In February 2025, Tod'Aérs-led Global Development Policy Initiative [GDPi] was selected for the final phase of the World Bank Biodiversity Hackathon - in the policy category. This Biodiversity Hackathon is facilitated by the Global Biodiversity Data & Analytics project co-financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and as well as a Blue Biodiversity / BlueTech project financed by the ProBlue Trust Fund - both implemented through the World Bank Group (WBG).
The other key partners of the Hackathon include: GEF, GBIF, World Bank, NASA, ESA, UNESCO-led OBIS, GEO BON, UN Biodiversity Lab (UNDP, UNEP, UNEP-WCMC, and the CBD Secretariat) – and many more. The UN Biodiversity Lab is formed by UNDP, UNEP and its specialist biodiversity centre UNEP-WCMC, and the CBD Secretariat – together with technical partners and data providers – to bring together data and users to create innovative solutions to address our planetary emergency.
The Hackathon also builds on the work of several partners and other agencies around the world who are working tirelessly to improve access to global data on biodiversity and related habitats and ecosystems. These data, platforms, and knowledge collations such as World Bank Geospatial Platform, GBIF’s extensive data resources, NASA’s EarthData systems, and ESA’s Copernicus Biodiversity programs, Google Earth, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and many more - further provide robust infrastructure to support comprehensive policy design.
As a finalist, GDPi stands at the forefront of biodiversity intelligence delivering scientifically robust data-centric conservation strategies that inform global sustainability policies. By integrating machine learning algorithms, high-resolution geospatial analytics and open-source modeling frameworks. GDPi is developing next-generation solutions aimed at fortifying biodiversity resilience. This initiative underscores the TGN's commitment to advancing climate risk monitoring methodologies, optimizing resource allocation strategies and pioneering transformative conservation frameworks that address biodiversity degradation at global scale.
The World Bank Biodiversity Hackathon provides a unique opportunity for groundbreaking interdisciplinary collaboration. By engaging with leading scientists, policymakers and technology innovators, GDPi is forging pathways to redefine conservation paradigms and elevate the role of data science in biodiversity governance. The solutions and policy recommendations developed through GDPi have the potential to inform international conservation frameworks enhance real-time biodiversity assessments and support long-term ecological resilience strategies.
By leveraging data driven policymaking, GDPi is setting a precedent for data-driven global biodiversity analytics. This endeavor represents a crucial step toward bridging the gap between scientific research and policy implementation ensuring that biodiversity conservation remains at the core of global environmental decision-making.
Tod'Aérs Global Network [TGN] is a global public-private partnership [PPP], established with a vision to support global sustainable development, technological innovation, and socio-economic progress worldwide – in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [UN SDGs]. As a global think tank, Tod'Aérs Global Network [TGN] advises public institutions, private sectors, and governments on development policies, technological innovation, digitalization, and geostrategy worldwide - through the Global Development Policy Initiative [GDPi].
Building on the success of Global Development Policy Initiative [GDPi] Phase (2022-2023) which was initially launched in 2022, the Global Development Policy Initiative [GDPi] Phase II (2024-2025) supports TGN’s overall global strategy - offering global advisory on critical areas of development policy. By advising governments and institutions on issues related to technological innovation, digitalization, and geostrategy, Tod'Aérs Global Network [TGN] helps countries adopt forward-looking policies that foster long-term progress.
Tod'Aérs Global Network [TGN]’s global network of partners, comprising governments, public institutions, and private sector leaders, is rapidly expanding. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, TGN is enabling small and vulnerable nations to harness the benefits of modern technologies and partnerships that prioritize development, sustainability, and innovation. This focus aligns with the key values that guide Tod'Aérs Global Network: "Lead - Develop - Impact."