II Course on GBIF Node Management Arusha, Tanzania 31 st October and 1 st November 2008 Patricia KOLEFF OSORIO Director for Analysis and Priorities CONABIO - Mexico Uses of Biodiversity Data Fulvio Eccardi

Uses of Biodiversity Data SUMMARY 1.Introduction 2.Impact of invasive species 3.Risk assessment for GMO 4.Other examples 5.Next steps 6.Conclusions

INTRODUCTION Uses of Biodiversity Data CONABIO National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity Conceived as a: demand-driven research organization promotes basic research (systematic, ecological, socio- economic) compiles existing national and international biodiversity information about Mexico generates human resources in the area of informatics for biodiversity (i.e. capacity building) is an open resource of information to all society

INTRODUCTION Uses of Biodiversity Data CONABIO’s “philosophical” bases Serve as a bridging institution Biodiversity conservation and management based mostly on local actions by local people Generate knowledge about our natural capital at national level so it can be applied at the local level Most of what needs to be conserved and/or managed is outside Protected Areas, owned by people Therefore people must be a central actor of the process of conservation and management Information is needed by all different sectors

How is a Biodiversity Information System constructed?  Specimen databases  Catalogues and authority files  Species databases  Remote sensing capabilities and electronic cartography  Statistical and analytical tools  Expert networks Biodiversity Information Systems Uses of Biodiversity Data

Database growth Uses of Biodiversity Data Specimen databases Ecological /genetic databases Species fact sheets Georeferenced records

Data repatriation Uses of Biodiversity Data Virtual Herbarium  ca. 100,000 specimens in digital format, obtained by CONABIO.  Herbarium: K, NY, ARIZ, etc. 284,542 Uses of Biodiversity Data

A key issue: data bases quality control Uses of Biodiversity Data Data bases quality control

A key issue: data bases quality control Uses of Biodiversity Data Lessons learned A megadiverse country like Mexico, needed an institution able to coordinate and support the many biodiversity-related efforts in the country Biodiversity information is potentially huge and unfortunately highly heterogeneous. Biodiversity information about Mexico is not only spread all around the country in tens of institutions, it is also found in foreign countries. Lack of standards, procedures and quality control. Level of informatics skills among the biological collections is poor. There is no direct interest to produce more and better biodiversity information.

Pooling data together Uses of Biodiversity Data Chapman, A. D Uses of Primary Species-Occurrence Data, version 1.0. Report for the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Copenhagen. The Virtual Herbarium of Mexico 1,256,300 records from >80 herbaria, mainly in Mexico and the U. S., plus 25 other countries. But this represents a sampling intensity of only ~ 0.7 plant specimens/km 2

Indicators of use of CONABIO’s services (REMIB) Uses of Biodiversity Data

Growth rate of GBIF data sharing GBIF efforts in digitizing and mobilizing primary biodiversity data

Impacts of invasive species Uses of Biodiversity Data Second cause of biodiversity loss in the world (Simberloff, 2000) Around 80% of endangered species worldwide could suffer losses caused by invasive species (Pimentel et al., 2005) Impacts include: Structure and composition changes in native populations and communities Ecosystem degradation Biodiversity loss Loss of ecosystem services Spread of pests and diseases affecting humans, plants and animals. Higher economic costs of productive activities (energy, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, etc.) Social and cultural impacts on human communities Cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum), high risk species for Mexico. Photo: G. Moctezuma Invasive species

Impacts of invasive species Uses of Biodiversity Data Specimen data base US – Smithsonian Institute Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) Cactus moth, prickly pear moth  Native from South America (Argentina)  Extremely aggressive predator of Opuntia cacti (Platyopuntia)  Used as a biological control agent for prickly pears in Australia, South Africa and the Caribbean, and has spread to the United States

Impacts of invasive species Uses of Biodiversity Data Similar climatic areas Floramap (17 layers)  Mexico is a centre of origin for cacti, including 83 species of Opuntia (63% endemic).  Opuntia cacti are very important socially, culturally and economically in the country.  The introduction and spread of the moth will cause irreparable loss and damage to arid ecosystems and cacti diversity in the world.  Its introduction will cause billions of dollars in damages to economic activities.

Impacts of invasive species Uses of Biodiversity Data Georeferenced records for Platyopuntia (Herbaria: MNHSD, IBUNAM, ENCB, MOBOT, NMNH, UAH)

Impacts of invasive species Uses of Biodiversity Data Species richness of North American Platyopuntia Obtained by adding all predictive maps of 96 species (each map was reviewed by specialists)

Impacts of invasive species Uses of Biodiversity Data Isoclimes and Opuntia distribution Vulnerability to cactus moth

Impacts of invasive species Uses of Biodiversity Data In 2006 the presence of the moth was confirmed in Isla Mujeres, Playa Ballena and playa del Niño, Quintana Roo, causing a national emergency response. There were coordinated efforts from government SENASICA (SAGARPA), CONABIO and various experts, academics and NGOs

Impacts of invasive species Uses of Biodiversity Data More information: In September 2008 the Ministry of Agriculture (SAGARPA) declared Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, México, as an area free from the presence of the cactus moth.

Presence of salt cedar (Tamarix ramossisima) in original locations Another example: salt cedar Uses of Biodiversity Data

Another example: salt cedar Niche of Tamarix ramossisima in the Western Hemisphere with Observations in the U.S. Uses of Biodiversity Data

Another example: salt cedar Records of Tamarix ramossisima in México Uses of Biodiversity Data

Risk assessment for GMO Uses of Biodiversity Data The risk analysis undertaken by CONABIO is based on evaluating the possibility of genetic flux between the GMO, the recipient and its wild relatives distributed in Mexico. The steps of the analysis are: 1.Identification of the wild relatives of the GMO that is being considered for release. 2. Determination of the characteristics of the recipient, its wild relatives and the GMO with which the hybridisation will occur, based on scientific literature reviews. 3. Determination of any possible adaptations of the descendants based on scientific literature. 4. Determination of the potential area of distribution for the recipient and its wild relatives, and its position in relation to the suggested release site of GMOs.

Risk assessment for GMO Uses of Biodiversity Data The results of the risk analysis are considered by SEMARNAT and SAGARPA alongside the scientific and technical information needed to grant any permits for the release of GMOs in México. Seeds GMO Flowering process Genetic flux Pollen movement (distance) Destined to be released into the environment Hybridization Pollen Non GMO culture and close relatives Dispersion of germoplasm through handling Successful growth Reproductive system and genetic characteristics Plants Vegetative structures Germination

GMO’s information subsystem  List of 19 genetically modified species, recognised by the OCDE, including 178 transformation events.  Data on reproductive biology and population genetics of populations of those species and their wild relatives.  Molecular information on the GMOs.   Environmental and economic effects of the GMOs  Spatial distribution of wild and cultivated species  Risk analysis to biodiversity (probabilities of hybridization and genetic flux in relation to the probability of spatial coexistence).  Recommendations and binding resolutions regarding the release of GMOs. Uses of Biodiversity Data

Cotton risk assessment NO YES NO 1,636 case by case recommendations on GMO crops have been issued so far. Objectives: Confirm, through the existing bibliography, that a GMO does not by itself represent a problem. Detect the possibility of gene flow in the field using bibliographic and geographic (GIS) tools. Start applying co-existence principles in the Mexican fields. Gossypium barbadense Risk assessment for GMO Uses of Biodiversity Data

Risk assessment for GMO Uses of Biodiversity Data

Risk assessment for GMO Uses of Biodiversity Data GMO’s authorized from

Risk assessment for GMO Uses of Biodiversity Data Potential distribution model of Gossypium hirsutum Model built with data from Mexico

Uses of Biodiversity Data Cucurbita taxa in Mexico 1 y 2 Grupo Argyrosperma 3 y 4 Grupo Maxima 5 a 7 Grupo Pepo 8 a 9 Grupo Okeechobeensis 10 a 12 Grupo Digitata 13 a 16 Grupo Foetidissima 17 a 19 No agrupadas Courtesy Dr. Rafael Lira Saade, UNAM

Uses of Biodiversity Data Cucurbita taxa in Mexico Pepo group C. ficifolia Foetidissima group Digitata group Courtesy Dr. Rafael Lira Saade, UNAM C. moschata C. lundelliana Maxima group Argyrosperma group

Risk assessment for GMO Uses of Biodiversity Data Revising and polishing geographic data Revision by Dr. Rafael Lira. Inconsistent records - incorrect determination of specimens Courtesy Dr. Rafael Lira Saade, UNAM

C. argyrosperma ssp. sororia The niche model shows over prediction, as this species does not grow in the Yucatan Peninsula Risk assessment for GMO Courtesy Dr. Rafael Lira Saade, UNAM Uses of Biodiversity Data

C. moschata C. Pepo ssp. fraterna Risk assessment for GMO Courtesy Dr. Rafael Lira Saade, UNAM Uses of Biodiversity Data

Based on the potential distribution of the wild taxa and in the reproductive characteristics of this group, the recommendation to release GMO of C. pepo in the approved locations was NOT granted. Risk assessment for GMO Courtesy Dr. Rafael Lira Saade, UNAM Uses of Biodiversity Data

What’s going on? Other examples of uses of biodiversity data Mezcals and biological diversity Papalote Integrating knowledge for policy change. 11 species of Agave and hundreds of cultivars and regions. Threatened national heritage: agaves and mezcals. Geographic denomination of origin Uses of Biodiversity Data

New tools for environmental decision making in relation to management, protection and conservation of biodiversity What’s going on? Other examples of uses of biodiversity data

What’s next? (near future) Intensify the production of data/information from different sources (field work, remote sensing, others). Adequate the National System of Biodiversity Information to increase its capacity to receive new types of data Provide access to new databases Improve networking and IT infrastructure Integrate new approaches in the data analysis Combine different information sources in the decision making process(scientific synthesis) Provide training Uses of Biodiversity Data

CONCLUSIONS… Uses of Biodiversity Data  Biodiversity primary data is needed to strengthen the decision making process, allowing access to sound scientific evidence.  A biodiversity information system needs to contain the following: Quality control process Information systems Data access and interoperability Data analysis and process  Judged by the use of its products rather than by the “publish-or-perish” scheme Interested in a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to biodiversity Participation of specialists is essential for building, updating and reviewing the data base

..... CONCLUSIONS Uses of Biodiversity Data CONABIO has developed the answer to all of its software needs and provided training for many people (both in Mexico and abroad) in informatics. With time it has provided more than just information: knowledge and wisdom Training is required to transform data into different information layouts and translating it to decision makers. We visualize providing the wisdom to help the owners of resources to use their natural wealth more sustainably and profitably. Provide easy access to data and information, draw together the experts and specialists and supply a space for users and providers of information to interact.

Patricia KOLEFF OSORIO Director for Analysis and Priorities Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad Av. Liga Periférico-Insurgentes Sur 4903 Col. Parques del Pedregal Del. Tlalpan México, DF, México Tel: (5255) , (5255) Fax: (5255) Web: Uses of Biodiversity Data II Course on GBIF Node Management Arusha, Tanzania 31 st October and 1 st November 2008 Fulvio Eccardi Merci! Thank you! ¡Gracias! Uses of Biodiversity Data