In recent times, the rate at which biological information is being generated has increased several-fold due to advances in technologies such as remote sensing and sensor networks. The dynamics of complex ecosystems, essential for the resilience and sustainability of human communities, are still not fully understood. While considerable biological explorations and cataloguing has been accomplished through many years of scientific research, new species are continually being discovered all across India. Additionally, much of this information remains in silos. A comprehensive catalogue of biodiversity and its spatio-temporal distribution is essential to realise the full potential of this data as well as to address the challenges of conservation and sustainability for human well-being. In order to balance development, sustainability and conservation, an essential requirement is the availability of comprehensive and open data across the complete spectrum of biodiversity, natural resources and human populations. Integrating small and large research efforts that gather data on biodiversity and maintain distributed repositories into an open national repository will have multiplier effects on conservation, sustainable livelihoods and human well-being.

Cataloguing and Mapping Life (CML) is the centrepiece programme of the National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being. The programme will develop a comprehensive database and portal for the biodiversity of India, setup pilots and operate environmental DNA sites across the country, identify biodiversity data gaps and catalogue biodiversity of such areas and serve as a data repository for all other programmes and projects of this Mission.

Over the years, there have been multiple initiatives, funded by the Government as well as non-government agencies, to catalogue and monitor biodiversity.