Summary

The project will strengthen the Azores’ leadership in biodiversity informatics through the expansion and modernisation of the AZORES BIOPORTAL, the official reference platform for terrestrial and marine biodiversity in the archipelago. Building on two decades of continuous development, the AZORES BIOPORTAL currently provides open-access, curated information on over 11,500 terrestrial and marine species, integrated with GBIF and widely used by scientists, managers, educators, students, and the public.

This project aims to: (i) significantly expand marine biodiversity coverage by updating taxonomic lists, compiling spatial and ecological data, and integrating advanced tools for data analysis, species identification, and citizen-science engagement; (ii) improve terrestrial biodiversity datasets through enhanced georeferencing, habitat information, and digital identification keys; and (iii) upgrade the portal’s communication interface to increase usability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

The enhanced infrastructure will consolidate the Azores as European model for island biodiversity knowledge systems, directly supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, the Habitats and Birds Directives, and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, as well as the regional government authorities and regional RIS3 priorities.

The University of the Azores’ research units (CE3C-GBA, CIBIO-Açores, OKEANOS), all rated “Excellent” by FCT, provide unmatched expertise in taxonomy, ecology, marine sciences, and conservation planning. The upgraded AZORES BIOPORTAL will continue to deliver high-quality taxonomic and distribution data and further serve the community with new communication possibilities. Innovation lies in combining high-quality, standardised (Darwin Core) datasets, with advanced analytics in a single, permanent, and fully interoperable e-infrastructure, reinforcing the Azores’ role as a strategic hub for Atlantic biodiversity research and conservation. It will secure the archipelago’s position as an Atlantic leader in digital biodiversity science, turning data into decisions for a resilient future.

Funding Institution

PORBIOTA” (DRCID, ACORES2030-FEDER-03420600)

Partners

CIBIO-Açores, OKEANOS