Welcome

Conservation is all about place, so it is not surprising that mapping plays an integral part in successfully addressing today's conservation challenges. A couple of years ago, the Wilburforce Foundation asked me if our organization (Conservation Biology Institute or CBI) would be interested in helping develop a new website that would address the common disconnect observed between conservation science and conservation practice paying particular attention to mapping solutions. Their original vision and support has allowed for the creation of this important new website - Data Basin. Working in close partnership with Rhiza Labs and now ESRI, we have done our best to build the kind of website that you will find extremely valuable by providing: (1) direct access to numerous spatial datasets you need with the ability to upload your own; (2) easy-to-use mapping and organizational tools to make you more effective; and (3) important connections to others within the conservation community. Data Basin is not about us telling our story; it is about helping you tell yours. Like any newborn, expect Data Basin to undergo many changes over the months and years ahead. We know we are pushing many boundaries both technically and socially. With your help, we will do our best to keep Data Basin a vibrant and powerful resource to make the planet a better place for all life. I invite you to take a little time to get familiar with Data Basin and, if you are interested, please consider becoming a registered Data Basin member - it's free. Come explore, create, share, and learn. We have much to do together.