Sharing Biodiversity Information throughout the Americas:
Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network
Gladys Cotter
The Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (IABIN) is an
Internet-based forum for technical and scientific cooperation that seeks
to promote greater coordination among Western Hemisphere countries in
the collection, sharing, and use of biodiversity information relevant to
decision-making and education. Information projects to date include:
development of a network for sharing invasive species information, a
survey of New World specimen holdings in European collections, as well
as creation of an IABIN web site that will be a gateway to the
information resources of IABIN participants. Continuing IABIN efforts
include establishing cooperative linkages with national, regional and
global initiatives; investigating and recommending standards and
protocols; evaluating software tools for network-wide use; and
developing projects that build capacity within participating countries
and institutions.
A Global Environment Facility (GEF) grant funded the development of a
plan for "Building the Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network."
Over 70 institutions throughout the hemisphere have committed a total of
over U.S.$ 30 million toward the implementation of IABIN; a proposal for
a U.S.$ 6 million grant from GEF to help fund the implementation is
currently awaiting a decision from GEF. All government agencies, NGOs,
universities, and private sector partners in the Americas are invited to
participate in IABIN.
|
webmaster@cria.org.br
