SABOL, the South African node of the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) was established in 2010, following a series of consultations and workshops dating as far back as 2006. DNA Barcoding, a method developed for rapid species identification based on a standardized gene region, has been adopted by many researchers and institutions across the country; with over 40 projects contributing to the DNA Barcoding initiative. These include several large collaborative projects funded both locally (e.g., by the FBIP) and internationally (e.g., by the International Research Development Centre, IDRC).

The ultimate aim of these projects is to contribute to the DNA Barcode reference library (Barcode of Life Data System, BOLD), to catalogue and identify all living organisms across the world. This database of genetic information is especially important for South Africa as it is used in many applications including (but are not limited to) identification of material in forensics case work for law enforcement, authentication in the food and nutraceutical industries, in agriculture and for research purposes.  

It is therefore important that all South African efforts are coordinated to ensure maximum use of available resources, and that existing DNA barcode gaps are filled, enabling the establishment of a comprehensive library. DNA barcoding efforts in the country are coordinated by SABOL, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation through the FBIP.