Published in Probe Volume 2(3): Fall 1992
Dora Ann Lange Canhos
Project Manager
Tropical Data Base
Campinas, Brazil
A Biodiversity Information Network is currently under development to help solve the increasing problem of managing global diversity information. The network, known as BIN/21, will disseminate and facilitate access to biodiversity information world-wide.
An international group of scientists and other interested persons initiated BIN/21 in support of recommendations from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro in June. Providing guidance for the network developers are two chapters of UNCED's official document, Agenda 21, "Conservation of Biological Diversity" and "Information for Decision-making."
The first mission of the initiative is to ensure participation of the entire biodiversity community. Active involvement of all regions of the world is encouraged.
Planning Workshop
To initiate the effort, approximately 35 scientists and others in government and nongovernment organizations participated in a Workshop on the Needs and Specifications for a Biodiversity Information Network, which was held at the Tropical Data Base, in Campinas, Brazil, July 26-31.
Sponsors for the workshop were the International Union of Biological Sciences, the International Union of Microbiological Societies, and the World Federation for Culture Collections. The workshop was also made available online through a variety of electronic networks to approximately 200 additional individuals. Funding for the workshop came from various sources, including the United Nations Environment Program, the Brazilian Institute for Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, the Projects and Studies Financing Agency, and the British Council.
Need for Network
The sustainable management of the environment and conservation of the biodiversity of plants, animals, microorganisms, and all living things depend on reliable and readily accessible information. Without information on the names, the locations, the activities, and the interactions of organisms in the ecosystem, appropriate policies, conservation strategies, and remedial actions cannot succeed.
The amount of information currently in existence and soon to be developed is vast. Since information is scattered around the world and not easily obtainable, a clear need exists for a network to link these resources and to make them readily available.
The network will consist primarily of electronically linking databases and providing a communications system. However, other means will also be used for distributing information. BIN/21 will encourage the exchange of data and ensure that the needs of developing countries are met. The information resource will be global; participation of the developing world will be actively sought.
An interim steering group is to provide support for the initiative and seek funding and sponsorship. Working groups already set up will give technical, educational, and administrative support to initiate the establishment of the network.
World-wide Interest
From the interest shown by individuals who attended the workshop and those who participated through electronic means, BIN/21 is attracting world-wide interest, reflecting the general recognition that information is an essential element in the underpinning of the Rio Convention.
BIN/21's participants invite the active involvement of all individuals and organizations with an interest in the aims of the network. If you wish to subscribe to the Biodiversity Bulletin Board, send your message to listserv@bdt.ftpt.ansp.br. Within the text, type: subscribe biodiv-1 (add your name).
Contacts
For further information, contact the following individuals:
Vanderlei Canhos, Base de Dados Tropical, Fundacao Tropical de Pesquisas e Tecnologia "Andre Tosello", Rua Latino Coehlo, 1301 - Parque Taquaral, 13087-010 Cammpinas, SP, Brasil, Tel:+55 192 42- 7022, Email: dora@bdt.ftpt.ansp.br
John McComb, World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 201 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 ODL, UK; Tel: +44 223 277314, Email:johnm@wcmc.co.uk, BT Gold 75:DBI0710
Barbara Kirsop, Microbial Strain Data Network, 307 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 OJX, UK, Tel: +44 223 276622, Email: msdn@cgnet.com or BT Gold 75:DBI0005
Anthony Whitworth, Association for Progressive Communications, 2284 Railroad Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709, Tel: +1 907 4798129, Email: anthony@igc.apc.org or anthony@gis.lter.alaska.edu
Hideaki Sugawara, World Data Center for Microorganisms, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan, Tel: +81 48 4621111, Email: r35118@rkna50.riken.go.jp