1. The Jamaica Clearing House Mechanism Dayne Buddo Senior Research Officer Natural History Division Institute of Jamaica January 20th, 2005 Biodiversity Teachers NHD

2. CLEARING-HOUSE MECHANISM (CHM) A national network of organizations & persons gathering, collating and distributing public information on biodiversity.

3. National Clearing House Mechanisms  Many countries (including Jamaica) had a problem accessing environmental information from within and outside of their own countries.  Under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), party countries had to establish and develop a Clearing House for Biodiversity  CHMs are also expected to promote technical and scientific cooperation at national, regional and international levels.

4. The JA CHM  The Jamaica CHM began operations in 1999 and the focal point is the Natural History Division of the IOJ.  Forms a link between sources and users of Biodiversity information in Jamaica

5. UNIQUE FEATURES OF CHMs  Needs-driven: supports policy-makers, natural resource managers & scientists, educators, general public in biodiversity conservation & education  Decentralized: promotion of responsible collection & management of data and information according to recognized standards and accessibility to information through links with the CHM  Optimizing effort: using available resources, promoting joint initiatives & the sharing of information and experiences

6. Dissemination of Information  Website: www.jamaicachm.org.jm www.jamaicachm.org.jm  Biodiversity Email List: currently 174 members  Workshops  Exhibitions  Presentations  Brochures  Educational CD’s  Articles in the print media

7. THEMATIC CHMs  Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (IABIN): Invasive Species Information Network  Biosafety Clearing House

8. Plans in Motion  GIS Capacity  Biodiversity Literature Catalogue  Photo Gallery  Article of the Month  Biodiversity for High School students

9. Your Role here today  Provide valuable feedback on: - Content - Relevance - Ease of Use - Will your students use this tool ?

10. Let’s take a short tour of the Jamaica Clearing House Mechanism Jamaica Clearing House Mechanism