Building the Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (IABIN)

The project will assist countries in the region to define and establish the Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (IABIN) an important tool to assist in decision-making related to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and its biological resources. It will develop an internet-based platform to provide access to scientifically credible biodiversity information currently existing in individual institutions and agencies in the American continent. IABIN will help fulfill the mandate of the Clearing-house Mechanism (CHM) by providing the mechanism in the Americas to promote and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation. GEF-financed activities within IABIN would include: (a) application of analytical tools for decisions making (e.g., valuation, indicators, impact assessment); (b) promotion of partnerships to address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss; (c) dissemination and systematic sharing of information; (d) incorporation of biodiversity concerns in the mainstream activities of the GEF/IAs, (e) through its analytical tools and methodologies it will assist in monitoring biodiversity and to plan better for its conservation and sustainable use; and (f) support coordination to promote the successful integration of biodiversity conservation with the wider economic, social, and cultural contexts.