Empowering research and education through open, science-based biodiversity tools

GBS open provides academics with a transparent, peer-reviewed, and scientifically robust framework for exploring biodiversity footprints and ecosystem dependencies. Designed for non-commercial research, the tool is grounded in models like GLOBIO, EXIOBASE, and enables analysis of ecosystem integrity using the Mean Species Abundance (MSA) metric.

Key strengths for academic users:

  • Transparency and reproducibility: methodology, data, and code are open; academic contributions and improvements are welcomed.
  • Diverse research applications: from regional impact modelling and biodiversity risk analysis to exploring synergies with frameworks like CSRD, TNFD, SBTN.
  • Educational value: a real-world tool for teaching biodiversity accounting, ecological modelling, and policy analysis.
GBS Open - Your academic research companion

GBS open is an open-source and open-data version of the GBS tool, released to promote accessibility, scientific rigor, and collaborative innovation. It is freely available for non-commercial research and educational use, with methodological transparency, but typically lags one version behind the latest stable release.

Access GBS Open
Academic Training – GBS Level 1 & Level 2 Courses

To fully utilise the GBS methodology in both research and teaching, academics can apply for a preferential-rate training path:

  • GBS Level 1 & Level 2 Training is offered at €2 500 (upon acceptance of the application).
  • Eligibility is determined via a questionnaire, allowing applicants to describe their intended use of GBS in academic contexts, whether for research, course design, or methodological exploration.
  • Successful candidates receive structured training and documentation to confidently apply the GBS in their academic work.
Benefits for academic institutions
  • Access to a cutting-edge tool for biodiversity footprinting and dependency analysis in line with international regulations (CSRD, TNFD, SBTN) and scientific frameworks.
  • Superior reproducibility through open methodology, datasets, and code.
  • Hands-on training via an affordable, application-based program tailored to academic needs.
  • Collaboration opportunities with the GBS community and CDC Biodiversité’s ecosystem.
From Research to Impact

Academic use of GBS and GBS open fosters a deeper understanding of biodiversity pressures, informs evidence-based environmental policy and education, and builds bridges between research, practice, and regulation. By engaging with the GBS, through open tools, training, and community, academics can lead impactful research that helps shape a nature-positive future.