The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has sent a four-member delegation to the 12th Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Conference being held in Cape Town, South Africa until April 7.

During the five-day conference, participants will attend an execution directors' meeting, a science symposium and the Node management committee.

In particular, they are expected to discuss ways to raise member countries' contributions as a means of strengthening GBIF activities. The GBIF is an international non-profit organization providing free and universal access to data regarding the world's biodiversity.

At present, about 80 countries participate in the GBIF and register and jointly share more than 8,500 files on bidodiversity.

South Korea joined the GBIF in 2001, becoming the 17th regular member country. It contributes $50,000 annually to the international organization.