilize biodiversity data, enhance capacity, and foster regional and cross-regional collaboration. Funded projects will support open data sharing, strengthen research and policymaking, and contribute to the global biodiversity agenda under the Kunming-Montreal Framework.

For more information, visit GBIF.