An international mission to sequence all known eukaryotic life on Earth—roughly 1.5m species. Led by Harris Lewin of Arizona State University, the EBP has 61 contributing projects from around the world. Its first phase aims to produce 10,000 genomes by 2026 or early 2027; the ultimate goal is to have all known eukaryotes sequenced by 2035.
The largest contributor to the EBP is the Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) project, which aims to sequence all animals, fungi and plants found in Great Britain and Ireland—some 35,000 species in total. By July 2025 the project had collected nearly 8,000 species and sequenced 2,034, with a target of 3,000 by December 2025. Peter Holland of the University of Oxford leads the effort.
DToL's genomes have been used for conservation monitoring: the genome of the pine hoverfly, Britain's rarest native insect, has helped evaluate inbreeding in captive-bred populations being reintroduced to the wild. Similar analyses have been performed on the Eurasian otter and the chequered skipper butterfly. Researchers are also looking for ways to use DToL's genome of the scour worm, a livestock parasite, to generate a vaccine. Kew Gardens, a DToL member, is searching newly sequenced fungi for medicinal compounds.
Genomic hotspots can provide many species over a small area: Wytham Woods, a woodland in Oxford, has been one such site for DToL.
Wild sampling is subject to the Nagoya protocol, an international treaty asserting each country's right to negotiate access to the genetic resources of organisms found on its territory. Scientists must obtain permits and sign benefit-sharing agreements before collecting samples abroad—hurdles designed to counter centuries of rich countries extracting value from poorer countries' biodiversity. Though noble in intent, the protocol creates mountains of confusing bureaucracy. Some teams have responded by teaching local scientists, who are exempt from Nagoya restrictions, how to do genomic sequencing, or by developing mobile gene-sequencers for use in places without laboratory facilities.
[Crash programs] fail because they are based on the theory that, with nine women pregnant, you can get a baby a month.