structure of IABIN

IABIN is both an Internet-based information resource with common infrastructure and content, interoperable through the use of common standards, and a forum for institutions and individuals to discuss the issues related to sharing and exchange of biodiversity information. IABIN is envisioned as an open, self-sustaining network where users needing biodiversity information can find quality, relevant information in a timely manner. It collaborates with the network for global cooperation and information-sharing which is the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) of the Convention on Biological Diversity. A Project Implementation Plan was developed during a Global Environment Facility-funded study. An overview is provided here.

Governance and Membership. Thirty-four countries have designated IABIN Focal Points. In accordance with a suggestion from the Organization of American States, which serves a secretariat function for the Summit of the Americas process, most countries have designated their CHM National Focal Point (NFP), or someone working  in close coordination with the CHM NFP, as their IABIN Focal Point as well. 

Various bodies for discussion and consensus building on IABIN have been formed (the IABIN Council, an Executive Committee, technical working groups). A secretariat to coordinate network activities will soon be established. Lessons learned from other, similar networking initiatives have indicated that a coordinating secretariat is critical to the successful implementation and maintenance of an information network such as IABIN.

External Relationships and Partnerships. From its beginnings, IABIN has been envisioned as building on other biodiversity information networking initiatives, including the Man and the Biosphere Network, and the Biodiversity Conservation Information System, and collaborating with networks such as the Global Biodiversity Information Network (GBIF) and the CHM. Through close cooperation with ongoing CHM activities, IABIN has been discussed as a model for a regional implementation of the CHM. A MOC was signed with CHM in July 2002. An MOU was signed with GBIF in May 2001.

An international IABIN web site, hosted by the Organization of American States, has been established at <http://www.iabin.net> and provides information on network activities. Links to and from the international IABIN web site and individual national web sites will be established for each nation that wishes to participate. The U.S. already has such a link established with the international site and can serve as a model of the decentralized but cooperative manner in which content can be developed.

Technical Configuration and Standards Development. IABIN will be a managed network. It will have a distributed Internet-based architecture with a hub to provide both institutional coordination and some network services. A small staff dedicated to IABIN implementation will support technical standards development process; coordinate catalogs and directories (either centralized or distributed); manage communications, such as list servers and web sites; and support the efforts of the independent nodes. Working in conjunction with IABIN members, the secretariat will also facilitate obtaining additional resources or network capabilities to meet the defined needs. The IABIN secretariat is envisioned as a facilitator, not a controller, of the network. It will serve the collective interest, including stimulation of bilateral and multilateral efforts of its network members. The details of an IABIN architecture, including technical specifications and a configuration management plan, will be developed within the context of this managed network model with the objective of maximizing interoperability between and among network components.

Capacity Building and Training. A study of Internet connectivity in Latin America and the Caribbean showed that significant differences in infrastructure capacity exist among the IABIN countries. Lack of connectivity is a significant challenge in many regions. Capacity building, therefore, is an integral part of IABIN development.

Financial Sustainability. To date, IABIN has been supported by grants from the OAS, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. State Department, the World Bank, the Brazilian government, and by in-kind contributions from nations of the hemisphere. An increasing number of nations have committed to the development of IABIN and will support it with in-kind contributions to varying levels according to their capacities. However, continued development and maintenance of the network requires that a strategy for the financial sustainability of IABIN be developed and implemented. 

Financial sustainability for IABIN has two components. First, sources of recurring funding for the operation of the hub and other periodic activities (e.g., annual IABIN Council meetings) must be identified. Second, participating agencies and institutions must be assured of continued internal funding for IABIN-related activities that are their in-kind contributions to the development of IABIN. IABIN itself will not be a source of funding for projects; rather, it will facilitate the fund-seeking process by helping its members identify potential funding sources and potential partners with whom collaborations can be formed to leverage available resources. A financial sustainability study by consultants was completed in May 2002.

Building Network Content. The most important component of IABIN is the biodiversity information content. Because the field of biodiversity in the Americas is varied and complex, participants have agreed that the most effective way to build content is through pilot projects in thematic areas of high interest to IABIN members. Because pilot projects, then, are the foundation for IABIN content, it is critical that IABIN develop mechanisms and processes to facilitate successful pilot projects, those which encourage broad participation and forward the development of network standards and architecture. Pilot projects serve as proofs of concept for the IABIN model. 

Directories of biodiversity information and institutional resources in the hemisphere are critical network tools. Directories developed by IABIN can aid the discovery and retrieval of relevant information, tell users where to get assistance on particular issues, help identify potential collaborators on particular issues, and present an overview of available information that makes it easier to determine gaps in our knowledge and lead to research that is more targeted. These directories, available through IABIN, will be accessible through user-friendly front ends that integrate the distributed IABIN network. 

The strategies for building IABIN content are entirely consistent with the CHM vision and goals, from both regional and thematic perspectives. IABIN also supports the development of sub-regional networks, such as that under development for the Mesoamerican Corridor (SIAM), and encourages its members to develop such networks with other nations.