A website devoted to cataloging information, freely contributed and accessed by anyone with a net connection. Does the idea sound familiar? Yes, it is almost ‘Wikipedia-esque’ in inspiration and if a success could have the same far reaching impact as the web’s ultimate reference book.
 
Unlike all and sundry information, this will feature observation on life forms that surround us. You, me and everyone can report on any life form of interest we may have observed in our natural surroundings. Scientists are calling for a worldwide effort to launch such a service which they hope will ultimately evolve into a vast data bank on all forms of natural life.

James Edwards, head of the Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) based at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington told Reuters…

"I would hope that ... we might even have millions of people providing data in the long term.”

The 10 year project is seen as a global guide in the making for everything, from climate change to neighborhood pests that can destroy crops. The background work has already started with scientific organizations interlinking diverse databases of animals and plants into a unified virtual observatory. Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) has started the project which it hopes the world will take up. With this idea it is also organizing an ‘e-biosphere’ conference in London from June 1-3. About 400 biology and technology experts from 50 countries will ruminate over the plans.

Such a database has potentially huge benefits. We are already net participants, logging our thoughts through blogs or leaving a comment here and there. If the same reportage is given for something seen offhand in nature…for instance, a strange insect observed, it could lead to the discovery of a pest. Eco-diversity could be tracked; global warming could be studied by looking at its impact on local flora and fauna.

A statement said-
"Within 10 years, scientists say they could have an efficient and effective way of tracking changes over time in the range and abundance of plants and animals as worldwide temperature and precipitation patterns shift."

And ultimately it would be a ready reference for anyone looking for information. Just like Wikipedia is today.