GBIF Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop for West Asia 2026: Boost Your Skills

Are you passionate about biodiversity data and ready to boost your skills in sharing it worldwide? The GBIF Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop for West Asia 2026 offers a great chance for people from the region to learn key tools and methods. This free online event runs from May to June 2026 and targets data holders who want to publish their work through GBIF’s platform.

What the Workshop Covers

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Asia Regional Support Team runs this workshop to build skills in West Asia. It follows GBIF’s Biodiversity Data Mobilization curriculum. Participants will cover project planning, data capture, data management, and data publication. The focus stays on GBIF’s own tools and systems.

By the end, those who finish the tasks earn a digital badge. This badge proves their new skills in handling and sharing biodiversity data. The workshop helps bridge gaps in data sharing across countries in the region.

Who Can Join

This event welcomes government workers and staff from organizations in specific West Asian countries. The list includes Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. You need to represent an institution that holds biodiversity data.

Organizers aim for up to 35 spots. If more people apply, they pick based on clear priorities. Top choices go to applicants with ready datasets that have licensing cleared. They also favor those from data-holding groups planning to publish soon. Plans to run local follow-up workshops or become future mentors score points too. The team balances picks by country and topic to ensure wide coverage.

Workshop Schedule and Format

The full program splits into three parts, all in English. It mixes self-paced online work with live sessions.

First phase: May 18 to 22. This is a self-paced prep course. Use this time to get ready on your own schedule.

Second phase: Live virtual sessions on May 25, May 28, June 1, and June 4. These Zoom calls run from 08:00 to 12:00 CEST (UTC+2). Add about 4 hours of self-paced work each day.

Third phase: June 8 to 30. Wrap up with certification exercises, all self-paced online.

Plan for steady time commitment. The mix of live and flexible parts fits busy schedules.

Benefits of Taking Part

Finishing the workshop gives you hands-on skills to publish data on GBIF. This opens doors to global networks and better visibility for your work. The badge adds value to your resume or profile. Many past participants use these skills to train others or launch new projects.

Institutions gain too. Published datasets help research, conservation, and policy in West Asia. With growing needs for biodiversity info, these skills matter now more than ever.

How to Apply

Submit your application by April 17, 2026, at 23:59 UTC. Everyone hears back by April 24, 2026. Prepare details on your data plans and background to stand out.

Check the official GBIF page for full details. This workshop builds capacity step by step, from basics to publishing. It’s a solid step for anyone in biodiversity data work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the GBIF Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop for West Asia 2026?

Government workers and staff from organizations in Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen who hold biodiversity data are eligible.

What is the application deadline for the workshop?

Submit your application by April 17, 2026, at 23:59 UTC. You will hear back by April 24, 2026.

What topics does the workshop cover?

It follows GBIF’s Biodiversity Data Mobilization curriculum, including project planning, data capture, data management, and data publication using GBIF tools.

What is the workshop schedule?

Phase 1 is self-paced from May 18-22; live Zoom sessions are May 25, 28, June 1, and 4 from 08:00-12:00 CEST; Phase 3 is self-paced certification from June 8-30.