Page v
8/30/2004
databases that are linked. What is the ultimate goal for the GISIN? Ideally, a one-stop shopping
center for IAS information exchange around the globe, speeding the delivery of information on
IAS identification, prevention and management into the hands and minds of those who need it
faster than IAS are able to establish. What the GISIN is not, is a new model intended as a
repository for data. Data repositories already exist and should continue to be populated with
new data. In those regions where they do not exist, efforts should continue to build them for
ultimate linkage to the GISIN.
The proceedings of this workshop summarize the initial efforts of a broad group of database
architects and IAS experts at defining the organizational structure and essential “first steps” for
making the GISIN a reality. Papers presented summarized a variety of databases that already
exist, how they are populated with new data, and how they could be ultimately linked to the
GISIN. Working groups met for two subsequent days with the purpose of clarifying how the
GISIN could work, and the best technical means for it to function. More work will be required to
ensure that the GISIN is activated soon, and an Interim Steering Committee appointed at this
meeting has taken on the selfless task of helping to ensure that the fundamental tasks identified
in the workshop for establishing the GISIN will be accomplished in the next two years. The
Global Invasive Species Programme, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity,
and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility have all offered their support in this effort as
well. The path ahead is challenging, but the risks of inaction are great. The rewards of such an
effort are perhaps the hardest to measure in that they will reflect IAS problems that were
thwarted as a result of improved information exchange. It is these rewards that the GISIN hopes
to facilitate in the years to come.
Jeffrey P. Fisher, United States Department of State
 |
 |
 |