1. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management IRAS From Information Management to Knowledge Creation Windhoek, August 2003 Barbara Paterson – Transboundary Mammal Project

2. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management The Transboundary Mammal Project Overview Fulfills Technical Requirements Knowledge Representation Natural Language Based Supports Knowledge Creation

3. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Project Aim: To link local, national and transboundary strategies for selected endangered and high value mammal species National Strategy Country wide vision, targets & general strategy Regional vision and targets Neighbouring countries Co-operation Communication local vision, targets & specific strategy Local Management The Transboundary Mammal Project

4. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Transboundary Collaboration The Transboundary Mammal Project - Objectives Decision Support System Prototype Species Overviews Species Management Plans Information System

5. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Transboundary Workshop Progress to date Wildlife Translocations Buffalo, Roan, Sable, Tsessebe Reports Draft Species Management Plans for Buffalo, Roan, Sable, Tsessebe IRAS

6. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Structure Table of Contents Overview Buffalo: Non-linearity of hypermedia documents requires explicit structure Present distribution in Namibia Limiting factors MET vision Objectives Strategy

7. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Fulfills Technical Requirements Knowledge Representation Natural Language Based Supports Knowledge Creation Why a Hypermedia System?

8. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Technical Requirements for Wildlife Management Information Systems Compatibility Ease of use Affordability Inclusiveness Co-ownership WWW standard As easy to use as a website No special software required Any e-document can be linked Reader as author IRAS

9. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Fulfills Technical Requirements Knowledge Representation 1.Compatibility 2.Ease of Use 3.Affordability 4.Inclusiveness 5.Co-ownership Why a Hypermedia System?

10. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management DATA INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE Perception Learning objective subjective Old knowledge Forms basis of new knowledge

11. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Species Documents Draw on observations Put these data into meaningful context Interpret data based on experience and Knowledge Are subjective Require knowledge representation rather than information processing tool

12. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Technical Requirements fulfilled Knowledge Representation Natural Language Based Why Hypermedia? 1.Compatibility 2.Ease of Use 3.Affordability 4.Inclusiveness 5.Co-ownership Species Documents contain subjective interpretations based on knowledge expertise

13. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Wildlife Management Knowledge Predictive Prescriptive Descriptive Quantitative and qualitative models Decision support systems Text Documents Word Processor is de facto knowledge management tool

14. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Language based representations Multiple definitions Ambiguous Implicit meanings allowed Robust Single definitions Precise Implicit meanings not allowed Brittle Formal representations

15. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Strength of Hypermedia Multi-linear User can access information in the order most appropriate for his/her purpose Each information chunk is self-contained Associative network enhances comprehension

16. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Technical Requirements fulfilled Knowledge Representation Natural Language Based Supports Knowledge Creation Why Hypermedia? 1.Compatibility 2.Ease of Use 3.Affordability 4.Inclusiveness 5.Co-ownership Species Documents contain subjective interpretations based on knowledge expertise Great generality Robust Allows implicit meanings

17. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Knowledge Communication Knowledge Generation Knowledge Application Knowledge Representation Adjust ImplementMonitor Research Strategy Adaptive Management Munich Model of Knowledge Management

18. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Knowledge Management is not only a question of technology Knowledge Management Technology Organisation Human Society Adapted from Reinmann-Rothmeier & Mandl

19. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Dynamic representation of current knowledge on species management comments presentations reports ideas Non linearity of hypermedia allows dynamic debate instead of static consensus oriented information system New perspectives New problem perceptions

20. I nformation System for Ra re S pecies Management Why Hypermedia? Technical Requirements fulfilled 1.Compatibility 2.Ease of Use 3.Affordability 4.Inclusiveness 5.Co-ownership Knowledge Representation Species Documents contain subjective interpretations based on knowledge expertise Natural Language Based Great generality Robust Allows implicit meanings Supports Knowledge Creation New knowledge is based on old knowledge Allows user participation Provides forum for dynamic debate