International Barcode of Life and its Role in Biodiversity

Negative consequences of human interaction are frequently publicized. Biodiversity, specifically, is extremely important to the survival and well-being of our planet and is often the victim of negative human interaction. However, many people realize the importance of taking the necessary steps to work toward an environmentally friendly future. Scientists have come together from all over the world to do so, their co-operation unquestionably deserving of acknowledgment and interest.

The University of Guelph’s researchers proposed a new system of species identification through a paper in 2003. This technique used a very short genetic sequence and was similar to a supermarket scanner’s way of using black stripes to identify a product. The single mind behind the first proposal of the idea was researcher and faculty member of U of G, Paul Hebert (pictured right). A positive response and brisk advancement led to what would set the stage for the official activation of the International Barcode of Life in October 2010. 

The International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project is a global campaign involving 26 countries' scientists and technicians. A reference library for all multi-cellular life is being produced with the use of DNA barcode technology. The collaboration will be the accumulation of DNA barcodes from over five million specimens from five hundred thousand species. iBOL’s main mission is the extension of coverage of its barcode reference library, as well as the provision of community access to this information and the creation of new technology that will guarantee it can be accessed globally. The activation of this project by scientists at major international research facilities is giving biodiversity science the attention and major investments it was not receiving previously. Once the identification system is put into operation, it will be able to put forth societal impacts and interaction with biodiversity. This means that resource management, conservation, education, research, and pest and disease control will be more effectively and closely monitored. It is also predicted that a crucial role in the regulation of trade in protected or endangered species and products will be played by barcoding. The barcode system will also utilize organisms to seek out early warning signs of change or damage in an environment, improving the circumstances for all species in possibly dangerous situations. Our capability of not only knowing, but also more intimately observing biodiversity is being revolutionized by DNA barcoding.
 
My Opinion

I think it's amazing that this library can be compiled and DNA can be scanned in such a way. Before discovering this project, I had no idea that this was even happening. I'm glad that more attention is being given to all species, and not just a select few that are already in danger. I believe that this system can be used affectively to improve the relationship between ecosystems and humans. It may also bring to light situations or problems that were never properly recognized before. I hope that this project will increase human awareness on the impact they have, specifically on the ecosystems in their own community. 

References:

• "Background – A Brief History of Species Identification." IBOL. International Barcode of Life, 2010. Web. 01 Oct. 2010. <http://ibol.org/about-us/background/>.
• "How IBOL Works." IBOL. International Barcode of Life, 2010. Web. 01 Oct. 2010. <http://ibol.org/about-us/how-ibol-works/>.
• "What Is IBOL? – What Is the Purpose of the International Barcode of Life Project?" IBOL. International Barcode of Life, 2010. Web. 04 Oct. 2010. <http://ibol.org/about-us/what-is-ibol/>.
• "What Is DNA Barcoding? « Barcode of Life." Identifying Species with DNA Barcoding « Barcode of Life. CBOL, 2010. Web. 01 Oct. 2010. <http://www.barcodeoflife.org/what-is-dna-barcoding/>.

My comments can be found on these entries: 
http://jessy3149.blogspot.com/2010/09/david-suzuki-foundation_26.html#comments
http://biomeggs.blogspot.com/2010/09/human-intervention-is-bad-and-good.html#comments