Report prepared for the Experts Meeting Towards the Implementation of a Global Invasive Species Information
Network (GISIN), 6-8 April, 2004. Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
B - i
8/30/2004
Appendix B
Databasing Invasions: A Review in the Context of the Global Invasive
Species Information Network (GISIN)
Elizabeth Sellers, Information International Associates Inc., P.O. Box 4219, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-4219., (703) 648-4385,
esellersATusgs.gov.
Abstract
Due to significant and costly impacts on agriculture, economy and biodiversity caused by the accidental
or intentional introduction and establishment of invasive alien species (IAS), IAS have been recognized as a
significant global threat in need of urgent attention. Consequently, the international community has been urged
to address the IAS issue as a national and international priority. Although some nations may have so far
escaped the effects of IAS, the burgeoning status of global trade and travel guarantees that all nations will not
only be threatened, but will experience the direct impact of IAS at some point in the near future.
Developed nations with established infrastructure, clearly defined biodiversity-management policies and
regulations, decision-supporting data, information systems and technology have already demonstrated their
capacity to detect and prevent potential invasions, combat established invasive species, and restore affected
communities and ecosystems. A significant factor affecting the success of these activities is the existence,
availability, and accessibility of IAS data, databases, and information systems. Databases represent a
potentially valuable yet often inaccessible or unobtainable resource to nations that lack their own. Nations that
are developing IAS databases should share their information resources in a cooperative effort towards
combating the common threat posed by IAS.
However, the act of sharing information presents several problems in itself. Standards, formats,
methods and protocols must be adhered to by dissimilar data products if they are to share or exchange data in
an efficient and effective manner. The Internet and its associated formats and protocols for information
management and exchange, represents a valuable tool for facilitating global IAS-data exchange. Recent
cooperative development efforts among members of the international community and the Convention on
Biological Diversity have resulted in the definition of international standards for biodiversity data exchange.
Members of the international community have called for the development of a Global Invasive Species
Information Network. The success and persistence of this network will depend on the support and participation
of capable stakeholders, international standardization and cooperation in data exchange, and continued
maintenance and development of the component information sources.
Among the nations of the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, IAS databases, biodiversity clearinghouse
mechanisms, networks and international agreements have grown in number and complexity. Regardless of
whether they are called Web sites, online databases, clearinghouse mechanisms, hubs, or portals, if they
provide IAS-related information through the globally accessible Internet and continue to develop network
linkages with other complimentary online information systems, they lend valuable support to the continued
development of a Global Invasive Species Information Network.
This report describes and synthesizes invasive species information management activities occurring
around the globe during the past decade. It is prepared in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s
recommendation that the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) coordinate the development of the Global
Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN). In this context, the proceedings of seven regional workshops
coordinated by GISP are highlighted.
Keywords: invasive alien species, invasive species, invasives, alien species, exotic species, introduced
species, non-native, nonnative, database, information system, Web, Internet, online, global invasive species
information network, GISIN, IAS.
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