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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 • • • • 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