1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

14. 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)

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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)

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. 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

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