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ASEAN countries to establish data sharing mechanism to conserve biodiversity
(Hanoi, Vietnam, 11 March 2008) -- ASEAN countries are working together to establish a mechanism in sharing data and information to ensure protection and conservation of the region’s rich biological diversity (biodiversity). On 11-14 March 2008, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) will conduct a Sub-regional Workshop on Mechanism for Biodiversity Data Sharing and Harmonization in Hanoi, Vietnam.
During the workshop, data managers and providers from Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam will establish a mechanism on collecting, providing and sharing information on biodiversity and address the challenges on information and knowledge management.
ACB Executive Director Rodrigo U. Fuentes said the workshop will help build the capacity of participating countries to establish and strengthen biodiversity information exchange and harmonization.
“ASEAN countries have numerous available biodiversity information located in various different government agencies. However, there is no mechanism to share such information within the region. ACB, an intergovernmental and international regional centre of excellence of the ASEAN aimed at creating, promoting, and developing links with the public, private sector, civil society, international development institutions, and donor community for the sustainable use of biodiversity, has taken the lead in promoting the regional exchange of relevant knowledge on biodiversity,” Director Fuentes explained.
The exchange of biodiversity information among ASEAN countries is vital to meeting their commitment to the implementation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). One of the mechanisms to exchange information on biodiversity is the clearing-house mechanism (CHM), a knowledge management tool to mainstream and monitor progress of the ASEAN countries in implementing their national biodiversity strategic plans. The workshop will assist ASEAN countries in establishing national CHMs, including CHM Websites.
According to Ms. Connie Garcia, Director of ACB’s Biodiversity Information Management component, the Hanoi workshop is part of a series of workshops that will to foster regional discussion, sharing of knowledge, best practices and lessons learned in the area of biodiversity data sharing and harmonization. “Information sharing is necessary to assist policy makers and stakeholders to meet country obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity,” Director Garcia explained.
The convention was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993. It is the first global agreement to cover all aspects of biological diversity: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.Other news:
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