Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE)
Project Overview
The Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) Consortium represents a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate the use of genomic science for understanding, monitoring, and conserving European biodiversity. This ambitious project brings together DNA barcoding and genome sequencing communities across Europe for the first time at this scale.
Key Objectives
Capacity Building
- Establish functioning biodiversity genomics networks at the European level
- Create European nodes for the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) and Earth BioGenome Project (EBP)
- Connect communities and grow capacity to tackle the biodiversity crisis using genomic tools
Production at Scale
- Implement large-scale biodiversity genomic data generation pipelines across Europe
- Accelerate production and accessibility of genomic data for biodiversity characterization
- Establish standardized workflows from field sampling to data applications
Applied Genomics
- Apply genomic tools to enhance understanding of pan-European biodiversity
- Improve efficacy of management interventions and biomonitoring programmes
- Focus on threatened/endangered species, ecological keystone species, and economically important species
Consortium Structure
BGE unites 33 institutions across 20 countries, bringing together two major networks:
- BIOSCAN Europe: European node of the International Barcode of Life (iBOL)
- ERGA: European Reference Genome Atlas, affiliated with the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP)
Scientific Approach
Two Complementary Streams
DNA Barcoding Stream (iBOL Europe)
- Building comprehensive barcode reference libraries
- Developing DNA-based biomonitoring programmes
- Focusing on pollinators and indicator species for aquatic systems
Genome Sequencing Stream (ERGA)
- Generating high-quality reference genomes for European species
- Establishing distributed infrastructure for genome production
- Creating atlas of complete genome sequences
Cross-cutting Activities
- Joint training and capacity building
- Integrated data management frameworks
- Citizen science engagement
- Policy and ethics compliance
Expected Outputs
Data Production
- 450 Gbp of annotated reference genome assemblies (350-500 species)
- 45,000 specimen barcodes with comprehensive metadata
- 50,000 ‘dark taxa’ specimens barcoded for species discovery
- 5,000 metabarcode libraries for biomonitoring
- Curated European barcode reference libraries for key taxa
Infrastructure Development
- Enhanced European BOLD (Barcode of Life Data Systems)
- Reference genome public data portal
- Standardized protocols and workflows
- Training programmes and knowledge transfer networks
Applications
- Pan-European pollinator barcode library completion
- Harmonized biomonitoring protocols
- Conservation genomics case studies
- Tools for intraspecific genetic diversity assessment
Innovation and Impact
Scientific Innovation
- First large-scale coordination of European biodiversity genomics
- Integration of DNA barcoding and genome sequencing workflows
- Development of multi-locus barcoding approaches
- Scalable high-throughput sequencing protocols
Conservation Impact
- Enhanced species discovery and identification capabilities
- Improved biomonitoring for ecosystem health assessment
- Tools for tracking biodiversity change and population dynamics
- Support for conservation management decisions
European Leadership
- Positioning Europe as a leader in biodiversity genomics
- Creating sustainable networks beyond project lifetime
- Influencing global biodiversity genomics standards
- Supporting EU biodiversity strategy implementation
Citizen Science Integration
BGE actively engages citizen scientists through multiple pathways:
- Expert Amateur Naturalists: Supporting specimen collection and identification
- Public BioBlitzes: Community sampling events for DNA barcoding
- Marine Biomonitoring: eDNA sampling for invasive species detection
- Reference Library Curation: Collaborative data validation and interpretation
Open Science Commitment
The project adheres to FAIR data principles:
- Findable: Persistent identifiers for all datasets
- Accessible: Open access by default with appropriate licensing
- Interoperable: Community metadata standards and data integration
- Reusable: Creative Commons licensing and comprehensive documentation
Timeline and Milestones
Duration: September 2021 - February 2026
Future Vision
BGE establishes the foundation for:
- Continent-wide biodiversity monitoring systems
- Routine genomic assessment of ecosystem health
- Rapid species discovery and identification
- Genomic-informed conservation strategies
- Integration with global biodiversity initiatives
The project represents a critical step toward comprehensive understanding and protection of European biodiversity through cutting-edge genomic technologies and unprecedented international collaboration.
For more information, visit the BGE website.