The foundation of national participation in IABIN is to be through a focal point structure. National Focal Points are formally designated by governments through the appropriate diplomatic channels to the OAS. (Governments are encouraged to coordinate their IABIN and CHM focal point appointments as far as possible).

The commitment to IABIN by the nations of the Americas was made at the highest levels of government, as evidenced by the signatures of the heads of state to the Santa Cruz Plan of Action (Initiative 31). Since that time, IABIN development has received significant support from the 34 countries that have designated official IABIN Focal Points.

• List of National Focal Points

Roles of the Focal Points

Serve as national liaison on all IABIN issues;

Establish national consultation mechanisms as appropriate to stimulate national and subnational level involvement in IABIN activities;

Encourage the participation of national sources of original data such as museums, herbaria including the possible formation of national information networks;

Represent their governments' perspectives on technical issues;

Seek funding opportunities for the development of biodiversity information and IABIN;

Identify new project ideas and priorities for their countries;

Remain informed of IABIN activities within their countries and act as a clearinghouse for such information;

Promote collaborations between IABIN and other national and transnational initiatives, as appropriate;

Act as a primary communications link for the network, keeping participating organizations informed concerning IABIN interests and activities.