Consortium for the Barcode of Life

The Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) is an international organization dedicated to creating a comprehensive reference database of DNA barcodes—short genetic sequences that uniquely identify species. By comparing these DNA snippets, scientists can accurately and quickly determine what species a sample belongs to, aiding in biodiversity research, conservation, and ecological studies. CBOL aims to make this genetic identification accessible worldwide, supporting efforts to monitor and protect Earth's biological diversity efficiently and reliably.