Hong Kong Biodiversity Genomics Hub and Earth BioGenome Project: Hong Kong (EBPHK)
Revealing the genomes of biodiversity, including animals, plants, and fungi, are scientifically and socially important. Nowadays, biodiversity is declining globally at unprecedented rates. Various international consortia (e.g., Darwin Tree of Life, Earth BioGenome Project, European Reference Genome Atlas) are targeting this problem through the generation of reference genomes. Such genomic resources are aimed in understanding and preserving genetic diversity for our present and future generations. Despite the rich and unique biodiversity found in the Asia Pacific region, the genomic sequencing effort is somehow missing. Utilising PacBio HiFi sequencing, here, we provided genomic resources of 7 animal, plant, and fungi species with special scientific and conservation values for Hong Kong and the overall region. This comprehensive, multispecies, genomic effort sets a roadmap to assist local and regional biodiversity research, management and conservation.