Memorandum of Understanding signed between OBON and ‘Omic BON

After several years of informal communication and collaboration between the two programmes, OBON and the ‘Omic Biodiversity Observation Network (Omic BON) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, thus formalising their intention to cooperate.

Under the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and its Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), the mission of Omic BON is to build a global meta-observatory by advancing and coordinating observation at the biomolecular scale across all environments and geographies of its members, aligning and promoting the integration of strategies, methods, and data flows to transform ‘omic observations into actionable knowledge at a global scale.

Within the UN Ocean Decade, the mission of OBON is to create a hub for biomolecular measurement of marine life, with a view to building a multi-omics biodiversity observing system, which will range from coastal areas to open ocean, using a variety of techniques and consolidating data to allow science and society to understand ocean life like never before.

In signing this MoU, the two programmes agree to collaborate in the pursuit of their commons goals, and the MoU sets out a framework for this collaboration:

1. Global coordination of key actors, by enhancing coordination among key actors in ocean biomolecular observing and aligning existing and emerging ‘omic observation networks.
2. Strengthening global capacities for biomolecular ocean observing, by enhancing capacities across projects, programmes, and other initiatives, primarily by providing global coordination and strategic guidance (e.g., for data and information).
3. Developing a joint data and information strategy – The Parties intend to develop a joint data and information strategy for marine biomolecular data and information, including guidance on the use and maturation of data and metadata standards, trusted repositories, and other digital resources; aligning with global digital strategies, where relevant.
4. Integrating ‘omic approaches in global monitoring efforts, by facilitating the sustained delivery of well-described biomolecular (meta)data and information to global monitoring systems, and enhancing compatibility of ‘omic data and information with specifications relevant to the GEO BON Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs), and the Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) developed by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), and other biodiversity monitoring mechanisms where relevant.
5. Integrating ‘omics approaches to inform policy decisions – The Parties intend to cooperate in building reliable, standardised baselines of biomolecular biodiversity, establishing a regular global assessment of change in biomolecular diversity, as well as establishing mechanisms to detect sudden or consequential events and trigger collective, targeted actions to respond to emerging threats (e.g., health of humans, agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries) or needs (e.g., in monitoring invasive species or illegal trade in protected species).