Technologies and skills for successful biodiversity information management: Challenges and opportunities for policy and business

Abstract

SummaryBiodiversity and healthy ecosystems are fundamental resources for the future of humanity and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has almost universal acceptance as a framework for their conservation, sustainable use and benefit-sharing. Effective biodiversity information management is essential for the successful implementation of the CBD at the national level. The Convention imposes important obligations for identification and monitoring of the components of biodiversity (CBD Article 7 and Annex 1), and encourages nations to exchange information and cooperate in technical and scientific endeavours (Articles 17 and 18). This paper explains how operational targets agreed by the CBD Conference of Parties and the World Summit on Sustainable Development have made the need for effective monitoring and the use of national and global indicators even more urgent. The technologies needed to obtain and manage such information are briefly described.A conceptual framework for planning, capacity building and transfer of information technologies is presented – the “Knowledge Pyramid”. A range of technological and capacity-building projects linked to components of the model are also described. These include pilot studies of harmonization of reporting across conventions, testing national indicators in the field, and training programmes for the developing world. In closing, the paper presents components of UNEP–WCMC’s strategy for technology transfer and capacity-building, including support for the development of information networks in support of CBD Focal Points and their scientific institutions, as well as for the clearing house mechanism at national and global levels