the Earth BioGenome Project
The Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) is a global network of initiatives working together to build a comprehensive genome library for all Eukaryotic life on Earth. This unprecedented effort aims to sequence, catalog, and understand the DNA of the planet’s biodiversity, from the tiniest fungi to the largest mammals.
A complete eukaryotic genome library forms the foundation for scientific discovery and innovation. It empowers current and future researchers to ask new questions, uncover the genetic basis of life’s complexity, and drive transformative solutions to global challenges such as climate change, food security, emerging diseases, and biodiversity loss.
Why Sequence global biodiversity genomes?
The EBP is a global network of initiatives working together to build a comprehensive genome library for all Eukaryotic life on Earth. This unprecedented effort aims to sequence, catalog, and understand the DNA of the planet’s biodiversity, from the tiniest fungi to the largest mammals.
A complete eukaryotic genome library forms the foundation for scientific discovery and innovation. It empowers current and future researchers to ask new questions, uncover the genetic basis of life’s complexity, and drive transformative solutions to global challenges such as climate change, food security, emerging diseases, and biodiversity loss.
Globally, how many eukaryotic species now have assembled genomes?
Today, EBP-affiliated groups worldwide are generating high-quality genome assemblies at an unprecedented rate. Nearly half of all publicly available Eukaryotic genome assemblies have been produced by EBP-affiliated projects, and the rate of sequencing biodiversity genomes is expected to accelerate in the coming years. With global projects targeting the complete sequencing of all representatives within specific taxa or regions, EBP-generated genomes are poised to surpass all other genome assemblies worldwide. This expansion of genomic information in the library of life will serve as a springboard for discoveries and provide a critical foundation for conservation, novel medicines, sustainable agriculture, and beyond.
What do we miss by sequencing only one representative species per genus?
Limiting sequencing to a single representative species per genus overlooks the rich genetic diversity within each lineage. Closely related species often harbor unique adaptations, ecological roles, and evolutionary histories that cannot be captured by just one genome. For example, some mega-diverse plant genera, such as orchids, contain more than 2,000 species.
Pictured below are four species from the genus Bulbophyllum, showcasing striking morphological variety (left to right): Bulbophyllum binnendijkii; the Bearded Bulbophyllum Orchid (B. barbigerum) from West Africa; the Dragon Scale Leaf Plant (B. drymoglossum), which grows on trees; and the flowering B. makoyanum.
By sequencing only one species per genus:
We miss rare or lineage-specific genes involved in traits like disease resistance, stress tolerance, or metabolic novelty.
We lose insight into recent speciation events and how species diversify in response to the environment, climate, or geography.
We overlook ecological nuance, such as local adaptation or co-evolution with microbes, pollinators, or parasites.
We risk reinforcing a bias toward charismatic or well-studied organisms, leaving lesser-known or threatened species underrepresented.
EBP Genomes in Action: Driving Conservation and Discovery
EBP-affiliated projects are generating genomes at an unprecedented rate, contributing more high-quality genomes to public databases than all other sources combined. These genomes are already proving vital for species worldwide that face imminent extinction, offering critical insights to guide conservation interventions and alleviate pressures on vulnerable populations.
Around the world, EBP genomes are guiding scientifically informed conservation, shaping policy, and providing critical insights where urgent action is needed most.
EBP Conservation case study feature:
Translating genomic advances into biodiversity conservation
“Conservation management actions and associated legislation should be based on the best possible available evidence. There have been sizable efforts by the scientific community in recent years to develop evidence-based decision tools and frameworks for protecting biodiversity, many of which integrate genomic data. However, large-scale investment is the only true way to move the fields of biodiversity and conservation genomics from the academic sector into the applied conservation and policy sectors for biodiversity protection.”
Threatened Species Initiative (TSI)
Hogg, Carolyn J.
Journal: Nature Reviews Genetics 2024
Ninu (Macrotis lagotis) is currently found in the greater sandy desert region of Australia. This reference genome was sequenced by the Threatened Species Initiative and BioPlatforms Australia. Photo taken by Yuanyuan Cheng.
EBP DISCOVERY case study feature:
Whole‐Genome Evaluation of Genetic Rescue: The Case of a Curiously Isolated and Endangered Butterfly
This study underscores the importance of using whole-genome sequencing to inform effective conservation strategies. Conservation actions that are appropriate for one threatened population may not be suitable for another. In some cases, such as this one, genetic rescue may not even be necessary.
Lead author Zachary MacDonald went on to highlight the importance of reference genomes in this work: “A greater abundance and diversity of reference genomes directly translates to more economical and impactful conservation science, particularly in lesser-known and understudied taxa. We need more reference genomes, and we need them fast.”
california conservation genomics project
Authors: MacDonald, Zachary G., Julian R. Dupuis, James RN Glasier, Robert Sissons, Axel Moehrenschlager, H. Bradley Shaffer, and Felix AH Sperling.
Journal: Molecular Ecology 2025
Curiously Isolated Hairstreak species. Photo courtesy of lead author Zachary MacDonald. This reference genome was sequenced in collaboration with the California Conservation Genomics Project.
Interested in more examples of EBP-affiliated genomes driving conservation efforts?
Explore our Conservation Publications page to see the impact!