GaiaList21 a project proposed by the Zoological Society of Japan <B>GaiaList21 a project proposed by the Zoological Society of Japan</B><P> </B><B>Yoshihisa Shirayama </B><BR> Seto Marine Biology Laboratory, Kyoto University. Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Pref., 649-22, Japan<B></B><P> The necessity to carry out the research on the biodiversity at the global scale has been emphasised strongly in the last decade. In addition, the laboratory biology such as physiology and biochemistry started to pursue research on taxon specific phenomenon rather than a general rule applicable to any biota. Corresponding to these movements, The Zoological Society of Japan has proposed a project named "GaiaList 21". The framework of the project is:<P> 1. Classify all the species of living beings present on the earth and describe their comprehensive biological information.<BR> 2. Store and manage not only whole body specimens of all the species described, but also their cells and genome DNA.<BR> 3. Support the education of taxonomists, molecular biologists and technicians necessary for these tasks.<BR> 4. Establish "GaiaList Centre", which is responsible for the implementation of these tasks.<BR> 5. Implement the project on a global scale tentatively for ten 5-year terms.<BR> 6. Japan will serve as the executor of the project and take the responsibility for the majority of its funding. The GaiaList Centre, however, is an equal opportunity organisation open to all nationalities.<P> This proposal was authorised by the society after a 4 year discussion. Now the steering committee established in the society is making more concrete plans and pursuing the funding source necessary to realise the big project.<P>