Download CHMPresentation_2002.. - Jamaica Clearing

CLEARING-HOUSE ??
This is a unit for the gathering and
distribution of public information.
CLEARING-HOUSE MECHANISM
(CHM)
A national network of organizations &
persons gathering, collating and
distributing public information on
biodiversity.
WHY A JAMAICA CHM?
The U.N. Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) promotes access to
information on biodiversity through the
establishment of national Clearing-House
Mechanisms. As a Party to the CBD,
Jamaica is obliged to develop a CHM.
NATIONAL FOCAL POINT
The Natural History Division (NHD) is
the designated National Focal Point of
the Jamaica Clearing-House
Mechanism (JA CHM). This means it is
responsible for coordinating the JA
CHM’s development.
NHD’s BIODIVERSITY PROFILE
• actively involved in the conservation of biological
diversity (Mason River Game Sanctuary)
• conduct biological research (Botany, Zoology & CHM Units)
• actively disseminate scientific information on
biological diversity (Education programmes; Bulletin of the
Institute of Jamaica, Science Series, Sloanea – Occasional Papers
of the Natural History Division of the Institute of Jamaica; websites)
• promote and participate in scientific and
technological cooperation
(NEPA, NCST, BLJ)
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
BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION
• Types:
Current
Future
• Taxonomic
• Ecological
• Social (policy related/
legislation, contact info)
• Public Outreach
Spatial
Formats:
Current
Future
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More images
Searchable databases
Lists (e.g. species)
Tables
Web links
Articles/Reports
Reliable information, the heart of the network.
NETWORKING TOOLS
• Information Technology:
Biodiversity Email
List
JA CHM Website
Databases
Educational CDs
NETWORKING TOOLS
• Print Media:
Brochures
Articles (magazines, newspapers, journals)
Technical Reports/Species Lists
NETWORKING TOOLS
• Personal contact:
Presentations at public fora
(both local and regional)
Hosting/Coordinating public fora
1st National
Alien Invasive
Species
Workshop
IABIN Workshop, Miami,
2002
NETWORKING TOOLS
• Collaborative Projects:
Mason River Bird Project
IABIN Invasive Species
Information Network Project - Jamaica
Medicinal Plant Website for National
Commission on Science & Technology
FUTURE ACTIVITIES
• Metadatabases
• Technical Support to Biosafety Clearing-House
Mechanism