Mycelium of science diplomacy: Cultivating Gulf biodiversity data sharing in complex trust environments

In the Persian-Arabian Gulf, conservation is uniquely complicated by transboundary ecosystems, migratory species, and anthropogenic pressures in the world’s hottest sea. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent data standards, and limited data interoperability complicate cross-border collaboration for science where geopolitical sensitivities, institutional fragmentation, and uneven capacities create a complex trust environment that can constrain cross-border collaboration. We propose a model for biodiversity data diplomacy inspired by the decentralized, reciprocal, and adaptive mycelium-like networks. While existing bodies such as the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) play a role, we outline further steps, including regional data frameworks, capacity building, and inclusive governance. Like other examples of science diplomacy in complex trust geopolitical regions, we see renewed opportunities in the Gulf for politically neutral, equitable, and peer-driven spaces for data sharing. Most importantly, Gulf states and non-state actors can seize the opportunity to establish shared scientific priorities as foundations for broader diplomatic engagement, ecological resilience, climate adaptation, and scientific leadership.