Authors: Heuertz, Myriam; Vernesi, Cristiano;

The COST Action G-BiKE (Genomic Biodiversity Knowledge for Resilient Ecosystems) includes more than 110 researchers and practitioners from all European countries. G-BiKE’s goal is to install measuring and monitoring of genetic diversity in any new policy and regulation targeting biodiversity. G-BiKE’s activities -from workshops to small grants- are ultimately intended to ensure persistence of populations and species, and to guarantee the supply of nature-based ecosystem services. Our main aims are: 1) explaining how genetic diversity can support ecosystems; 2) developing and testing best practices for monitoring genetic diversity in time and space; 3) providing an online forum on emerging tools; 4) connecting all stakeholders through networking and training opportunities; 5) building a network of conservation genetics labs. G-BiKE is actively involved in the drafting of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) of the Convention of Biological Diversity. Through several papers, webinars and policy briefs G-BiKE managed to propose some amendments to the zero draft that resulted in the current inclusion of genetic diversity in the new targets. Finally, G-BiKE is among the founders of The Coalition for Conservation Genetics, a network of networks.