Sonet, G.,  Nagy, Z.,  Smitz, N.,  Virgilio, M.,  Jordaens, K.,  Backeljau, T.,  De Meyer, M. & BeBoL Network. 2015. ‘A special issue on DNA barcoding edited by the Belgian Network for DNA Barcoding (BeBoL)’. 6th International Barcode of Life Conference. Book of abstracts. 283.

Conference abstract

Background: The Belgian Network for DNA Barcoding (BeBoL) was launched in 2011. It provides a multidisciplinary platform for 25 institutes active in DNA barcoding and molecular systematics. Between 2011 and 2013, collaborative projects of BeBoL resulted in about 45 ISI publications on DNA barcoding, integrative taxonomy, phylogenetics, phylogeography, identification of cryptic species, biosecurity, and conservation genetics. BeBoL activities also included organization of congresses (Third European Conference for the Barcode of Life in 2012, DNA in Forensics 2014), symposia, workshops, and training activities. More information about the Network is available on the BeBoL website (http://bebol. myspecies. info). Results: In December 2013, the Network edited a special issue of ZooKeys (issue 365) entitled “DNA barcoding: a practical tool for fundamental and applied biodiversity research”. This open-access publication (http://zookeys.pensoft.net/ browse_journal_issue_documents?issue_id=377) comprised 21 research papers and included, among others, contributions of BeBoL partners and participants of the ECBOL3 conference. Contributions focused on many aspects of the DNA Barcode of Life initiative: (i) technical challenges (DNA barcoding museum or processed biological material, biobanking); (ii) testing the utility of COI and alternative markers for species identifications of flatworms, molluscs, insects, birds, and plants; (iii) validation of DNA barcoding identification pipelines (for fish landings and forensic entomology); and (iv) applications in biodiversity monitoring (marine mammals, forest resources). Significance: As a supplement to large-scale DNA barcoding campaigns, this collaborative initiative is providing methodological resources together with reference DNA barcodes for specific purposes (e.g., monitoring fish landings, forensics, medicinal plants, etc.).