Cal Alive

California Institute for Biodiversity

What We Do

California is one of 35 global biodiversity hotspots. Of the estimated 5,500 plant species found in California, 40 percent are found nowhere else on Earth!

This biodiversity is essential. It sustains our food systems, filters our water and air, protects against environmental threats like fires and erosion, and provides valuable resources for medical discoveries.

Preserving biodiversity comes down to two things: species and their habitats, and they’re both disappearing at an unprecedented rate. We’re working to save what we can.

The California Institute for Biodiversity (CIB) connects scientists, activists, funders, and decision-makers to advance solutions for safeguarding biodiversity. Through initiatives that focus on species, habitats, and equity-driven education, we strive to create once-in-a-generation transformative change.

Our efforts include workforce development, policy innovation, and advocacy for biodiversity conservation.

OUR INITIATIVES

Golden State All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI)

“Without a specimen, an observation is just a rumor.”

Because of the immense scale of California’s biodiversity, much of it remains largely unexplored. The Golden State ATBI Initiative maps the distribution of California’s diversity and seeks to secure a specimen of everything statewide. This initiative focuses on five primary areas: Insecta/invertebrates, Funga and soil/microorganisms, Intertidal pools, and Environmental DNA (EDNA) to better understand California’s vast biodiversity before it disappears.

Projects

  • Securing Scientific Collections

    Securing Scientific Collections

    Scientific collections are fundamental and priceless tools for biodiversity science, conservation, and education. Unfortunately, museums are starved for resources, and outdated bureaucratic systems make it difficult for scientists to collect much-needed specimens. CIB advocates for durable funding to secure our collections, and we advance regulatory and systemic change to reboot collections for the 21st Century.

  • DNA Barcoding Library

    DNA Barcoding Library

    Developing a DNA barcoding reference library of all of California's insects will secure a complete collection of insect diversity, provide baseline data for conservation action, and enable advanced monitoring and assessment. This “moon launch” scale project is also a critical opportunity to ensure equity and advance inclusion via workforce development and job training to grow a diverse new generation of biodiversity champions.

  • Addressing the "Insect Apocalypse"

    Addressing the "Insect Apocalypse"

    Too many species are speeding toward extinction. Scientists call it the “Insect Apocalypse.” We call it our highest priority. CIB works with scientists and other partners to discover and address the fundamental causes of this most urgent manifestation of the global biodiversity crisis.

Saving Places

We work with several groups to protect and restore vital habitats for biodiversity and human well-being.

  • 30×30 Initiative

    30×30 Initiative

    The 30x30 initiative is a statewide goal to conserve 30% of California’s lands and waters by 2030. Through voluntary, collaborative action with partners across the state, this initiative aims to conserve and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate the effects of and build resilience to climate change.

  • Protecting Land by Addressing the Impact of Nitrogen Pollution

    Protecting Land by Addressing the Impact of Nitrogen Pollution

    Vehicles, power plants, and other activities spew large quantities of nitrogen fertilizer into our atmosphere. In addition to direct effects, this pollution fertilizes weedy invasive grasses, dramatically increases pollen-related asthma and allergies, fuels wildfires, and diminishes biodiversity. CIB is working to secure regulatory policy changes and sustainable land management practices and solutions, such as grazing programs to reduce invasive grasses.

  • Prop 4

    Prop 4

    This 2024 ballot initiative authorizes $10 billion in general obligation bonds for water, wildfire prevention, and protection of communities and lands.

Decolonizing Landscapes

We work with various educational and advocacy groups and programs to advance equity and inclusion in biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.

  • Supporting Local Groups and Partners

    Supporting Local Groups and Partners

    For select partners, CIB is able to provide robust grassroots engagement tools, including advocacy (online petitions, email, phone, and texting campaigns), and outreach/organizing tools (events, fundraising and donations, surveys, and forms). If you’re working to advance equity and save biodiversity, please let us know how we can help.

  • California Biodiversity Pedagogical Tools

    California Biodiversity Pedagogical Tools

    Using California as its classroom, the Cal Alive! portfolio provides unparalleled educational materials to teachers and students, with valuable environmental science lessons that foster appreciation of the unique environment California students enjoy every day. Books, videos, digital resources, and other materials are available through a variety of outlets.

  • Teacher Trainings

    Teacher Trainings

    CIB’s professional development workshops integrate field investigations with hands-on classroom and outdoor activities, in multi-day immersive trainings. Since 1995, dozens of these workshops have brought scientists and educators together, so that thousands of students could experience the thrill of doing hands-on science. Please get in touch to suggest or request a workshop.