National Biodiversity Centre Launches Bhutan Biodiversity Specimen Repository

Thimphu, Bhutan – 27 August 2026: The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) officially launched the Bhutan Biodiversity Specimen Repository (BBSR) today, with the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock officiating the launch.

The Bhutan Biodiversity Specimen Repository is a centralized digital platform developed to strengthen the management, preservation, retrieval, and accessibility of Bhutan’s biodiversity specimen information. The system brings specimen records and associated information into a single national platform managed by the National Biodiversity Centre and hosted within the Government Data Centre.

The repository was developed as an in-house digital transformation initiative of NBC, using the open-source Symbiota biodiversity data management platform. The system was configured and customized through NBC’s in-house expertise to meet Bhutan’s specific requirements, with technical and infrastructure support from the GovTech Agency.

The BBSR provides a standardized platform for managing specimen records, taxonomic information, images, collection localities, georeferencing information, and other associated biodiversity data. A comprehensive taxonomic thesaurus based on accepted scientific names and classifications was also developed as a core component of the system.

The development process included extensive system customization, testing, user training, and rounds of addressing vulnerability scanning reports to meet government cybersecurity requirements.

The launch marks an important milestone in Bhutan’s biodiversity information management. By establishing a nationally managed and government-hosted specimen management system, the initiative provides a sustainable digital foundation for managing and preserving the country’s biological collections and supporting biodiversity research, conservation, education, policy, and public access.

The National Biodiversity Centre extends its sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for funding support towards the launch programme, and to the GovTech Agency for its valuable technical backstopping, infrastructure support, and guidance throughout the development and deployment of the system. The Centre also acknowledges the contributions of all individuals and institutions who supported the development and realization of the Bhutan Biodiversity Specimen Repository.

The Bhutan Biodiversity Specimen Repository is now accessible online at https://specimens.biodiversity.bt.