IABIN - Invasive Species Thematic Network

The U.S. Geological Survey is the Coordinating Institution (CI) for the Invasive Species Thematic Network. The USGS will not however receive GEF funds, but rather will help coordinate the development of this TN.


Rationale for Selection of the CI
The IABIN Invasive Species Information Network (I3N) was initiated by USGS/BIO in 2001 fourteen countries, covering most of the terrestrial area of the hemisphere, are in various stages of implementing I3N; three new participants signed up in August 2003. I3N has been recognized by CBD and GISP as an initiative to be supported. The IABIN council reaffirmed the key role of I3N at its third meeting. I3N consists of web-accessible, national catalogs of invasive species metadata. Tools at the disposal of the network include a cataloging and data output tool; a listserv; a virtual community; and an extensive bilingual web site that contains a repository for data submitted by those participants not able to serve their own, a Cataloguer download page with instructions, a search and browse page, instructions on creating XML and on serving data on the internet, fact sheets, contact information, sample XML output, and all pilot project documents.

For this reason it is proposed that I3N be recognized as the IABIN invasive species thematic network. USGS/BIO and its partners in NBII have made major investments to increase the amount of publicly available biological information on invasive species and international initiatives. The NBII invasive species initiative funds I3N-related activities by developing the Invasive Species Information Node, encouraging NBII nodes to adopt data standards, participating in GISP activities, coordinating workshops, furthering agreements on protocols and standards, and providing technical assistance to NBII partners. The invasive species program of the USGS Biology discipline contributes to invasive species databases targeted for research and monitoring.

Description
The Invasive Species Thematic Network will encourage the creation and standardization of national and sub-national databases, promote their interoperability, and create value-added products.

Key Justification Facts:

• Invasive species pose increasing risks to human health, native species, ecosystems, and national economies.
• The exchange of information across national borders is key to the detection and management of this threat.
• Interoperable national and sub national databases provide the basis for information exchange.
• The Invasive Species Thematic Network provides direct access to databases currently scattered and inaccessible.

General Objective
Expand the IABIN Invasive Species Information Network to all IABIN member countries. Increase the usability, content, and value of the network.
Expected coverage: Regional (all IABIN countries)