ô Databasing Invasions: A Review in the Context of the Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN)

Due to significant and costly impacts on agriculture, economy and biodiversity caused by the accidental or intentional introduction and establishment of invasive alien species (IAS), IAS have been recognized as a significant global threat in need of urgent attention. Consequently, the international community has been urged to address the IAS issue as a national and international priority. Although some nations may have so far escaped the effects of IAS, the burgeoning status of global trade and travel guarantees that all nations will not only be threatened, but will experience the direct impact of IAS at some point in the near future. Developed nations with established infrastructure, clearly defined biodiversity-management policies and regulations, decision-supporting data, information systems and technology have already demonstrated their capacity to detect and prevent potential invasions, combat established invasive species, and restore affected communities and ecosystems. A significant factor affecting the success of these activities is the existence, availability and accessibility of IAS data, databases and information systems. Databases represent a potentially valuable yet often inaccessible or unobtainable resource to nations that lack their own. Nations that are developing IAS databases should share their information resources in a cooperative effort towards combating the common threat posed by IAS. However, the act of sharing information presents several problems in itself. Standards, formats, methods and protocols must be adhered to by dissimilar data products if they are to share or exchange data in an efficient and effective manner. The Internet and its associated formats and protocols for information management and exchange, represents a valuable tool for facilitating global IAS-data exchange. Recent cooperative development efforts among members of the international community and the Convention on Biological Diversity have resulted in the definition of international standards for biodiversity data exchange. Members of the international community have called for the development of a Global Invasive Species Information Network. The success and persistence of this network will depend on the support and participation of capable stakeholders, international standardization and cooperation in data exchange, and continued maintenance and development of the component information sources. Among the nations of the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, IAS databases, biodiversity clearinghouse mechanisms, networks and international agreements have grown in number and complexity. Regardless of whether they are called Web sites, online databases, clearinghouse mechanisms, hubs, or portals, if they provide IAS-related information through the globally accessible Internet and continue to develop network linkages with other complimentary online information systems, they lend valuable support to the continued development of a Global Invasive Species Information Network. This report describes and synthesizes invasive species information management activities occurring around the globe during the past decade. It is prepared in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s recommendation that the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) coordinate the development of the Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN). In this context, the proceedings of seven regional workshops coordinated by GISP are highlighted.