5th IABIN Council Meeting Punta del Este, Uruguay, 9 May 2007 I3N REPORT 5th IABIN Council Meeting Punta del Este, Uruguay, 9 May 2007 Andrea Grosse, I3N Coordinator, and TWG members: Sean Townsend, I3N-Jamaica Lead Sergio Zalba, I3N-Argentina Lead Silvia Ziller, I3N-Brazil Lead

This week’s 5 I3N meetings I3N-Uruguay I3N South American Sub-regional I3N TWG I3N Caribbean lunch Council Report progress, request feedback, obtain guidance Provide opportunity for Focal Points to meet with I3N participants

Guidance for TNs from 2006 IEC meeting Capacity building as primary focus Practical products, useful to institutions Tools for decision-making should be linked to data and applications that TNs are developing Promote Focal Point participation

Achievements since last Council Countries with Leads 2004: 12  2007: 16 Old website Major enhancements in 2006 Visits during Dec06: 3,090 Visits 1st Quarter 2007: 10,141 New website Country homepages: 16 Documents accessible: national = 243; general = 43

Achievements (2) Tools Concepts / tools training Search engine updated New I3N database template Country Web System template Manuals online Risk assessment tool Pathways assessment tool Concepts / tools training People trained: Dec06 = 503; Mar07 = 524 IABIN countries: Dec06 = 16; Mar07 = 16 All countries: Dec06 = 25; Mar07 = 34 Content grants 2006: 9

Achievements (3) Data online, new Database (Arg, Bra) Species: Dec06 = 614; Mar07 = 733 Occurrences: Dec06 = 9,974; Mar07 = 10,726 Data online, old Database Species: Mar07 = 2,214 (excluding Arg, Bra) A. Grosse/NBII: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

Achievements (4) I3N list server subscribers Outreach Old list, Oct06 = 287 New list, Apr07 = 280 (518 = iabinfriends) Outreach Presentations at international conferences = 7 Papers published: >= 13; peer reviewed >= 2

Achievements (5) Pilots in Asia, Africa: 3 workshops Thank you Horus Institute, GISIN, TNC, Univ. Nac. del Sur, GISP, CABI! Global collaborations GISP, GISIN, TNC, CABI, PBIF, GEOSS, TDWG, ISSG/GISD, ASEAN Countries additional products: many!

Highlights from country reports Species (06 / 07) Occurrence records (06/07) Trainees (06 / 07) Data providers (pers/instit) Policy, mgt, etc Publications, posters Other products Arg 407/452 450/1087 5 238 Yes Yes: 3 -- Bra 267 / 281 9524 / 9639 613 / 260 Informe Nacional sobre espécies exóticas invasoras Col -- / 368 [diff. format] -- / 230 45 / -- CoR Yes: 1 DoR 138 / 138 -- / 342 112 / 24 Yes: 2; article listing the benefits of I3N activities to the country Jam 83 / 84 247 / 271 21 30 / 12 2 posters, 2 brochures Mex None reported Per 35 Poster Par -- / 23 -- / 77 11 / 6 Uru 107 / 170 911 / 1306 19 / 7 Yes: 3; scientific article that contains a reference to I3N: Especies acuáticas exóticas en Uruguay: situación, problemática y manejo USA 15-50 - / 7 Yes: 2

2007 Deliverables (highlights) Tools and Standards Marine habitat terms Template for national invasive species strategies Fielded searches Risk assessment tool Pathway assessment tool Helpdesk Collaboration and Communications Spanish and Portuguese Web pages Toolkit for FP & Leads Project Management Sub-regional meeting New I3N Leads Overview of data administrator role Liaising with PAIGH, TNC, GISP and GISIN, CABI (ASEAN, GEOSS, PBIF, TDWG) Capacity Building Addition of marine case studies $ Follow up activities Reach out to indigenous people’s organizations Delivery of workshops in 4 countries Content Grants Award 4 – 6 grants

Tools Objectives Develop standard IAS information in each country Species profiles, locations, status, impact, control, projects, experts, references Help countries to organize their information National biodiversity informatics systems are complemented by I3N Can provide first IAS system or help standardize national and subnational databases Offer a tool to aid IAS management at national level, facilitating collaboration and making information accessible to managers Promote and facilitate IAS information exchange among countries

I3N Database on Invasive Alien Species Portuguese, Spanish, English interface Creates standardized records Customized with vocabulary for habitat types and political subdivision specific to your country Automated output (XML-tagged) for sharing information with other systems Free Internet hosting Technical, conceptual, and strategic support (Helpdesk)

I3N Web-Based Country Information System Public portal, with fielded search function Intranet system Unlimited number of authorized data providers can input/edit data online Entries do not become public until accepted by administrator Administration level (I3N National Lead / DB Administrator, control information release to the public)

Country Information System DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR DATA PROVIDERS (INTRANET) DATABASE INFORMATION ON-LINE USERS

Standards General IABIN standards (4th IABIN Council, Panama 2004) Controlled vocabulary lists developed by I3N (based on discussions with the IUCN-ISSG Global Invasive Species Database, IABIN Standards and Protocols Working Group, GISIN, TDWG, NBII) Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) Dublin Core (for metadata on resources found on the Web) National classifications are used for habitats/ecosystems

Data Quality Quality of data depends on data providers and National Leads Data quality policy will be proposed by a contractor and reviewed by TWG Consider GBIF data quality policy PATN data quality expert and GISD Lead will be contacted for input Quality of data depends on data providers and National Leads. data quality policy will be proposed by a contractor and reviewed by TWG consider the GBIF data quality policy PATN data quality expert and GISD Lead will be contacted for input

I3N Searches IABIN Search Country search Central search (I3N) Web Country Information System I3N Central Web Country Database hosted on central I3N website Country documents on central I3N website

Future Tools Mapping occurrence records I3N-TWG discussions; awaiting guidance from Secretariat and IT-TWG I3N-Paraguay (Guyra Paraguay) prototype tool Pan American Institute on Geography and History (PAIGH/IPGH) expert (J. Klaver) invited to TWG brings a geospatial and Pan-American geography point of view Risk & pathways analyses Mapping occurrence records I3N-TWG discussions; awaiting guidance from Secretariat and IT-TWG I3N-Paraguay (Guyra Paraguay) prototype tool Pan American Institute on Geography and History (PAIGH/IPGH) expert (J. Klaver) invited to TWG -she brings a geospatial and Pan-American geography point of view

Risk and pathways analysis tools Uses I3N data and controlled vocabulary Will use data from PATN & SSTN Support prevention, early detection and control Enable governments to determine management priorities based on I3N data Results can be used in national IAS strategies, reports and policy development Based on I3N data and standards Support prevention, early detection and control Enable governments to determine management priorities based on I3N data Results can be used in national IAS strategies, reports and policy development

Data content creation Pilot projects GEF project from 2005 Funding from USGS & US State Dept. Initial I3N Database - “Cataloger” in 2002 GEF project from 2005 New I3N Database (USGS funds) I3N Country Web Information System Training workshop tested at intl. biodiversity conference, Brazil Contractor identified cap. building needs

Training workshops in 10 IABIN countries since Dec. 2005 Bolivia Training workshops in 10 IABIN countries since Dec. 2005 Bolivia workshop in May, 2007 Content building grants Currently in 9 countries Possible 4-6 new grants in 2007

Capacity Building Support I3N National Leads and Focal Points in raising awareness using IAS data Support for Focal Points for decision-making in their agencies and national institutions using I3N and partners tools Future outreach toolkit on CD Knowledgeable experts in IAS are available on a limited basis to train government officials and other specialists in IAS information management and I3N tools

Links to global/regional initiatives The Nature Conservancy - South America Invasive Species Program The Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) Letter of agreement signed during TWG Meeting Workshops in Africa and Asia ISSG/GISD – Global Invasive Species Database Agreed standards for database (New Zealand) GISIN - Search interface, standards, workshops - Denmark, Argentina, Great Britain, Malaysia, China, Morocco, Zambia, New Zealand, Germany, USA

Links to global/regional initiatives BioNet PAIGH - Pan-American Institute of Geography and History – expertise for mapping, exploring possibilities for joint training PBIF - Pacific Biodiversity Information Facility GEOSS - Global Earth Obs. System of Systems TDWG - Taxonomic Databases Working Group of International Union of Biological Scientists ASEAN – Association of South East Asian Nations USAID, US State Department (USA) NatureServe (USA) Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)

Links to national initiatives 16 GOVERNMENTS SUPPORTING NATIONAL LEADS GEKKO/Universidad Nacional del Sur (Argentina) Guyra Paraguay (Paraguay) InBio (Costa Rica) Institute of Jamaica (Jamaica) CRIA (Brazil) Jatun Sacha (Ecuador) Horus Institute (Brazil) Von Humboldt Institute (Colombia) Universidad Ricardo Palma (Perú) Universidad de la República (Uruguay) CONABIO (Mexico) National Biological Information Infrastructure, U.S. Geological Survey Collaboration at strategic and technical levels: tools dissemination, training, standards, tools development

GISP Model for a National Invasive Species Strategy Policy approach Benefits to countries and Focal Points Brings vision for the future Brings light into action for the near future, before the COP 9 in-depth review on invasive alien species Highlight results at COP 9, May 2008 Improves opportunities for regional cooperation

GISP National Strategy Coordination and integration Roles and responsibilities Prevention, risk assessment Management and control Legal infrastructure and public policies Capacity building Information system Education and public awareness Research needs Priority setting and planning Monitoring and evaluation Funding Golden mussel

GISP National Strategy Synergy with I3N: benefits to I3N Cofinancing for GEF grant Joint workshops Feedback from users to I3N tools The National Strategy is the context for I3N tools used in decision-making Other complementary tools will be developed in the future to benefit I3N participants

Indigenous peoples The IABIN Project Appraisal Document highlights the need to conduct capacity building and support for indigenous peoples and local communities to access scientific data and technologies Paraguay database includes vocabulary in Guarani NBII and I3N led a workshop at the National Tribal Conference on Invasive Species, US, 2006 Issue discussed in Technical Working Group Meetings in Costa Rica, 2006, and Uruguay, 2007

Structure of I3N CI (NBII) coordinates activities TWG advisors to CI on technical matters as well as keep the Focal point and Lead informed of development in I3N I3N National Leads (16 countries) liaise with secretariat, CI, TWG, data providers, database administrators & other IABIN TNs Database Administrator monitor and fine-tune the performance of the database Data providers develop, manage, and submit data to Leads

Coordinating Institution (NBII) National Focal Point I3N TWG Coordinating Institution (NBII)

I3N Actor Responsibilities focused on coordination (see I3N working paper) Coordinating Institution Coordinate network Chair TWG Assist in the selection of National Leads (with Focal Points) Keep Council and IEC informed of I3N activities Manage listserv, central website, search engine Technical Working Group Serve in an advisory role to the CI on particular technical aspects, assisting the CI and responding to CI requests Identify common issues of data providers and I3N leads. Each member is also expected to keep the Focal Point and I3N Lead of her or his country, as well as other relevant experts and institutions, informed and to obtain their input when appropriate. Each member is also expected to identify new project ideas and priorities, and bring those to the attention of the TWG and CI Database Administrator Monitor and fine-tuning the performance of the database. Control, monitor and validate the information added by data providers. Maintain the network and acknowledge contributions by data providers. Maintain and update a Web page hosting the information included in the database and stating the criteria used for the database. Backup and restore the database National Leads Facilitate and provide access to data on invasive species in the Lead’s nation and throughout the Americas Utilize and promote IABIN standards and best practices among Data Providers Develop and maintain relationships with IABIN Focal Point, USGS/NBII, Secretariat and IEC Recruit and guide Data Providers Work with data providers, USGS/NBII, other TNs and Secretariat to ensure that IAS data is available through the IABIN and I3N websites and is fully compliant with IABIN data and metadata standards Coordinate with their Focal Points and their counterpart National Leads from other IABIN TNs to keep IABIN participants in their nation informed Data Providers Work in concert with National Leads, USGS/NBII, Secretariat and others to integrate data into the network Coordinate with National Leads and USGS/NBII to ensure that data complies with the standards and practices and addresses relevant needs within the Americas Secretariat Endeavor to have regular communication, collaboration, and joint working group meetings with other TNs, to facilitate integration Approach CIs of all TNs to identify needs and share strategies, techniques, contacts and applications Focal Points Select National Leads (with CI) Assist National Leads in promoting I3N information gathering and distribution activities among governmental institutions, NGOs, universities, and the in-country biological community

I3N Technical Working Group (TWG) Guides annual work plan development, advises CI IABIN at-large observer invited and funded for last 2 meetings Rita Besana IABIN Secretariat Andrea Grosse I3N Coordinator Jacqueline Klaver PAIGH Boris Ramirez Richard Smith BioNET-International Annie Simpson USA Sean Townsend Jamaica Sergio Zalba Argentina Sílvia Ziller Brazil William Ulate SSTN Technical Lead

Caribbean activities I3N-Bahamas (2006), I3N-Jamaica (2006), I3N-Dominican Republic (2005) participate since 2002 Popular publication by Brigido Hierro, I3N-Dominican Republic CD, posters, legislation amendment draft NBSAP, establishment of AIWG by I3N-Jamaica NBSAP has plan of action for IAS Influenced by I3N-Bahamas Coordination with TNC, GISP, CARDI, CISWG: meeting 1/07 in Trinidad Begin focused outreach to new islands this week I3N Jamaica act as resource personnel to the Caribbean on technical issues and guide from experience Thursday lunch with Sean, Andrea and IABIN Jamaica Focal Point Workshops in Caribbean countries in 2008 Add marine case studies, translate workshop materials French translation of database and website Content-Building Grants

I3N lessons learned Emphasize people aspects Build the human network Identify individuals with commitment Make the tools simple to use Use software that biologists know Ensure recognition of info sources Encourages data providers Need significant technical and administrative support for Leads and database managers

How I3N supports country efforts Workshops Mini-grants for post-workshop meeting Thank you Francisco! Grants Input to national strategy template Follow up communication & tech support

How I3N works with other TNs and Catalog Joint meetings Sent representatives to TWG meetings of SSTN, PTN Concurrent meetings (7-8 May); CIs invited IABIN at-large observers invited and funded for last 2 TWG meetings I3N IT Lead is also IT Lead for IABIN Catalog and member of IABIN IT TWG

How I3N works with other TNs and Catalog (2) SSTN: representative invited to I3N TWG ETN: I3N Coordinator organizes GEOSS ecosystems mapping task (component of ETN) PTN: CI representatives are also members of I3N CI PATN: I3N risk analysis tool will include PATN data

I3N needs from Council Encourage countries to join I3N and designate national Leads Provide guidance on facilitating information vs. advocacy

I3N needs from Focal Points Appoint your national I3N Lead Support your Lead Advocate data standardization and sharing Support travel of Lead to meetings Ask agencies, universities, NGOs to send data to I3N Database Manager Keep Lead informed of relevant initiatives Facilitate interaction of Lead with other governmental bodies that deal with management of invasive species

I3N needs from Focal Points (2) Help create IAS national strategy Help ensure continued maintenance of DB Suggest additional tools for decision-making Disseminate posters, fact sheets, toolkit to governmental institutions, NGOs, universities, and the in-country biological community

I3N needs from other TNs ETN: Reference classification & map of ecosystems PATN: PA polygons, IAS data SSTN: Discuss linkages between species records PTN: Discuss data links

Our Vision: Slow the spread of IAS! All countries use & maintain I3N Database, Web System, or standards Key national data providers work with Leads Data are online and public Agencies use I3N data & tools for analyses, reports, action plans Decision-makers use information on control and prevention methods Countries exchange info on shared species Global organizations value I3N data

Andrea Rita Annie Sean Richard TALK TO US! Sergio William Jacqueline Silvia Boris