Report prepared for the Experts Meeting Towards the Implementation of a Global Invasive Species
Information Network (GISIN), 6-8 April, 2004. Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Page 82
8/30/2004
(IABIN) and the Global Biodiversity
Information Facility (GBIF).
Maintaining a taxonomic standard
centrally allows network members to
continue to use their own taxonomic
treatments or standards without
jeopardizing the information cross-
walking process.
Recommendations
Standards must be developed to support a
core methodology for data collection and
management. NatureServe took this
concept a step further by imbedding
standards into its core software while also
allowing the flexibility for users to add fields
according to their local information needs.
Maintaining a taxonomic standard centrally
allows network members to continue to use
their own taxonomic treatments or
standards without jeopardizing the
information cross-walking process.
Always be sure to accurately credit
an information source, which
promotes good will among network
providers and members.
Training courses and conferences also play
an important part in keeping network
members apprised of new developments.
NatureServe recognizes the importance of
providing support to the users and members
of a network. Personnel are available to
provide online help, network access
assistance, and expert advice and support.
NatureServe has also established
discussion groups, online help, and
consulting services to help support its
members.
When working with information at multiple
scales, the data should meet local user
needs as well as contribute to the greater
good of the entire network. Data captured at
its finest scale can be added to or built on,
while fine-scaled data is often difficult to
extract from data collected at a broader
scale. Information should also be accessible
to users at the decision making level, which
is often the local level where early detection,
eradication, and rapid response measures
are being implemented.
Always be sure to accurately credit an
information source, which promotes good
will among network providers and members.
Identify data custodians with defined roles
and responsibilities in maintaining quality
control measures that will also ensure a
degree of trust for the quality of the
information you are providing. Maintain
awareness of sensitive data issues, which
can vary locally, nationally, and by species.
Set clear priorities and consider starting with
limited scope projects that are able to show
progress and results in a short time, and
may consequently be more successful at
obtaining funding for project initiation and
extension.
NatureServe hopes that their information on
non-native species will be a valued resource
that will guide research, public education,
control, and management.
A Model for Cooperation
Management
& Policy
Development
Basic &
Applied
Research
Monitoring
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