Global Project to Map DNA of 1.67 Million Species Enters New Phase

Global Project to Map DNA of 1.67 Million Species Enters New Phase
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A global scientific initiative to map the genetic code of life on Earth, known as the Earth BioGenome Project (EBGP), is moving into its second phase, according to a report from the Anadolu Agency. The project, which launched in 2020, aims to sequence the DNA of 1.67 million species over a decade.

The EBGP is often described as “biology’s answer to the Apollo moon landing” and involves 2,200 researchers from 88 countries, with approximately $4 billion in funding. The first phase of the project, which ran from 2020 to 2024, successfully mapped 3,500 species. The next four years will be dedicated to sequencing an ambitious 150,000 species at a rate of 3,000 genomes per month, a pace made possible by significant technological advancements.

A key aspect of the project’s second phase is inclusivity, especially for biodiversity-rich regions in the Global South. Researchers in these areas will use mobile laboratories, called “gBoxes,” to analyze samples locally. The project’s coordinators believe that this extensive digital database will not only help preserve the genetic blueprints of endangered species but also lead to major breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, food security, and ecosystem protection.