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Meetings
Summit for All Species
October 13-15, 2001
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Some four dozen biodiversity scientists, journalists, and philanthropists gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, October 13-15, 2001, to advance the discussion initiated at the Megadiverse Countries Workshop on the All Species Inventory in Mexico City last month. The specific purposes of the Summit for All Species were summarized by the Convenor, Dr. Edward O. Wilson, as follows:

  • Explore coordination of efforts
  • Draft a statement of common purpose, with a time line and rough budget for a complete global biotic survey
  • Share information on current and anticipated technology that will accelerate systematics exploration, ecosystems and species mapping
  • Explore funding needs and opportunities with the aim of scaling up in such a way as to "lift all ships"

The full list of participants is given in the meetings section of this website. Other reference materials are two white papers relating to the subject of the Summit, both presented in the What's New section, one authored by Brian Boom, Peter Raven, and E. O. Wilson, setting the framework for the discussion, and the other by Kevin Kelly, concerning lessons learned from one mega-science initiative, the Human Genome Project, for another mega-science project: All Species. The agenda for the Summit is also listed in the meetings section.

The summary of a Resolution unanimously adopted by the group at the Summit, building on identical sentiments expressed by participants in the Megadiverse Countries' meeting is as follows:

To identify and classify every living species on Earth, including the large majority still undiscovered, and to inventory the complete diversity of life on our planet with a goal of completion within 25 years, hence a human generation. A complete exploration and assessment of the diversity of life on Earth will surely rank as one of the greatest and most necessary human achievements.

More details on results of the Summit will appear on this website as the information is assembled, so check back periodically. Numerous ideas were generated for near-term (five years) goals for ALL Species and tremendous enthusiasm for this mega-science initiative was palpable and heartening. ALL Species is an important and doable undertaking, and the time to begin is now: All Species for All People in 25 Years!

The Summit for All Species was made possible by a generous grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to the ALL Species Foundation, and we gratefully acknowledge this catalytic and timely support.

Dr. Brian M. Boom