Regional communities of practice

Context

Since 2008, GBIF has supported six regional networks around the world to encourage and strengthen regional collaboration and information exchange among Participants. These regional sub-committees are explained in the Terms of Reference for the Nodes Committee, and on the GBIF nodes page.

A key theme across the regional sub-committees is the coordination of outreach actions to encourage broader engagement in GBIF at all levels, particularly as formal Participants in the network.

During the Global Nodes Meeting, the elected regional representatives will organize regional breakout sessions, to discuss strengthening regional engagement and plans for regional nodes meetings in 2026.

Objectives

  • To enable regional discussions to build plans for regional meetings in 2026

  • To review current mechanisms for regional engagement and explore opportunities for improvement

  • To increase understanding of the scope of the work of the regional support teams and explore how it can better complement the efforts of the nodes and regional representatives

  • To identify and discuss current and upcoming opportunities for regional collaboration

Preparation

In preparation for the regional breakout sessions, we invite you to:

  1. Review the GBIF Nodes Implementation Plan 2025 and reflect on your node’s strengths and areas for growth.

  2. Consider potential opportunities to strengthen regional collaboration and enhance the impact of the regional support teams’ work.

  3. Contact your regional representative and deputy if you have items you wish to add to the agenda for the regional breakout session.

Regional breakout sessions

In this session, nodes will meet in regional groupings to share updates, reflect on progress, and discuss priorities for the future.

Instructions

Room locations and Zoom links are provided below. If you have difficulties with any of the links, further details are provided in this document.

Plenary room, Auditorium 2

Europe & Central Asia Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/9904812267?pwd=gdcJAmXGy9zcxzZabKYRSAX85BSc4q.1&omn=91568744289

North America Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87599193146

Breakout room, Room H404

Latin America & Caribbean Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/91538415542?pwd=CEr7ihbrmwIxDmCF4XTCkA7S2suGvj.1

Oceania

Breakout room, Room H304

Africa Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93293795056?pwd=wGKA2aJSguiUOfq1qJbxTz35qYXMEF.1

Asia

Discussions will be led by the regional representatives and will cover two themes:

  • Progress and challenges on the seven objectives of the Nodes Implementation Plan 2025.

  • Planning for the 2026 Regional Nodes Meeting, including hosts, dates, agenda, and engagement opportunities.

At the end of the session, regional representatives should submit up to two highlights to the chair of the NSG to be reflected in the closing wrap-up.

Plenary meeting wrap-up

Anne-Sophie Archambeau, Chair of the Nodes Committee, will wrap up the meeting with her reflections on the discussions of the day.