Quick Guide to Biodiversity Informatics

By Richard Huber - OAS - Unit for Sustainable Development and the Environment

This document intends to give an overview of the different institutions, networks, and software applications as they pertain to biodiversity data collection and management. It is written as a primer to inform the Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (IABIN) Focal Points as they attend the 2nd IABIN Council Meeting January 14-15, 2002.

Geographic Hierarchy of Biodiversity Information Systems

CHM - Global Clearinghouse for Information
GBIF - Global Information Facility
IABIN - Hemishpere Information Network
NABIN - All biodiversity information in North America
NBII - Biodiversity information/Infrastructure
REMIB - Museum specimen based information (Mexico and expanding)
National information systems e.g. Canada Local Museum collections.