The Importance of Biological Collections for Biosecurity and Biodiversity

Sustainable food production depends on well functioning agro-biological ecosystems: a diversity of living organisms—the biodiversity—plays a critical role in the function of these ecosystems, particularly in the way in which biotic and abiotic processes shape agricultural productivity and sustainability. Biological collections are the repository for this biodiversity information and there is a strong track record of the knowledge generated from these collections improving sustainable food production and ultimately food security. However, the way these collections are used, and indeed what they are comprised of, is undergoing rapid change. The collections themselves are moving from repositories of our flora and fauna to warehouses of species data, spatial ecosystem models, digital images, tissues, genetic sequences and information. Furthermore, our tools include genomics and informatics which provide an explosion of information that we now can mine in new ways we have never been able to do before. One example is the Atlas of Living Australia that will bring together all relevant biological knowledge of Australia’s biota. But we need to do more, including using automation to harvest new knowledge and insights. It is critical that our science remains at the forefront with our collections being connected at a global level if we are to make a genuine difference. It will be a challenge to fund what is required, but we need to remember that what we are talking about is life on earth. There are exciting opportunities to more effectively manage and value our biodiversity as well as deliver biosecurity to maintain our productivity and prosperity as a nation. Our national efforts can also contribute to global solutions to challenges such as food security and environment degradation.