PROGRESS NOTED TOWARD INFORMATION EXCHANGE IN THE AMERICAS

The Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (IABIN) http://www.iabin-us.org is an intergovernmental initiative intended to promote greater coordination among Western Hemisphere countries in the collection, sharing, and use of environmental information.

The proposal to develop the IABIN was an element of the final "Hemispheric Plan of Action" adopted by the leaders of South, Central and North American nations in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, in December 1996 at the Summit on Sustainable Development.  National networks, such as the United States, will contribute to and benefit from efforts to build this regional information network in the Americas.

In recent months, activities moved forward to establish the IABIN.  The second meeting of Inter-American experts concluded in January 1998.  The report, published by the Organization of American States, will be on the Internet soon.

Experts at the meeting discussed model configurations for the IABIN and exchanged views on joint project ideas.  Meeting participants developed five Terms of References designed to guide efforts to launch the IABIN.  The studies will examine organizational models for the IABIN, information exchange issues, and pilot projects on alien invasive species in the Americas.

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