WHAT WE DO

Because it sustains extraordinary biological diversity, California is a biodiversity hotspot –one of just 35 global biodiversity hotspots identified by scientists. 

This biodiversity sustains our food systems, cleans our water and air, provides nature-based solutions to fire and climate threats, and shares lessons that inspire and experiences that heal. Preserving biodiversity comes down to two things: species and their habitats.  Both are disappearing at an unprecedented and accelerating rate. 

The California Institute for Biodiversity (CIB) connects scientists, activists, funders, and decision-makers to advance solutions for safeguarding biodiversity. Through initiatives that focus on species, habitats, and equity-driven education, we strive to advance genuinely transformative change.

CALIFORNIA ALL-TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY (ATBI)

“Without a specimen, an observation is just a rumor.”

Because of the immense scale of California’s biodiversity, much of it remains largely unexplored. The Golden State ATBI Initiative seeks to secure specimens and map the distribution of all California’s diversity. This initiative currently focuses on five primary areas: Insecta, Funga, Soil Biodiversity, Intertidal Biodiversity, and environmental DNA (eDNA). Partners are deploying advanced technology and coordinated field exploration to dramatically advance our understanding of California’s vast biodiversity, before it is lost forever.

Securing Scientific Collections

  • Scientific collections are fundamental and priceless tools for biodiversity science, conservation, and education. Unfortunately, museums are starved for resources, and outdated bureaucratic systems make it difficult for scientists to collect much-needed specimens. CIB advocates for durable funding to secure our collections, and we advance regulatory and systemic change to reboot collections for the 21st Century.

DNA Barcoding Library

  • Developing a voucher-based DNA barcode reference library for all California biodiversity will provide baseline data for conservation action, enable advanced monitoring and assessment, and ensure society has saved a specimen of every species in the state. This ambitious project is also a critical opportunity to ensure equity and advance inclusion via workforce development and job training to grow a diverse new generation of biodiversity champions.

Addressing the “Insect Apocalypse”

  • Butterflies, pollinators, and other insect populations are declining dramatically, and many species are speeding toward extinction. Scientists call it the “Insect Apocalypse.” We call it our highest priority. CIB works with scientists and other partners to discover and address the fundamental causes of this most urgent manifestation of the global biodiversity crisis.

SAVING PLACES

We work with several groups to protect and restore vital habitats for biodiversity and human well-being.

30x30 Initiative

  • The 30x30 initiative is a statewide goal to conserve 30% of California’s lands and waters by 2030. Through voluntary, collaborative action with partners across the state, this initiative aims to conserve and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate the effects of and build resilience to climate change.  CIB is proud to be a coalition partner in this ambitious effort to secure and sustain the diverse lands that are the foundation of California’s health and prosperity.

Protecting Land by Addressing the Impact of Nitrogen Pollution

  • Vehicles, power plants, and other activities spew large quantities of nitrogen fertilizer into our atmosphere. In addition to direct effects, this pollution fertilizes weedy invasive grasses, dramatically increases pollen-related asthma and allergies, fuels wildfires, and diminishes biodiversity. CIB is seeking regulatory policy changes and resources to enable sustainable land management practices and solutions, such as grazing programs to reduce fire-prone invasive grasses.