Hi all - as part of completing my preparatory modules for the Pacific workshop of the Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) programme here is my intro to you.
I’m responsible for coordinating the EU funded BIOPAMA (Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management) project in the Pacific region. Phase one of the project occurred between 2013 and 2016 and is now due to commence a second phase from 2017
to 2023. Two main aims of the BIOPAMA project are closely linked to the GBIF BID project and are:
• Working directly with countries to develop and improve baseline information inventories, including maps, that guide planning, designating and managing protected areas and enable more accurate reporting
• Providing a secure, on-line portal (Pacific Islands Protected Areas Portal, PIPAP) that national services, partners and stakeholders can freely use to store, view and interpret information about protected areas, biodiversity
values, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, species (including IAS) and habitats, pressures and threats, and management and governance
The BIOPAMA project has supported the development of an Island (Pacific)Biodiversity Invasive Species database. This information now needs to be effectively mobilised through appropriate channels, including the PIPAP, and the GBIF BID provides
an ideal mechanism to facilitate this process. In addition, the opportunity to engage with country focal points through the GBIF BID project will enable another practical activity to help build momentum with country focal points for improved biodiversity information.
Tony
Tony O’Keeffe
Protected Areas Co-ordinator
BIOPAMA (Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management)
Oceania Regional Office (ORO)
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
5 Ma’afu Street, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Republic of Fiji
Tel.
+679 3319084; Fax +679 3100128; skype: anthonyjokeeffe