Guide to the Global Taxonomy Initiative

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GUIDE TO THE GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE

CBD Technical Series Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative

GUIDE TO THE GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE

CONTENTS

FOREWARD ...... v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... vi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... vii 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Taxonomy and the taxonomic impediment ...... 1 1.2 The Global Taxonomy Initiative ...... 7 1.3 Purpose of the Guide ...... 8 2 BACKGROUND ...... 9 2.1 The Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 9 2.2 How does the CBD run? ...... 10 2.3 The Global Taxonomy Initiative to support implementation of the CBD ...... 11 2.3.1 GTI and the 2010 biodiversity target ...... 12 2.4 Who is responsible for the GTI? ...... 12 3 THE PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE GTI ...... 16 3.1 Introduction ...... 16 3.2 Planned activities ...... 16 3.2.1 National taxonomic needs assessments ...... 16 3.2.2 Regional taxonomic needs assessments ...... 26 3.2.3 Global taxonomic needs assessments ...... 27 3.2.4 Public awareness and education ...... 28 3.2.5 Global and regional capacity-building to support access to and generation of taxonomic information ...... 29 3.2.6 Strengthening of existing networks for regional co-operation ...... 32 3.2.7 Development of a coordinated Global Taxonomy Information System . . . .33 3.2.8 Forest biological diversity ...... 40 3.2.9 Marine and coastal biological diversity ...... 41 3.2.10 Dry and sub-humid lands biodiversity ...... 43 3.2.11 Inland waters biological diversity ...... 44 3.2.12 Agricultural biological diversity ...... 45 3.2.12.1 Soil biodiversity ...... 46 3.2.12.2 The International Pollinators Initiative (IPI) ...... 46 3.2.12.3 Pests and pathogens ...... 48 3.2.13 Mountain biological diversity ...... 48 3.2.14 Island biological diversity ...... 49 3.2.15 Access and benefit-sharing ...... 49 3.2.16 Invasive alien species ...... 53 3.2.17 Support in implementation of Article 8(j) - Traditional knowledge, innovations and practise...... 58 ii Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative

3.2.18 Support for ecosystem approach and CBD work on assessment including impact assessments, monitoring and indicators ...... 59 3.2.19 Protected areas ...... 59 4 DEVELOPING THE GTI AND MONITORING ITS PROGRESS ...... 62 4.1 Roles and responsibilities ...... 62 4.1.1 The CBD Secretariat ...... 62 4.1.2 The GTI Coordination Mechanism ...... 62 4.1.3 National Focal Points ...... 63 4.1.4 COP and SBSTTA ...... 65 4.2 Mechanisms to facilitate implementation ...... 65 4.2.1 National reporting ...... 65 4.2.2 NBSAPs ...... 66 4.2.3 Roster of experts ...... 66 4.2.4 Outreach ...... 66 4.2.5 Taxonomic needs assessments ...... 67 4.2.6 Pilot projects ...... 68 4.3 Obstacles to implementation ...... 68 5 FUNDING FOR THE GTI ...... 71 5.1 Sources of funding for the GTI ...... 71 5.1.1 National support to taxonomy ...... 71 5.1.2 The Global Environment Facility ...... 72 5.1.3 Other multilateral sources ...... 75 5.1.4 Bilateral sources ...... 75 5.1.5 Nongovernmental sources ...... 76 5.1.6 Special fund for the GTI under BioNET-International and other organizations ...... 77 5.2 Examples of GTI projects ...... 77 5.2.1 National Project – Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy (US) ...... 77 5.2.2 GEF Project – The Indonesian Biodiversity Collection Project ...... 78 5.2.3 GEF Project – SABONET(the Southern African Botany Diversity Network) ...... 79 5.2.4 GEF Project – Botanical and Zoological Taxonomic Networks in Eastern Africa (BOZONET): Linking Conservation to Taxonomy ...... 80 5.2.5 GEF Project – Biodiversity Resources Development Project for Costa Rica ...... 80 5.2.6 Bilateral – Example projects supported by the UK Darwin Initiative ...... 81 5.2.7 Bilateral – Example projects supported by the Belgian Development Corporation and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences ...... 81

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5.2.8 Regional European Union Initiatives ...... 81 5.2.9 Non-governmental – Investing in Nature: an eco-partnership between the HSBC Group, WWF, Botanic Gardens Conservation International and Earthwatch ...... 81 5.3 Mobilizing funding ...... 82 6 INFORMATION SOURCES AND USEFUL CONTACTS ...... 86 6.1 Taxonomic tools and information sources ...... 86 6.1.1 Nomenclature references ...... 86 6.1.2 Other taxonomic tools ...... 86 6.2 Key partners ...... 90 6.3 Further information ...... 91 ANNEX 1. ACRONYMS USED IN TEXT ...... 93 ANNEX 2. REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING ...... 106 ANNEX 3. CONVENTION DOCUMENTS SPECIFICALLY ON TAXONOMY AND THE GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE ...... 110 ANNEX 4. KEY ELEMENTS OF COP DECISIONS RELEVANT TO THE GTI ...... 114 ANNEX 5. OUTLINE STRATEGY FOR TAXONOMIC CAPACITY-BUILDING...... 133 ANNEX 6. SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR A TAXONOMIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT ...... 138 ANNEX 7. USEFUL CONTACT ADDRESSES ...... 148 ANNEX 8. COP DECISION III/10 ENDORSING SBSTTA RECOMMENDATION II/2 ON PRACTICAL APPROACHES FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING FOR TAXONOMY ...... 151 ANNEX 9. COP DECISION IV/1 ...... 153 ANNEX 10. COP DECISION V/9: GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE: IMPLEMENTATION AND FURTHER ADVANCE OF THE SUGGESTIONS FOR ACTION ...... 157 ANNEX 11. COP DECISION VI/8: GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE ...... 160 ANNEX 12. COP DECISION VII/9: GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE ...... 185 ANNEX 13. COP DECISION VIII/3: GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE: IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THE IMLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE ...... 187

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FOREWARD

Achievement of the objectives of the Convention, and striving to achieve the 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity – con- target of reducing the rate of biodiversity servation of biodiversity, sustainable use of loss, the importance of taxonomy and the its components, and the fair and equitable GTI cannot be understated. sharing of the benefits arising out of the uti- The information presented in this Guide lization of genetic resources – depends in to the GTI demonstrates the important links large part on our understanding of biodiver- between taxonomy and the conservation sity. Yet, only a fraction of the total number and sustainable use of biological diversity. of species that make up the life on earth It is my hope and belief that the Guide will have been named or described. What’s be extremely useful, not only for those more, progress in taxonomy, the science of directly involved in implementing the naming, describing and classifying organ- Convention, and for taxonomists, but for isms, is suffering from a shortage of exper- anyone with a deep interest in biological tise and declining resources. This so-called diversity. “taxonomic impediment” to implementation I wish to thank all those who have con- of the Convention was acknowledged by tributed to the development of this Guide, in Parties to the Convention several years ago, particular Dr. Chris Lyal of the Natural and resulted in development of the Global History Museum in London, as well as the Taxonomy Initiative (GTI). delegations to the tenth meeting of the The GTI is a crucial cross-cutting issue Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical under the Convention and is relevant for vir- and Technological Advice and the various tually all of the work under the CBD. The individuals who reviewed the Guide and programme of work for the GTI, which was contributed to its refinement. adopted at the sixth Conference of the Parties in 2002 and further supplemented after in- depth review at the eighth Conference of the Parties in March 2006, is comprehensive in its scope and bold in its objectives. At a time Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf when Parties are increasing their focus on Executive Secretary implementation of the work under the Convention on Biological Diversity

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Secretariat of the Convention on External reviewers, including many Biological Diversity wishes to thank all those members of the Coordination Mechanism for who have contributed to development of this the Global Taxonomy Initiative, provided Guide to the Global Taxonomy Initiative. useful and important comments which The initial draft of the Guide was reviewed improved the Guide considerably. The by the tenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body Secretariat would like to give special thanks on Scientific, Technical and Technological to Dr. Chris Lyal of the Natural History Advice. The Guide was revised following the Museum in London, who prepared the first in-depth review of the Global Taxonomy draft of the Guide and devoted considerable Initiative at the eighth Conference of the time and energy to ensuring that the final Parties to the Convention in March 2006. product would be of the highest quality.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Taxonomy is the science of naming, the current rate of biodiversity loss at the describing and classifying organisms. global, regional and national level as a con- Taxonomists have named and described tribution to poverty alleviation and to the some 1.78 million species of animals, plants benefit of all life on earth. and microoganisms, only a fraction of the The programme of work for the Global estimated 5 to 30 million species on Earth. Taxonomy Initiative developed by the Taxonomy is the tool by which the compo- Parties has 19 planned activities. The first nents of biological diversity are identified three of these relate to assessment of taxo- and enumerated, and therefore provides nomic needs at national, regional and global basic knowledge underpinning management levels. There have been some assessments of biodiversity. at national and regional levels, and further The Parties to the Convention on results of national assessments are expected Biological Diversity (CBD) have acknowl- over the next couple of years. The global edged the existence of a ‘taxonomic impedi- assessment is currently being planned. ment’ to implementation of the Convention, The fourth planned activity addresses referring to the shortage of taxonomic exper- public awareness and education. There has tise, taxonomic collections, field guides and been some implementation of this activity, other identification aids, as well as to the dif- and more is expected including through ficulty in accessing existing taxonomic the Global Initiative on Communication, information. Consequently, the Global Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) was developed under the Convention. by the Parties to: The fifth and sixth planned activities address capacity-building to support access • Identify taxonomic needs and priorities; to and generation of taxonomic information, • Develop and strengthen human capac- and strengthening of networks for regional ity to generate taxonomic information; cooperation. In spite of many efforts and • Develop and strengthen infrastructure initiatives that contribute to capacity-build- and mechanisms for generating taxo- ing, it is well-established that the world’s nomic information, and for facilitating taxonomic expertise is shrinking. Regional sharing of and access to that informa- cooperation has been fostered to some tion; and extent, but more needs to be done and coop- • Provide taxonomic information needed eration alone will not alleviate the need for for decision-making regarding the con- increased capacity. servation of biological diversity, sus- The seventh planned activity envisages tainable use of its components, and the development of a coordination global taxo- fair and equitable sharing of the bene- nomic information system. In this regard, fits arising out of the utilization of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility genetic resources (the three objectives and others have made considerable progress of the CBD). in improving interlinkages and in harmonizing approaches so that information can be Effective implementation of the GTI will shared. undoubtedly contribute to progress towards The remaining 12 planned activities in the 2010 Biodiversity Target. This is to the programme of work for the GTI address achieve, by 2010, a significant reduction of the role of taxonomy in supporting work

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under the CBD on thematic areas and strategies and action plans, national cross-cutting issues. The GTI is itself a reports, and various outreach activities and cross-cutting issue, and the use of taxonomy initiatives. is necessarily driven by user needs, so it is Implementation of the GTI depends appropriate that the programme of work largely on funding, not only for projects and focuses on users. The specific planned initiatives specific to taxonomy but also for activities address the following: biodiversity-related projects and initiatives with a taxonomic component. To date, the • Marine and coastal biodiversity; Global Environment Facility has been a key • Agricultural biodiversity supporter of many of the planned activities • Forest biodiversity; in the programme of work. There are also • Inland waters biodiversity; many other donors that support taxonomic • Dry and sub-humid lands biodiversity; activities and thereby contribute to imple- • Mountain biodiversity; mentation of the GTI. • Island biodiversity; This Guide is intended for all stakehold- • Access to genetic resources and bene- ers, and its purpose is three-fold: fit-sharing; • Invasive alien species; • Describe the rationale and context for • Traditional knowledge, innovations the GTI; and practise; • Describe the programme of work of • Ecosystem approach, impact assess- the GTI, including examples of how ment, monitoring and indicators; and and where various activities are being • Protected areas. implemented; and • Assist institutions, initiatives and indi- The Conference of the Parties, the governing viduals to become engaged in the body of the CBD, develops and refines the activities mandated by the GTI, by GTI, with support from various mechanisms providing information on funding, and actors, including the CBD Secretariat, sources of further information and the Coordination Mechanism for the GTI, useful contacts. national focal points, and the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and This Guide cannot hope to deal in depth Technological Advice. Responsibility for with an extremely complex and rapidly- implementation of the GTI lies with many developing field. Users are encouraged to actors, in particular national governments, seek further information from the numerous but also relevant organizations, funding references to other sources made in the text, agencies, and taxonomists themselves along and to also visit the GTI portal on the CBD with their institutions. Implementation of the website, which provides links to further GTI is facilitated and/or monitored through information sources about the GTI and its several means including national biodiversity implementation.

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1. INTRODUCTION “The governments of the world that recognise 1.1 Taxonomy and the taxonomic the Convention on Biological Diversity impediment have affirmed the existence of a taxonomic impediment to sound management and con- Taxonomy is the science of naming, describ- servation of biodiversity. Removal of this ing and classifying organisms, and covers all impediment is a crucial, rate-determining plants, animals and microorganisms of the step in the proper implementation of the world. Using observations of organisms (mor- Convention’s objectives. There is an urgent phological, behavioural, genetic, biochemical need to train and support more taxonomic etc), taxonomists identify species and arrange experts, and to strengthen the infrastructure them into classifications, describing as new required to discover and understand the any that are not scientifically known. In the relationships among the world’s biological 250 years since Linnaeus introduced the bino- diversity.” mial system of naming, which is used for Darwin Declaration, 1988 scientific names today (see text box 1-2), tax- (Anon. 1998) onomists have described and named some 1.78 million species of animals, plants and The Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) was microoganisms. The full number of species put in place specifically to remove the taxo- on Earth is unknown, but probably lies nomic impediment – the crucial need identi- somewhere between 5 million and 30 million fied in the Darwin Declaration. (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). By 1998, the hindrance to Convention Taxonomy is the tool by which the com- implementation caused by the lack of appro- ponents of biological diversity are identi- priate taxonomic information had become fied, named and enumerated. Consequently, very apparent. Unless action was taken to it provides basic knowledge underpinning redress the situation, the impact of the biodiversity management and implementa- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD - tion of the CBD. Locating information see text Box 1-1) would be blunted, and about an organism is very difficult if no progress in meetings its objectives slowed. name for it is available, since the name is

Box 1-1 The Convention on Biological Diversity

At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for “sustainable development” – meeting our needs while ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable world for future generations. One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. This pact among the vast majority of the world’s governments sets out commitments for maintaining the world’s biodiversity and associated ecological functions. The Convention establishes three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. It is a political and legal agreement, and identifies priorities for action and puts in place the globally-agreed policies to support such actions

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Box 1-2 What’s in a name?

Different kinds of animals, fungi and plants and microorganisms are called different ‘species’. This reflects a real biological difference – a species is defined as a potentially interbreeding group of organisms that can produce viable offspring that themselves can interbreed. Thus animals of two different species, like a horse and a zebra, cannot interbreed, while animals of the same species can. Taxonomists provide unique names for species, labels that can help us find out more about them, and enable us to be sure that we are all talking about the same thing. Of course, there are names for organisms in many languages, but it is important, for example, when discussing the hedgehog to know whether one is talking about the small spiny insectivore Erinaceus europaeus, other members of the same family, cacti of the genus Echinocerus, or the orange fungus Hydnum repandum, all of which have the same ‘common’ name in English. For this reason the Latin ‘scientific’ name, is given as a unique universal identifier. the unifying reference for all data. This is a areas. The rate of production of such guides is potentially disastrous limitation to the abil- very slow, other than for some charismatic ity to take informed management decisions groups such as birds and large mammals. (Hopkins and Freckleton, 2002; McNeely, Moreover, while much of the information that 2002). If Parties to the Convention do not is currently available is in formats and lan- know what species live within their national guages suitable for the needs of taxonomists in boundaries, they will find it difficult to the regions where the work is being done, it is enact effective legislation concerning them, not always sufficiently accessible in countries plan for conservation and sustainable use or of origin, nor in styles useful to non-taxono- protect national or subnational rights con- mists (Lyal, 2004). The inability to identify cerning benefits of the genetic resources of (or obtain identifications for) the biota is a their biodiversity. Taxonomy provides a major part of the taxonomic impediment. basic and vital tool for the implementation Not only can it be difficult to tell some of the Convention on Biological Diversity. species apart, but the majority of them have Identification of some species may be easy, not been categorized or given formal scien- particularly in the case of large mammals; tific names (Text box 1-3). Although there is however, this is not the case for most organ- extensive taxonomic work on groups such as isms. The majority of invertebrates and many birds, most mammals and some higher plants, plants, for example, require expert skills to little is known of the distribution, biology, and ensure a correct identification. This is not just genetics of the vast majority of species, even because there are no simple-to-use identifica- in those groups. Perhaps only 10% of verte- tion guides – in many cases the species are not brates remain to be described, but well over simple to identify and production of such 50% of terrestrial arthropods and up to 95% guides is not possible. However, even where of protozoa are undescribed (Figure 1). At the simple guides might be possible, these or most conservative estimate, the subject of the other identification aids to assist the non-tax- Convention on Biological Diversity - the onomist are available for comparatively few biota itself - comprises more unknown groups and in comparatively few geographic species than known ones.

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Box 1-3 How to name a species: the taxonomic process

Taxonomists begin by sorting specimens to separate sets they believe represent species. Once the specimens are sorted the next job is to see whether or not they already have names. This may involve working through identification guides, reading descriptions written perhaps 200 years ago, and borrowing named specimens from museums or herbaria to compare with the sample. Such comparison may involve external characters, a need to dissect internal structures, or even molecular analysis of the DNA. If there is no match the specimens may represent a new species, not previously given a name. The taxonomist then has to write a description, including ways in which the new species can be distinguished from others, and make up a name for it, in a Latin format. The name and the description must then be properly published so that other taxonomists can see what has been done, and be able to identify the species themselves. From finding the specimens to the name appearing in print can take several years.

Figure 1. Known and unknown species in the world. The numbers of unknown species are an estimate, based largely on data in 'The Web of life', UK Systematics Forum, 1988.

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Although there are many species waiting institution not in the country of origin, and to be described, there are far too few taxon- no good images are available, many other omists to do the job, particularly in the specimens may have been collected countries where they are arguably most but remain unidentified or incorrectly needed, the biodiversity-rich developing identified. countries (Figures 2 and 3). Most taxono- Extensive libraries are needed because of mists work in relatively biodiversity-poor the vast amount of taxonomic literature that but resource-rich industrialised countries. has been published in thousands of journals Institutions in these countries also hold the and books over the past 250 years. This liter- largest reference collections of specimens ature, just like collections, is a vital part of from developing countries, as well as the the taxonomist’s equipment. For a large books and scientific papers required to number of species only one description has identify species and to carry out taxonomic ever been written, and that is in the original research. Collections, with the specimens publication where the species was named. properly identified and with the names up- Without access to this publication and in to-date, are vital tools, especially in the the absence of an authoritatively-named absence of simple-to-use guides. Many collection there is no way of a taxonomist species are only known to have been col- being sure of making a correct identification. lected once, and are represented in collec- Making this legacy literature accessible tions only by the type specimen (Text box to workers in developing countries is a 1-4). However, if this collection is in an major undertaking. There is a current

Figure 2. Number of taxonomists in Asia working on each major taxon. From Shimura, 2003.

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Figure 3. Ratio of sizes of major taxa based on known species in Asia. From Shimura, 2003.

Box 1-4 The role of taxonomic collections

Collections of organisms are vital tools for taxonomists. Although a great deal of valuable information can be gained from published studies, the specimens or cultures themselves are the ultimate reference. However good a published description of a species may be, the author will inevitably leave out some characteristics. However, for studies after the publication, when more specimens of other species are found, some characteristics not originally described might need to be studied. With named specimens in a collection this is possible; without them it is very difficult. Some specimens are particularly important: the ‘types’. These are specimens used by a taxonomist when describing a species for the first time, and form the ‘international standard’ – the reference specimens to which all others can be compared to assess whether or not they are of the same species. Most types are held in the large collections in industrialised countries rather than in the countries of origin. However, because species are often distributed across national boundaries, these collections provide a globally-invaluable resource for comparison and identification. A major need for all taxonomic institutions, however, is a collection containing specimens or cultures which have been authoritatively named, ideally by comparison with the type.

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(and inevitable) move to transfer literature to protection based on distributions and rarity the internet, which will certainly improve of taxa. In addition, they can provide base- accessibility. However, this carries with it an line data to plot the changing fortunes of absolute requirement for taxonomists in all taxa and ecosystems under anthropogenic countries to be connected to the internet with influence, predictions of interactions a high enough bandwidth to access the infor- between species which come into contact mation vital to their work. through natural or artificial changes in distri- Although identification and the large bution, linkages between different life- number of unknown species have been high- stages of organisms where these look lighted above, these are by no means the dissimilar, and so on. The importance of tax- only aspects of taxonomy of importance to onomy to the implementation of the CBD the implementation of the CBD. The has been emphasized at great length in the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel expert meetings which led up to the GTI (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility (Anon, 1998; Anon, 1998b; Anon, 1998c; (GEF) concluded that the some of the key Anon, 1999; Anon, 2000), by the meetings reasons for the importance of taxonomy advising the CBD decision-making process, include an understanding of key organisms by the CBD Conference of the Parties, by that enable: the GEF STAP (Anon, 1999a), and by numerous other authors2. As evidenced i) A scientific basis for conservation, by the programme of work for the GTI management and benefit-sharing of described in this guide, taxonomy plays a all levels of the biodiversity hierarchy; key role in supporting virtually all of the ii) Development of food security; work of the CBD. iii) Identification and control of human The majority of developing countries disease vectors; lack a sufficient number of taxonomists, iv) Identification and control of collections of their flora and fauna, and vectors’ contribution to ecosystem adequate libraries and collections of scien- dysfunction; and tific papers to assist the taxonomic v) The promotion of health through an process. All these are needed; just hiring understanding of preventive and taxonomists without the necessary tools curative agents found in biodiversity1 for them to do their work effectively will not be sufficient. Information arising from properly identified The lack of taxonomists, of collections, specimens includes data that can be used of libraries, of field guides and other identi- outside taxonomy. For example, they can fication aids, the difficulty in accessing help predict distributions of species, both information, coupled with the overwhelming actual and potential (e.g. as a response to number of species, both described and unde- climate change, or if the organism is intro- scribed, make up the ‘taxonomic impedi- duced into a new geographic area), and they ment’ to implementation of the Convention can inform identification of priority areas for on Biological Diversity.

1 Report of the STAP brainstorming on the use of taxonomic information. Key outcomes and suggestions. (1999). 2 (e.g. Wemmer et al., 1993; Cresswell & Bridgewater, 2000; Blackmore, 2002; Hopkins & Freckleton, 2002; Klopper et al, 2002; McNeely, 2002; Steenkamp & Smith, 2002; Chavan & Krishnan, 2003; Golding & Timberlake, 2003; King & Lyal, 2003; Lowry & Smith, 2003; Navarro et al, 2003; Raxworthy et al, 2003; Canhos et al, 2004; Iguchi et al, 2004; Samper, 2004; Smith, 2004, Smith et al, 2004; Suarez & Tsutsui, 2004; Yahner, 2004).

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1.2 The Global Taxonomy Initiative decided globally. The activities outlined in the policies (e.g. the GTI Programme of The response of the CBD to the recognition Work (PoW)) need to be undertaken by, of the taxonomic impediment has been to among others, taxonomists themselves. The develop a ‘cross-cutting’ programme to success of the GTI depends largely on the address it, the ‘Global Taxonomy Initiative’ participation of taxonomists and others, and (GTI). Because the GTI is a part of the CBD, the successful integration of taxonomic the taxonomic activities that it espouses are in work with other Convention activities. This support of the three aims of the Convention. is a challenge. Mechanisms must be put in The GTI has a dual nature, encompassing place to support implementation, and to both policy and implementation. Firstly, as a record when and how implementation has ‘cross-cutting issue’ of the CBD it is part of taken place. Those implementing the GTI an agreement that provides the legal and are by and large not engaged in policy devel- political backing for activities in support of opment, and there may be very tenuous links its threefold objective3. This is the forum between the implementers and the policy- through which the Parties to the CBD makers. Taxonomists and their institutions develop policy, as articulated in the deci- may not be aware of the policy decisions that sions of the Conference of the Parties have been made, and how these can support (COP). This international policy can then be the work that is required. Conversely, those used to inform national policies by the tasked with reporting on the progress of the Parties to the CBD4. Input to the COP comes GTI (specifically GTI and CBD National from its Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Focal Points) may not be aware of what Technical and Technological Advice progress has been made, or, indeed, of who (SBSTTA), the ‘Coordination Mechanism’ might be involved, since there is generally of the GTI (an informal advisory group), and no mechanism in place to gather and synthe- any other expert meetings or processes that sise this information. may be convened. Assistance in bringing The GTI is necessarily driven by user this information together, and providing needs, those needs being identified in the other documentation to develop the process, context of Convention implementation. is provided by the Executive Secretary of the Taxonomists already produce vast amounts CBD and the Secretariat (SCBD), which of basic, valuable information. However, the includes a GTI Programme Officer. practices of information dissemination have The other aspect of the dual nature of the not always done justice to the importance of GTI is that of implementation. The adoption that information. One aspect of the GTI is to by the COP of a particular decision does not ensure that the taxonomic information automatically mean that the aspirations reaches not only taxonomists but also deci- expressed within it are implemented. sion-makers and other non-taxonomist Countries first have to take decisions of their users, and in a format that they can employ. own as to what extent they will put in place In addition to effective dissemination policies to implement locally what has been of existing information, generation of new

3 Conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. 4 The Parties to the CBD are the countries or regional economic organizations that have ratified, accepted, or approved the Convention (see Article 34 of the CBD text for details).

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information is also a part of the GTI. As and where various activities are being noted above, the majority of species are not implemented; and yet described and named. Any taxonomic • Assist institutions, initiatives and indi- activity will at some level assist in imple- viduals to become engaged in the mentation of the Convention, because better activities mandated by the GTI, by understanding of biodiversity should ulti- providing information on funding, mately support better decisions about con- sources of further information and servation and sustainable use of biodiversity. useful contacts. Nevertheless, the GTI focuses somewhat on taxonomy applied in the context of the Importantly, this Guide tries to use language implementation of the CBD. End-users of that is easy to understand for those not taxonomic information, be they protected directly involved in CBD processes. area managers, scientists combating alien Therefore, although references to decisions species, or national governments defining of the Conference of the Parties are often access regimes for medicinal plants, have an provided, the language used is not necessar- important short-term need for good informa- ily the same. If further clarity is needed, tion upon which to base their decisions. In readers need to refer to the original text of short, effective implementation of the CBD COP decisions and other documents. A list depends largely on taxonomic information. of acronyms used in the document is provided at the end of the Guide. Finally, although this volume outlines 1.3 Purpose of the Guide GTI activities, it cannot hope to deal in depth with an extremely complex and This Guide is for all stakeholders, in the rapidly-developing field. The reader is hope that they can use it to enable and speed urged to use the bibliography to understand up implementation of the GTI. The purpose further some of the activities taking place, of the Guide is three-fold: in a multiplicity of fora, to remove the taxonomic impediment. In addition, those with • Describe the rationale and context for web access are encouraged to visit the GTI the GTI; portal on the CBD website, which provides • Describe the programme of work of links to further information sources about the GTI, including examples of how the GTI and its implementation.

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2. BACKGROUND The Convention on Biological Diversity environmentally sound development around these areas. The Convention on Biological Diversity is • Rehabilitating and restoring degraded the largest of the environmental conven- ecosystems and promoting the recov- tions, and is so far signed and ratified by ery of threatened species. 188 Parties, including 187 countries. The • Respecting, preserving and maintain- objectives of the Convention are: ing traditional knowledge of the sustainable use of biodiversity with the • Conservation of biological diversity; involvement of indigenous peoples • Sustainable use of its components; and and local communities. • Fair and equitable sharing of the bene- • Preventing the introduction of, con- fits arising out of the utilization of trolling, and eradicating alien species genetic resources. that could threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. The agreement covers all ecosystems, • Controlling the risks posed by organ- species, and genetic resources. isms modified by biotechnology. The CBD, as an international agreement, • Promoting public participation, partic- identifies a common problem, sets overall ularly when it comes to assessing the goals and policies and general obligations, environmental impacts of development and organizes technical and financial coop- projects that threaten biodiversity. eration. However, the responsibility for • Educating people and raising aware- achieving its goals rests largely with the ness about the importance of biodiver- countries themselves. The Convention sets sity and the need to conserve it. out a series of binding commitments in its articles; countries that join it are obliged to All of these commitments require, to a fulfil these commitments. The decisions greater or lesser extent, the use of taxonomy. taken by the COP are not legally binding The Convention has identified work to but, having been agreed by all of the Parties, be carried out in seven ‘thematic’ work pro- are likely to at least inform national poli- grammes, addressing: cies. Under the Convention, Governments undertake to conserve and sustainably use • Marine and coastal biodiversity; biodiversity. They are required to develop • Agricultural biodiversity; national biodiversity strategies and action • Forest biodiversity; plans (NBSAPs), and to integrate these into • Inland waters biodiversity; broader national plans for environment and • Dry and sub-humid lands biodiversity; development. Other commitments include: • Mountain biodiversity; and • Island biodiversity. • Identifying and monitoring the important components of biodiversity that Each thematic programme sets out key need to be conserved and used issues for consideration, basic principles to sustainably. guide the necessary work, expected outputs; • Establishing protected areas to con- as well as timelines and means for achiev- serve biodiversity while promoting ing these outputs.

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In addition to the thematic areas there tions) that have ratified the treaty. The COP are a number of key ‘cross-cutting issues’ reviews progress under the Convention, of relevance to all thematic areas. These identifies new priorities, and sets work include: plans. It can also make amendments to the Convention, create expert advisory bodies, • Access to genetic resources and review progress reports by member nations, benefit-sharing; and collaborate with other international • Traditional knowledge, innovations organizations and agreements. The COP has and practise; taken a number of ‘decisions’, setting out in • Biological diversity and tourism; detail how the various aspects of work of • Climate change and biological diversity; the Convention should be developed. • Economics, trade and incentives; The COP decisions provide a text which • Ecosystem approach; informs the national policies of the govern- • Global strategy for plant conservation; ments of the Parties. Given that the Parties • 2010 biodiversity target; have agreed to the text, this text provides a • Global Taxonomy Initiative; basis upon which work can be built. • Impact assessment, liability and Throughout this document references to the redress; relevant COP decisions are given as foot- • Indicators; notes in the text. • Liability and redress; The Conference of the Parties is sup- • Invasive alien species; ported and advised by several other bodies • Protected areas; that are established by the Convention • Public education and awareness; (see section 4 for further information): • Sustainable use; and • The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, • Technology transfer and cooperation. Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA). The SBSTTA is a commit- The CBD does not itself fund projects, and tee composed of experts from member does not provide grants. However, there are governments competent in relevant many sources of funding used by those fields. It plays a key role in making seeking to implement the Convention. The recommendations to the COP on sci- ‘financial mechanism’ of the CBD, the entific and technical issues. Global Environment Facility (GEF), can • The Secretariat of the Convention on support taxonomic activities under certain Biological Diversity (SCBD) based in circumstances. The GEF, and other sources Montreal, is linked to United Nations of funding, are discussed in more detail Environment Programme. Its main below in section 5. functions are to organize meetings, draft documents, assist member governments in the implementation of the 2.2 How does the CBD run? programme of work, coordinate with other international organizations, and The Convention’s governing body is the collect and disseminate information. Conference of the Parties (COP), compris- • The COP also establishes ad hoc coming representatives of all governments (and mittees or mechanisms as appropriate, regional economic integration organiza- in order to address particular issues.

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The texts of all recommendations of • Addressing issues on biosafety SBSTTA and of COP decisions can be (Cartagena Protocol); and found on the web site of the CBD5. COP • Addressing problems within the thematic decisions dedicated to the GTI are annexed and cross-cutting areas of the CBD. to this Guide and are found in the GTI portal within the CBD website. In all these areas a lack of available taxonomic expertise, data and national capacity among the majority of the Parties hinders 2.3 The Global Taxonomy Initiative to implementation of the Convention. The support implementation of the CBD impediments to the implementation of Article 7 on Identification and Monitoring have been The main elements of the taxonomic imped- particularly apparent. Following this recogni- iment, and the consequent need for a special tion, the COP authorised and developed a tax- emphasis on taxonomy to enable the CBD onomic component of Convention activities to be implemented effectively, were identi- through a number of decisions, from its third fied quite early in the Convention’s exis- meeting to the eighth. A programme of work tence. Within the remit of the Convention, for the GTI was adopted in 2002 and supple- the need for taxonomic input has been rec- mented in 2006 (COP decisions VI/8 and ognized in a number of areas: VIII/3), which among other things attempted to include all of the activities mentioned in • Developing national biodiversity earlier decisions (III/10, IV/1.D, V/9), strategies and action plans (Articles of although not all the detail available was the Convention 6, 7); included. The relevant texts of these decisions • Monitoring and assessing the effects are annexed to this Guide. of management practices and impacts Many of the problems forming the taxo- of environmental and use changes nomic impediment, and their possible solu- (Articles 7, 14); tions, were also explored in a series of • Identifying appropriate in-situ conser- expert meetings (Anon, 1998, 1998b, vation areas (Article 8); 1998c, 1998d, 1999, 2000). These docu- • Developing protocols for sustainable ments have been strongly influential in the use of biological resources (Article 10); development of the GTI, and all were sub- • Training and research programmes in mitted to the COP, or to the SBSTTA to pro- conservation and sustainable use of vide information to help formulate biological diversity (Article 12); recommendations to the COP. • Promoting understanding of the impor- Overall, the COP has asked the GTI to tance of biological diversity (Article 13); “seek to provide the key information • Enabling access to genetic resources required for the implementation of the (Article 15); Convention on Biological Diversity, partic- • As part of technology transfer, informa- ularly Article 7, on identification and moni- tion exchange and technical and scien- toring, through increasing the fundamental tific cooperation (Articles 16, 17, 18); biological data essential to underpin the • Managing the distribution of benefits conservation, sustainable use and equitable of biotechnology (Article 19); sharing of the benefits from the utilization 5 http://www.biodiv.org

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of biological diversity. That is, to address 2.3.1 GTI and the 2010 biodiversity target the problems of insufficient knowledge of In a mission statement accompanying the all components of biological diversity Strategic Plan for the Convention on (including their classification, description, Biological Diversity (decision VI/26) the value and function) and lack of taxonomic Parties to the Convention committed them- capacity, to overcome what has been termed selves to a more effective and coherent “the taxonomic impediment”.” (decision implementation of the three objectives of VI/8 – see annex 11). The decision went on the Convention, and to achieve by 2010 a to note that “In formulating the programme significant reduction of the current rate of of work to achieve this end, the GTI should biodiversity loss at the global, regional and provide the global platform to help acceler- national level as a contribution to poverty ate current taxonomic efforts in areas iden- alleviation and to the benefit of all life on tified as high priority by countries and earth. This last is the 2010 biodiversity regional groupings of countries”. The GTI target, which was subsequently endorsed programme of work has been designed to by the World Summit on Sustainable focus on supplying the needed taxonomic Development. The WSSD also stated that information to support the major work areas “[Actions are needed to] Promote the of the Convention, and the need to support implementation of the programme of work capacity-building to ensure the ability of of the Global Taxonomy Initiative.”6 countries to undertake the priority taxo- In an attempt to set out recommendations nomic work required to implement the for monitoring progress towards the 2010 Convention. This programme of work is target the COP has identified a number of intended to fulfil the following functions: parameters7. These include “Reducing the rate of loss of the components of biodiver- (a) To contribute to the implementa- sity, including: (i) biomes, habitats and tion of the Convention’s Strategic ecosystems; (ii) species and populations; Plan; and (iii) genetic diversity”. Measuring (b) To set operational objectives with species, populations and genetic diversity clear expected outputs and ways will require taxonomy. Importantly, taxo- and means through which to nomic information could be of great value achieve the set objectives; in working towards the 2010 target by pro- (c) To provide the rationale for the viding, from specimens housed in collec- choice of the operational targets, tions worldwide, the baseline data to assess with indications of opportunities the rate of loss before 2000, so that progress for further elaboration of the pro- towards attaining the target can be assessed. gramme of work; and (d) To serve as a guide to all biodiversity stakeholders on specific objec- 2.4 Who is responsible for the GTI? tives to which they can contribute individually or collectively, at the As noted above, the GTI is both a policy- local, national or international development forum and a set of activities level. that need to be implemented to remove the

6 WSSD Plan of Implementation, Paragraph 44(s) 7 see decision VII/30

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taxonomic impediment. Roles and responsi- implementation of the GTI because it falls bilities for the administration and policy within their remit. COP also asks funding aspects of the GTI are discussed in section 4 of bodies, and particularly the GEF, to finance this Guide. GTI implementation. In that sense all of Regarding implementation, Parties – in these are responsible to ensure that the GTI particular national governments – are fulfils the requirements of the COP. required to implement the relevant Articles, Importantly, there is an important role in and are obliged to put the decisions of the implementation of the GTI not only for gov- COP into practice. COP decisions fre- ernments, but also for individual taxonomists, quently identify initiatives, institutions or taxonomic institutions, conservationists, and sectors which, COP believes, should act in funding agencies (see text box 2-1).

Box 2-1 Why should I participate in the GTI?

Governments and Government departments In the texts of the decisions on the GTI the COP has asked its constituent Parties and their Governments to undertake numerous actions, including provision of appropriate resources to ensure actions by others are carried out. The Governments themselves, having supported and agreed to the texts of these decisions, thus implicitly express their intention to be guided by them and have some obligation to support action to turn the policies into implementation. They would do this by developing appropriate national policies, providing resources in such a way that the COP decision elements can be implemented, and causing publicly-funded bodies to adopt the relevant policies. Governments, in the national reports, state how they have responded to these commitments. These national reports can be found on the website of the CBD. The routes through which Government departments inform and resource appropriate bodies can be used to gather information and appropriate performance indicators for use in the reports, otherwise a difficult and costly activity.

Taxonomic institutions Taxonomy as a discipline has been in decline for the past few decades. This has been and continues to be a matter of concern. The decline has been associated with a lack of understanding of the importance of taxonomic information, and taxonomists have expressed concern that their work is not fully appreciated, nor taken up by other sectors. The massive political support for taxonomy expressed in the COP decisions is in direct contrast to this perception, and demands a response if it is to continue. Several funding organisations are supporting GTI activities, and this can be expected to develop further with demonstrations of the successful integration of taxonomy with work in other implementing sectors. Such integrated activities can also lead to a better quality of data

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for use in related research, and long-term externally-funded activity. Taxonomic institutions are called upon in some decisions to take action, and indeed took part in the meetings leading up to the creation of the GTI. Many of the activities that are required to turn GTI into a reality will rest on the willingness of these institutions, and the individuals working within them, to undertake GTI implementation. The onus is now on taxonomy to grasp the opportunity that is presented by the GTI.

Individual taxonomists Many funding opportunities are tied to biodiversity-related outcomes, rather than being for taxonomy alone. An individual taxonomist applying has to show how the taxonomic work proposed will contribute to the biodiversity aim, often in a logical framework that demands clear linkage of what taxonomy is undertaken and how the results are disseminated to the benefits to biodiversity that form the focus of the project from their point of view. This is essentially the GTI, and use of the ideas and examples discussed in this booklet may assist in preparation of grants of this type. Even if no direct linkage between taxonomic work and benefits to biodiversity (or CBD implementation) is required, donors are increasingly interested in the broader context into which the research they fund fits, and again the GTI provides this context. Many countries now require products from taxonomists in return for permission for collecting or undertaking research within their borders. These products, including lists of species, descriptions of new species published in the country, distributions of rare species etc, if useful and contributing to national policies, will assist both the countries and current and future researchers justi- fying continued work in the country. Such products may also facilitate additional funding for projects within the country and region. A key to identifying the relevant information lies in the GTI and the convention-related policies of the country and region, including the NBSAP. Taxonomists should become involved in taxonomic needs assessments in order to ensure that appropriate needs are taken into account.

Conservationists and other sectors implementing the CBD There is a vast amount of information generated by taxonomic work that could be used to support and inform conservation and related activities. Examples of such successes are available as models referenced throughout this document. However, there is a widespread assumption that taxonomic information should be readily and freely available and equal disappointment when this proves to be a misapprehension. Partially because of the difficulty of obtaining appropriate taxonomic information, there has been a trend to avoid the need by simply using what can be identified, and operating on the assumption that the rest of the biota can be covered by the focus on the selected species. While it is true that in many cases decisions must be made with incomplete taxonomic information, the value of more complete taxonomic information in improving decision-making has been demonstrated a number of times. The provision of rapid assessment and monitoring of large components of the biota that are currently inaccessible will be a valuable tool. The

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case has been made powerfully for involvement of taxonomy in the way set out by the GTI. However, without the willingness of the conservation and related sectors to ensure resources for production of needed taxonomic work and products are included in projects, this necessary information will continue to be unavailable.

Funding bodies Many funding bodies, including the GEF, insist on a logical framework for any implementation activity to be drawn out. A common ‘killer assumption’ that is far too rarely recognised in such analyses is that all of the organisms that are encountered can be identified or, alternatively, that such identifications will not be necessary. Taxonomists are often used at the last minute for input on projects that belatedly realise the need for expert identification. Often, no resources in funding have been allocated to pay for the work needed on such projects, nor are resources included in the funding provided. The Scientific and Technical Advisory panel of the GEF has emphasised the importance of funding taxonomy for implementation of the CBD and to support the work of other UN agencies. The taxonomic impediment is a large problem, but the way to address large problems is to fund concerted action to solve them.

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3. THE PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE GTI 3.1 Introduction countries of origin gain access to information concerning elements of their biodiver- The objectives and major activities of the sity. Taxonomic information needed for GTI have been summarized in a Programme decision-making can only be generated and of Work (PoW)8. Although this identifies made available through an appropriate com- certain priorities, it is not intended to be pre- bination of capacity and infrastructure. scriptive, and flexibility must be maintained Thus, operational objectives 2 and 3 are the in order to meet the multitude of needs and basis for supporting operational objectives priorities identified by individual Parties. 4 and 5, which focus on the generation of The PoW comprises 19 ‘planned activi- information to support decision-making for ties’9 within five ‘operational objectives’ conservation and sustainable use of biologi- (Text box 3-1), plus one specific target cal diversity, within the thematic work pro- under operational objective 310. These are grammes (operational objective 4) and intended to contribute to the overall objec- cross-cutting issues (operational objective tive of implementation of the CBD (see the 5) addressed by the Convention. figure contained in the programme of work Section 3.2 below describes each of the on the GTI, in annex 11). They outline what planned activities in the programme of is needed, and provide some activities that work. Examples and elements related to have been identified already as priorities. implementation of the planned activities are Further work is being done to develop the provided in some cases, but these examples PoW, and a set of desirable outputs are are by no means exhaustive – there are being identified.11 many tools and data sources now available The first operational objective aims to assess both in written form in libraries, and in elec- taxonomic needs and capacities at national, tronic form on the internet, and no publica- regional and global levels. This is an impor- tion like this can hope to list them all. The tant first step because it determines where discussions under each planned activity are human and institutional capacity-building by no means complete and should spur the efforts should be focused. Certain types of development of further activity towards capacity may best be addressed at regional addressing the taxonomic impediment. levels, while other needs may be most effectively addressed at national levels. Among 3.2 Planned activities countries, national needs may vary widely. Operational objective 2 focuses on build- 3.2.1 National taxonomic needs assessments ing and maintaining the infrastructure and capacity needed to obtain, collate and For most countries in the world, there is sim- curate the biological specimens that are ply too little taxonomic expertise, informa- the basis for taxonomic knowledge. tion and infrastructure available to enable Operational objective 3 aims to make infor- them to work with their biota in the way mation available, including ensuring that they need. This deficiency is known as the

8 Adopted in decision VI/8 and supplemented in decision VIII/3. 9 18 planned activities were adopted in decision VI/8; one was added in decision VIII/3, and three of the others were elaborated. 10 Decision VIII/3, paragraph 7 11 In decision VIII/3, paragraph 11(f) the COP requested the development of specific taxonomic, outcome-oriented deliverables for each of the planned activities. These will be developed and considered at COP-9.

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Box 3-1 The Global Taxonomy Initiative Programme of Work

(note: the target under operational objective 3, and planned activity 13b, were added by decision VIII/3)

Operational objective 1: Assess taxonomic needs and capacities at national, regional and global levels for the implementation of the Convention. Planned Activity 1: Country-based taxonomic needs assessments and identification of priorities. Planned Activity 2: Regional taxonomic needs assessments and identification of priorities. Planned Activity 3: Global taxonomic needs assessments. Planned Activity 4: Public awareness and education.

Operational objective 2: Provide focus to help build and maintain the human resources, systems and infrastructure needed to obtain, collate, and curate the biological specimens that are the basis for taxonomic knowledge. Planned Activity 5: Global and regional capacity-building to support access to and generation of taxonomic information. Planned Activity 6: Strengthening of existing networks for regional cooperation in taxonomy. Operational objective 3: Facilitate an improved and effective infrastructure/system for access to taxonomic information; with priority on ensuring countries of origin gain access to information concerning elements of their biodiversity. Target under operational objective 3: A widely accessible checklist of known species, as a step towards a global register of plants, animals, microorganisms and other organisms. Planned Activity 7: Develop a coordinated taxonomy information system Operational objective 4: Within the major thematic work programmes of the Convention include key taxonomic objectives to generate information needed for decision-making in conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and its components. Planned Activity 8: Forest biological diversity. Planned Activity 9: Marine and coastal biological diversity. Planned Activity 10: Dry and sub-humid lands biodiversity. Planned Activity 11: Inland waters biological diversity. Planned Activity 12: Agricultural biological diversity. Planned Activity 13: Mountain biological diversity. Planned Activity 13b: Island biological diversity Operational objective 5: Within the work on cross-cutting issues of the Convention include key taxonomic objectives to generate information needed for decision-making in conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and its components. Planned Activity 14: Access and benefit-sharing. Planned Activity 15: Invasive alien species. Planned Activity 16: Support in implementation of Article 8 (j). Planned Activity 17: Support for ecosystem approach and CBD work on assessment including impact assessments, monitoring and indicators. Planned Activity 18: Protected areas.

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‘taxonomic impediment’ to implementing completed by the end of 2005, progress has the Convention on Biological Diversity. The been slow, and it is not clear to what extent taxonomic impediment is therefore specifi- they will address taxonomic needs in detail. cally about the taxonomic needs of non- The GEF is not the only possible source of taxonomists: conservationists, environmen- funds to support needs assessments, and tal managers, quarantine officers, foresters national taxonomic needs assessments have and so on. It is distinct from the taxonomic been or are being carried out by a number of capacity of a country, which refers to what countries using other sources of funding – taxonomy can be done, and the levels of examples include: expertise, information and infrastructure, without considering needs. • Assessment of needs associated with Understanding the taxonomic impediment conservation issues by the UK12; in a country or region so that it can be • Brazil’s comprehensive strategy for removed can only be done by working with the modernization of Brazilian biolog- the users of taxonomy in these other fields, ical collections and consolidation of and identifying their taxonomic needs and integrated biodiversity information the way they use taxonomy. This process is systems13; and known as a taxonomic needs assessment. • An assessment of national taxonomic The Parties to the CBD have repeatedly needs for Ghana, currently underway identified the importance of national taxo- with support from the United Kingdom. nomic needs assessments in decisions of the COP (see annexes 8 to 13). The PoW envis- Taxonomic needs information from all aged that the results of such assessments available sources will be gathered and made would be compiled in 2002, but progress available through the GTI portal on the has been slow. Some countries have used CBD website in 2006 and 2007. national biodiversity strategies and action Understanding what taxonomic informa- plans (NBSAPs) as well as national reports tion is required in order to meet CBD- under the Convention to indicate their need related needs is vital for good management for taxonomic capacity, but few details have and of great importance in building national been provided. So far, national needs biodiversity strategies and action plans. assessments have been or are being carried Once the needs are known the available out by a few countries, for example UK and resources can be assessed and the results South Africa. In each case the assessment used to set goals and priorities for building does not cover all possible stakeholders necessary capacity. If countries are involved with an interest in taxonomic information, in regional taxonomic networks, needs can since resources have been too few to allow also be assessed within the context of those such a comprehensive process. collaborations, especially when participa- The GEF was requested to provide funds tion may include complementarities and for countries to conduct capacity-building sharing of research effort. needs assessments for biodiversity (not As with so many Convention-related limited to taxonomy), and there are approxi- activities, a taxonomic needs assessment mately 50 such projects underway. Although has both policy and implementation outputs. many were scheduled to have been For policy, assessments should state clearly

12 http://www.Nbn.org/downloads/files/Questionnaire.1.doc (Accessed 17/11/2004) 13 Ministry of Science and Technology, March 2006

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if and how lack of taxonomic capacity and/ mapping to CBD COP decisions, which will or information impedes implementation of be useful in formulating questions, subse- NBSAPs. The needs assessment is also a quent analysis and targeting and prioritisation working document which can be used to of resources as a response to the assessment. inform taxonomists and funding bodies of It will also assist the National CBD Focal the taxonomic input required. The process Point in reporting on activities, since these are of conducting a needs assessment itself can organised by CBD thematic areas and cross- be used to raise awareness of the CBD and cutting initiatives. The methodologies of taxonomic needs. described below can also be applied to areas Some valuable suggestions on how to outside the direct focus of CBD, such as carry out a national needs assessment were health or farming, although both of these have provided by the report of the DIVERSI- CBD implications. TAS/Systematics Agenda 2000 Workshop Within these focal areas there are many (Anon, 1998c14). These suggestions are sum- non-taxonomist users of taxonomic infor- marized below, with additional ideas and mation. Some of the most significant of protocols developed through the UK and these from the point of view of CBD imple- Ghanaian assessments. mentation are: The process can be seen as a seven-step operation: • Conservation managers, environmental managers, resource managers, pro- a) Selection of assessment focus; tected area managers; b) Assessment of national user needs and • Environmental protection agencies; priorities for taxonomic information; • Agencies involved in managing and con- c) Assessment of existing taxonomic trolling invasive alien species and pests; knowledge about national biodiver- • Agencies responsible for quarantine; sity, its availability to and employ- • Agencies responsible for biosafety, ment by users, and the sustainability including related to genetically modi- of these sources; fied organisms; d) Assessment of current national taxo- • Departments involved in implementing nomic infrastructure; access and benefit-sharing legislation; e) Assessment of current national human • Agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and resources in taxonomy; fishery agencies; f) Analysis of results; and • Forest product industries; g) Recommendations for action. • Biotechnology industries; • Ecotourism industries; (a) Selection of assessment focus • Agencies and organizations involved in applied health and medical research; and The focus of the assessment is likely to be • The research community (biological one or more of the focal areas of the CBD science, global change, environmental (‘thematic areas’ and ‘cross-cutting issues’). science). Alternatively, it might be a sector such as ‘Conservation’ (the focus of the recent This list is not exclusive, and other areas of UK Assessment). Such targeting will assist focus might be appropriate for an assessment.

14 UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/INF/7 - http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-04/information/sbstta-04-inf-07-en.pdf

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These users may be government depart- (b) Assessment of national user needs and ments, NGOs, research institutions, amateur priorities for taxonomic information societies, educational bodies, private com- There are two tools that will be of value in panies etc. Each might have different needs, assessment of user needs. These are a ques- and different sources for the information tionnaire and interviews. Ideally, they they use. should be used in conjunction, so that the Ultimately, taxonomic information is subject can think about the questionnaire used by individuals, and it is those who and enter data that, being of a standard for- determine what is useful and desirable. mat, is more simply analysed, and then inter- Consequently, a taxonomic needs assess- viewed to discover aspects that either do not ment may include gathering information fit on the questionnaire, or can be prompted from people such as quarantine officers, by the questions. As the assessment contin- extension workers, village communities etc. ues, the interviewer will become increas- In addition to the users, there are likely to ingly aware of issues and needs that were not be national policy documents or reports that recognised initially, and can use the inter- deal with the focal area. These might con- views to explore these. Although such issues tain information on taxonomic needs, either may be discovered, the questionnaire should explicitly or by inference (any call for not be changed, since this will make subse- ‘monitoring and assessment’, for example, quent analysis more difficult. implies a need for a taxonomic resource to identify the organisms being monitored). Questionnaire Since one of the benefits of carrying out a A sample questionnaire is provided in taxonomic needs assessment is to inform Annex 6 to this Guide. This is based on the policy, and allow policies to be put in place one used for the UK taxonomic needs to meet the needs identified, particular assessment of conservation bodies, and may attention needs to be paid to extant policy not be fully appropriate for other purposes. documents. However, it does give some ideas which Finally, having identified the sector or could be used. sectors that will be the focus for the assess- Before sending out the questionnaire the ment, a steering group representing differ- recipient should have been contacted to give ent sectors including the focal sectors may them warning, and an explanatory letter be valuable. This group can inform the team accompanying the questionnaire will need carrying out the assessment of priority areas to be drafted. and suggest lines of questioning. In that In the UK and Europe, legislation gives case, the initial steps in the assessment pro- people certain rights over data about them held ject might be to: electronically. For this reason the questionnaire includes a form on which the person filling it in • Decide which sector or sectors to can signify their agreement to the use of the focus on; data. Other countries may or may not have • Identify the stakeholders that should similar legislation, but it might be useful to be included; include on the form a statement of the use of • Decide the paper and policy docu- the information collected, and its distribution. ments that should be examined; and The first part of the form collects infor- • Set up a multi-sector steering group. mation about the organisation being

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questioned, including their status. Different interested in groups as set out; ‘forest pests’, types of organisations may use taxonomic or ‘grassland herbivores’ are equally valid information in different ways, so this classi- groups from a non-taxonomist user point of fication will assist analysis. A classification view, and the questionnaire may need to be not included on the draft of the questionnaire modified to accommodate such assemblages. is the nature of the ‘customers’ of the organ- The draft questionnaire also seeks to isation. For example, an organisation may establish to what extent the activities of the need taxonomic information because its staff user involve different taxonomic activities manage the environment directly, because and tools. There is some overlap with earlier they advise those who do, because they questions as the draft is written, and this advise government, or because they create could be changed. This table is essentially analyses that are used by other researchers. about what the organisation does rather than A potentially useful figure not included what it needs; needs, however, may be in the draft questionnaire is the number of inferred from the responses, and investi- people in the organisation that are working gated during an interview. on the focal area. For example, the ques- The next part of the form is focussed on tionnaire may be completed by someone what taxonomic products the organisation working in a one-man ecotourism business, uses or needs. Before finalising the ques- or a government body with several hundred tionnaire the various categories and items staff who might be using the resources. should be considered carefully to see if any Such a figure, appropriately scaled, will should be omitted or more added. For assist in providing levels of need. example, currently the form includes a set Although the focus has been determined of ecological information elements which, by this stage, the users selected might be although they fall under the heading of the asked to identify the areas of CBD imple- GTI (taxonomy operating at ecosystem, mentation they are focussed on. It may be species and genetic levels) may be outside that their interpretation differs from that of the remit of most taxonomic organisations. the assessment team, or that their interests For each item the organisation is asked to: (and resources) extend more widely than anticipated. 1. Rank the importance of the item on a The thematic areas of the CBD are scale of 1-5, 1 being ‘very important’ referred to in the draft questionnaire as and 5 ‘unimportant’; ecosystems. However, this breakdown is 2. State whether the resources are avail- quite possibly insufficiently detailed to able or unavailable; account for sectoral interests in all coun- 3. Identify the source of the resources tries, and a more detailed term for the (e.g. in-country professionals, ama- ecosystem or environment may be useful teurs, local library); (e.g. ‘mangroves’, ‘savannah’, ‘desert’ etc.). 4. Indicate whether the source is in their In addition to the ecosystem the draft ques- view sustainable; and tionnaire has a table investigating the higher 5. Make additional comments. groups of organisms the users may be interested in. This table is grouped by broad Finally, the questionnaire includes a blank ecosystem, and it might be useful to change page where the user is invited to add more this grouping. In addition, not all users may be detail to their taxonomic needs.

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Interviews Consequently an assessment of availability must include its main formats and the possi- Following the questionnaire it may be valu- bilities of distributing it to the appropriate able to carry out an interview with the cor- personnel (Lyal, 2004). The types of knowl- respondent, during which points made in the edge that might be considered arise from the answers can be followed up, and more needs assessment, but are likely to include: detailed questions asked to clarify or (i) species lists for the country and areas explore problems and needs. For example: within it, particularly protected areas; (ii) detailed data associated with specimens; (iii) • The interviewee should be encouraged taxonomic literature (including field guides to think of both current and expected and electronically-mediated information) future needs for taxonomic information. pertaining to the biota of the country. • Where do they currently obtain taxo- Two key data sources for species lists are nomic information, and are these existing literature and specimens held in sources adequate and sustainable? collections. An important consideration is • What kinds of taxonomic knowledge that taxonomic names do change through (e.g. species lists, identification tools, time, and consequently any list must be authoritative images, data from speci- checked and corrected if it is to be of value. mens in collections) about those Some information from the literature groups are most essential? may be relatively easy to retrieve. This is • What format (e.g. field guides, formal most likely to be so for well-known groups, taxonomic publications, dedicated such as many vertebrates, some groups of reports, dynamic web-based) do they vascular plants, and some of the more spec- prefer the information to be in? tacular or economically important inverte- • What gaps in knowledge need to be brates. Such information can often be found filled? in field guides, extant national or regional checklists and reports, and electronic data- It is difficult, and probably counter-produc- bases. On the other hand some faunal or tive, to set a prescriptive list of questions. floristic lists, reports, and databases may be unavailable within the country, and will (c) Assessment of existing taxonomic knowl- need to be sought elsewhere. More difficult edge about national biodiversity, its avail- to collect are species data discussed in ability to and employment by users, and the detailed and specialist sources, such as sustainability of these sources monographs and primary taxonomic literature, both because of the distributed nature At least some taxonomic information about of the information within the publications, national biota exists for all countries, but this and the likelihood that they will not be is scattered over a myriad of different available within the country. sources, is of uneven quality, and may not be Natural history collections potentially pro- easily available electronically. Moreover, vide the most reliable records of species dis- where it exists it may not be in a format or tribution, whether at national or other language that makes its employment simple geographic scales, and thus have a role in for non-taxonomic users or even many tax- compilation of species lists. A benefit of data onomists, especially in the country of origin. from this source is that records can be

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associated with voucher specimens, the The creation of a list of species found identity of which can be checked. For the pur- within a country is not an academic exer- poses of a national assessment, key national cise. Apart from supporting implementation and extra-national collections could be identi- of Article 7 of the Convention, it underpins fied and information of the holdings many other aspects of Convention imple- requested from the institution concerned. mentation. One key aspect is that of access Routes to identifying these key collections are and benefit-sharing, where knowledge of (a) asking institutions within the country the species, subspecies, varieties and strains about contacts and long-term scientific within a country’s borders is a vital prereq- involvement with extra-national institutions; uisite to protecting genetic resources and (b) searching the internet for relevant collec- their benefits (see below). tions information; (c) checking the major web Detailed data associated with specimens portals to such information (see section 615); can be of value for a number of reasons, (d) checking available taxonomic literature including ecological modelling of species for references to specimen repositories; and distributions. This system has been used to (e) asking the major world collection-holding great effect in Mexico, where databases of institutions, which can generally be named by specimen-level information have informed any competent taxonomist. Provision of the policy on a number of issues including inva- information by collection-holding institutions sive alien species, living modified organ- may, however, require a considerable amount isms, and protected areas. The assessment of work, not least because many institutions will determine what collections are readily do not keep records of their holdings associ- available and what can be found outside the ated with geographic origin. Information country. Plans and priorities can then be delivery might therefore involve a cost, which developed for data repatriation. Issues should be factored into the budget of the regarding location of collections apply here needs assessment. A valuable exercise that also. might arise from this part of the assessment Taxonomic literature is a necessary tool could be networking relevant institutions to for the majority of users. In order to main- pool collections data. tain any functional taxonomic activity there For many taxonomic groups, information must be access to the appropriate specialist retrieval will be extremely time consuming literature. This is covered under ‘libraries’ and may not be possible with available below. Literature of a more generalist type resources. In such cases, estimates of including field guides and electronically- species richness of such groups would be mediated information pertaining to the valuable so that plans can be made to biota of the country is also of considerable acquire or develop additional information value, particularly to non-taxonomists subsequently. Moreover, the information charged with implementation work. A that is gathered may highlight gaps in data review of field guides that deal with biota availability, and provide the basis for subse- of the country would be comparatively quent data- or specimen-collection projects. simple, and stem perhaps from responses to Plans for subsequent projects could be questions by the users targeted in the included within the NBSAP. assessment.

15 Many specimen records from numerous institutions are accessible through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility: http:/www.gbif.org

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(d) Assessment of current national and electronic links to other taxonomic infrastructure databases); • Institutional structure (e.g. relevant A survey of scientific infrastructure support- policies, quality of business manage- ing taxonomic research is a key element of ment, budgetary support, sustainabil- any taxonomic assessment. Three broad cat- ity, whether loans of specimens can be egories of taxonomic infrastructure include: received from other institutions); and i) collection facilities, ii) libraries, and iii) • Institutional long-term planning, par- associated technical, management and other ticularly in terms of GTI goals. institutional support for taxonomists. ii) Libraries Taxonomic research requires access to i) Collections facilities libraries with reference collections. Thus the These include museums, herbaria, libraries in natural history institutions, univer- arboreta, zoos, botanical gardens, culture sities, agricultural or medical research centres, collections and seed banks. The facilities and other agencies should be surveyed for might be housed in stand-alone institutions, their capacity to support taxonomic research. universities, private institutions or govern- General information to be gathered will mental agencies such as agricultural include: research stations. As part of any assessment, the following information should be gath- • Numbers and kinds of libraries; ered for each collection: • Extent of holdings (e.g. books, monographs, journals, electronic databases • Taxonomic coverage and the kind(s) etc relevant to the particular area of of specimens housed; the world and group(s) being studied); • Curation of collection (the proportion • Financial support to enable continued of specimens which are identified and / purchase of relevant journals and books; or sorted, those which are available for and research, and whether specimen track- • Communication capabilities (e.g. elec- ing systems are in place); tronic access to holdings; electronic • Capacity for growth, in terms of space linkages to other libraries, ability to and infrastructural support; receive books on interlibrary loan). • Quality of the facilities (e.g. adequacy of collection housing such as cabinets, iii) Associated scientific support (poli- supplies, maintenance, specimen prepa- cies, infrastructure) ration areas, curatorial and staff office All scientific research, including taxon- and research space); omy, requires a broad range of general • Security (whether the collection is supporting infrastructure. An assessment adequately protected from fire, pests, might include the following broad cate- and other adverse conditions); gories: • Information availability and communications infrastructure (e.g. printed • Universities with appropriate exper- catalogues, electronic database(s) tise, relevant governmental and

24 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative

nongovernmental institutions, field ii) Support staff: stations, etc.; • Professional collection man- • Computing capacity and quality; agers; • Molecular, biochemical, morphological, • Technicians or research assistants; cytological and other laboratory facilities; • Students (undergraduate, gradu- • Research equipment available (micro- ate, and postdoctoral); scopes, field vehicles, etc.); • Parataxonomists (non-profes- • Ocean-going ships, other research ves- sionals having some curatorial or sels, and sorting gear; and research responsibilities); • Existing strategies and frameworks to • Collectors; develop and promote in-country • Interns and trainees; research (including funding proce- • Volunteers (retired scientists, dures, agencies, project evaluation, trained lay persons, amateurs etc.); legislation, permit access policies, and • Financial support staff (with multilateral institutional agreements). expertise in funding agencies, financial administration, etc.); and (e) Assessment of current national human • Managers. resources in taxonomy For the GTI to contribute adequately to the implementation of NBSAPs, action may iii) Capacity for education and train- be needed to strengthen the human resources ing in taxonomy: supporting taxonomic work. No country has • Education or training available all the taxonomists it needs, nor taxonomic (taxonomic coverage, content, expertise in all groups. Therefore, countries course titles); will want to assess current human resources • Level of education available in the light of national goals and needs, tak- (B.Sc, M.Sc., Ph.D., other quali- ing into account accessibility of expertise at fication, parataxonomy training, regional levels. The following information collections management, etc.); will be useful in evaluating capacity: • Numbers and kinds of trainees; • Facilities for training; and i) Professional research staff in each • Prospects for productive employ- taxonomic institution (curators, ment in relevant taxonomic work research scientists): (institutions, number and kind of • Numbers; posts available, sustainability). • Demography (age structure of experts in the various areas of The results of such a survey could be used work); to inform prospective students and trainees • Taxonomic coverage (expertise); through publication either as hard copy or and on the internet. • Status (e.g. qualifications, par- While national human resources in tax- ticipation in professional activi- onomy are being evaluated, countries could ties within the country and assess human resources at the international internationally). level that may have a relevant role in

25 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative

building in-country capacity. Critical areas then attempting to obtain an overview of of needed information include: them. A similar approach has been taken by participants in some of the formulation work- • A list of in-country specialists working shops for BioNET-INTERNATIONAL. in foreign countries; At least two European regional work- • A list of foreign taxonomists working shops have been held on the GTI. One of in-country; these led to development of the European • A list of foreign taxonomists experi- GTI Toolkit16, an important resource for tax- enced in relevant groups; and onomists and anyone involved in the GTI. • The availability of training opportuni- The GTI regional workshops were a ties in foreign countries. mechanism proposed by COP to both identify regional issues and propose ways of dealing with them. The intent was to hold 3.2.2 Regional taxonomic needs regional meetings of scientists, managers assessments and policy-makers to prioritize the most In many regions of the world it will be urgent regional taxonomic needs and facili- advantageous to pool resources and to act tate the formulation of specific regional and cooperatively in building taxonomic capac- national projects to meet them. Combined ity. Regional activities in taxonomy as a key with best available information on national mechanism for implementing the GTI have taxonomic needs, the workshops were been supported by the Conference of the expected to produce regionally agreed plans Parties (see annexes 8 to 13). Assessment of of action with prioritised activities that needs and capacity at a regional level is would provide a clear focus for activities therefore a valuable exercise. under the GTI. Four regional workshops The ideas presented for a national taxo- have been held to date, in Central America, nomic needs assessment can be used in a (Herrera, 2001) Africa (Klopper et al., modified form at regional level. To an extent 2001) and two in Asia (Shimura, 200317). this has been done in Africa, Central America The main actors in this process were and Asia in the context of regional GTI work- expected by COP to be national governments, shops (Herrera, 2001; Shimura, 2003), taxonomic institutions and global, regional although in these cases the emphasis has and bilateral funding agencies. Existing and been on the current and predicted capacity proposed regional biodiversity projects such rather than the fully-articulated user needs. as SABONET in South Africa and Country-level needs assessments themselves BOZONET18 in East Africa as well as can provide the core input into the develop- NBSAPs were expected to provide the main ment of an assessment of regional capacity, mechanism to identify the most urgent taxo- the gaps in capacity across the region, and nomic information requirements at the finally the setting of priority actions to fill the regional level. Active regional networks of gaps. The African GTI workshop (Klopper taxonomists would be best placed to facilitate et al., 2001) took more this approach by requir- the compilation of national needs assessments ing national reports from its participants and into cohesive regional syntheses. Some

16 http://www.gti-kontaktstelle.de/toolkit/index.html 17 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-09/information/sbstta-09-inf-17-en.doc 18 http://www.gefweb.org/Projects/Pipeline/Pipeline_6/BOZONET.pdf

26 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative

regional assessments have already been done to ensure that a global taxonomic needs by such networks. For example, SABONET19 assessment is carried out as soon as carried out an assessment of the needs of possible. There are many ways in which users of botanical information (Smith et al., such an assessment could be carried out, 1999; Steenkamp & Smith, 2002). Another and it is likely that the assessment will use approach was taken by ASEANET20 in their multiple approaches. For example, regional assessments of pathogens and pests in their taxonomic needs assessments could be eval- region (Evans, Lum & Muroch, L., 2002; uated and any actions that could be under- Naumann & Jisoh, 2002). taken at the global level could be identified. The Parties to the CBD agreed that fund- Regardless of the approaches used, it is ing for regional needs assessments could be clear that a global needs assessment will need provided by the national Governments and to identify priorities. A global workshop held bilateral funding agencies. in Pretoria in 2002, with a follow-up in Paris Needs assessments with a wider remit 2003, attempted to identify global needs for were carried out under the UNDP Capacity demand-driven taxonomic capacity-build- Development Initiative. This looked at all ing22. The first result of this was a ‘Plan of capacity development needs, including Action and Resource Kit for Taxonomic those for taxonomic activity, although not Capacity-building’23 (An outline strategy only in terms of the CBD. Reports for all arising from the detailed discussions in these regions, together with a summary report, meetings is given in Annex 5). A global panel have been placed on the internet21. of experts made a number of recommendations at a workshop held under the auspices of DIVERSITAS in 1998 (Anon, 199924). The 3.2.3 Global taxonomic needs assessments participants stressed the importance of a pri- The lack of knowledge of key groups of ority approach from the taxonomic perspec- organisms of importance to humankind, tive, and set some common criteria that could many of which have global or multiregional be applied at national as well as regional or distributions, calls for a global dimension to global levels. These criteria are as follows: taxonomic activities. This is particularly Taxa of economic value. Because of important in the context of certain groups of interactions at both community and ecosys- organisms such as invasive alien species. tem levels, all species have a degree of eco- Global cooperation to work on globally nomic value and, in some way, influence important groups will of necessity involve human welfare. Perhaps of greatest signifi- both developed and developing countries, cance are species that have direct and imme- and capacity-building in both will undoubt- diate effects on human health, food supplies edly be required to achieve this. (including agricultural crops and fisheries), The COP, at its eighth meeting, called on timber, biotechnology, and similar benefits. the CBD secretariat to consult with relevant This includes both beneficial (e.g. pollina- organizations and funding agencies in order tors, seed dispersers, scavengers) and

19 The Southern African Botanical Diversity Network - http://www.sabonet.org.za/index.htm 20 The ASEAN taxonomic network 21 http://www.gefweb.org/Site_Index/CDI/cdi.html 22 document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/9/INF/16 available at www.biodiv.org 23 http://www.bionet-intl.org/opencms/opencms/resourceCentre/onlinePublications/3GTW/index.htm 24 document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/INF6 available at www.biodiv.org

27 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative

non-beneficial species (e.g. disease vectors, with extinction; and species with very lim- crop pests, pathogens, invasive alien species ited distributions. that threaten indigenous biodiversity). Taxa which are indicator species or Taxa that characterize ecosystems. species groups. These are species or species These species define structure and function groups that are highly sensitive to changes in within an ecosystem. For example, among either biotic or abiotic conditions in the envi- plants many species of the family ronment, and that are useful in monitoring Rubiaceae occur as shrubs or small trees in such change. A criterion for indicator species the wet-dry tropical regions of the world, frequently met with in Convention docu- the Ericaceae and Epacridaceae characterize ments is that choice of such species should shrublands or heathlands, while the include ease of identification – indicating a Laminariales are important structural deter- priority for taxonomic action. minants of temperate near-shore marine By using these criteria and indicating the ecosystems. In the animal kingdom, corals existing gaps in our knowledge of biodiver- and sponges are key marine organisms sity, expert groups have suggested tools while many invertebrates have important necessary to develop regional or global pri- recycling roles in terrestrial and aquatic orities. Taxonomic priorities might also be ecosystems. influenced towards important but poorly Marine and fresh water ecosystems are studied taxa; biogeographically little-known poorly known yet are extremely important taxonomic groups, or geographically less as fish habitats, and as water and food well studied taxa (as found in most develop- sources for humans. Characterisation of ing countries). their structure and function, and identifica- A global assessment is under way at the tion of indicator species that signal health or time of writing, focussed on the taxonomic specific problems, are critical actions. Other needs associated with invasive alien ecosystems requiring attention are mountain species. The results of this will be made areas, arid and semi-arid regions where available through the GTI Portal once it is organisms may have ephemeral lives asso- completed. ciated with changes in moisture balance, National Governments, taxonomic insti- and lowland tropical forest (in South tutions and global, regional and bilateral America, Africa and Asia), where habitat funding agencies are expected to contribute loss is high. With a better understanding of to the development of global taxonomic the species composition of each ecosystem needs assessments and priorities and interspecific interactions, identifying areas for appropriate land uses, and devel- 3.2.4 Public awareness and education oping methods for the restoration of degraded sites will be greatly accelerated. The need to raise awareness and to educate Taxa living in threatened areas. This the wider community on the importance category includes heavily exploited species, of taxonomy as an underpinning of the such as marine fishes that are poorly known Convention is critical to the success of the taxonomically; species that form the biota GTI. There is no doubt that the necessity for of rapidly deteriorating or disappearing taxonomic input to CBD implementation is habitats or ecosystems; species threatened generally poorly-recognised, and perhaps few

28 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative

realise the enormity of the task of establishing compiled by BioNET-INTERNATIONAL a taxonomic knowledge framework to sup- following suggestions at the Paris work- port other biodiversity activities. Within the shop, and are available on the web25 and as GTI PoW, and built on by the workshop in separate folders for use in public awareness Paris the following groups have been identi- activities. In addition, case studies have fied as important ‘targets’ for increased been made available through the European awareness and education: a) officials of rele- GTI Toolkit26. vant Government sectors, including National At its eighth meeting in 2006, the COP Focal Points, and policy- and decision-mak- decided that awareness-raising activities for ers; b) research scientists; c) conservation taxonomy should be part of the Global managers, and those involved with sustainable Initiative on Communication, Education use and access and benefit-sharing issues; and Public Awareness (CEPA) under the d) funding agencies; e) international bodies; Convention. and f) the general public. Action to meet this need can and must be 3.2.5 Global and regional capacity-build- taken by those who understand the problem ing to support access to and generation of of the taxonomic impediment and the means taxonomic information to resolve it. Research institutions and non- governmental organizations are well posi- A root cause for the taxonomic impediment tioned to advise and convince their respective lies in the limited taxonomic capacity in governments of the taxonomic needs of a many nations, and its world-wide decrease. country. However, action will almost always This hinders progress towards increasing the devolve upon individuals motivated to raise world’s taxonomic information base and the their voices, an observation that led to partic- utilization of current taxonomic knowledge. ipants in the 3rd Global Taxonomy Workshop A key objective of the GTI is necessarily to to call for ‘champions’ of the GTI. The will- address capacity development, at country, ingness and ability of individuals to make the regional and global levels. case for the GTI in whatever fora are avail- The priorities for capacity development able to them is a key resource. In particular, at national and regional levels should be taxonomists and their national CBD and GTI clearly indicated in the results of national focal points should meet to discuss issues and and regional taxonomic needs assessments. develop ways together of meeting the taxo- Of course, most national assessments have, nomic impediment. at the time of writing, not been completed. Activities have taken place, both through Additional information is available from the presentations on the GTI made by SCBD results of the UNDP Capacity Development staff and others, and the development of Initiative27, which in 2000/2001 carried out resources for general use. A brochure on the a global survey of capacity development GTI is available in several languages from needs in a variety of sectors, and noted the SCBD. A series of case studies high- taxonomic requirements. In order to provide lighting taxonomy’s value to society, guidance for action until more detailed entitled ‘Why taxonomy matters’ has been information is available, some clear needs

25 http://www.bionet-intl.org/ 26 http://www.gti-kontaktstelle.de/toolkit/index.html 27 http://www.gefweb.org/Documents/Enabling_Activity_Projects/CDI/cdi.html

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for taxonomic capacity-building in develop- and academic delivery. It might include ing countries have been enumerated in deci- in-country and external courses, academic sions of the COP, and which have also been degrees, and joint work undertaken noted under almost every planned activity with appropriate individuals and teams. in the GTI PoW. Developing university curricula is an issue, Much has been published on methods of since relatively few students are interested in capacity development and how they should taking courses in taxonomy, and not many be implemented. For example, a workshop universities are now offering courses in the held under the auspices of DIVERSITAS subject. These factors cannot be ignored in and Systematics Agenda 2000 discussed the any capacity-building programme. development of a national taxonomy devel- Human capacity-building includes not opment strategy in some detail (Anon, just taxonomic skills, but also those required 1998c)28. Additional information and a to manage and support taxonomic institu- strategy on how to build capacity were tions. If a taxonomic institution is to be suc- developed at the global workshop in cessful, staff capabilities must encompass Pretoria in 2002 and elaborated at a subse- not only taxonomic, curatorial and informa- quent meeting in Paris in 2003 (Annex 5). tion management skills, but also financial Three main areas of concern need to be management, and skills in accessing grants addressed simultaneously: a) human capac- and donor funds. Sharing some of these staff ity-building (training and employment), b) among institutions, or with a parent institu- infrastructure capacity-building (i.e. build- tion such as a university, may be an appro- ings, collection furniture, information tech- priate measure. nology and laboratory equipment, utilities, There is clearly little point in training management structure etc), and c) informa- personnel if no employment opportunities tion availability. The last of these will be exist, and training should ideally be linked dealt with in section 3.2.7 below. to availability of jobs in taxonomy. It is well-established that the world’s Increasingly, development agencies are taxonomic expertise is shrinking at the very insisting on this as a component of projects time when the global taxonomic knowledge involving training, and the need has been base needs to be expanded. The objective recognized by COP (in decision IV/1.D). now must be to develop a new cadre of tax- There is also a need to make employment a onomists and parataxonomists, capable sustainable matter, since continuing grants of working independently within their may be difficult to maintain. own countries, but also being part of A key element in capacity-building is regional and global networks. This can only development of reference collections. Such be achieved though major increases in train- collections in a country or region are vital ing programmes throughout the world. for local identification capacity. These col- There are numerous ways of delivering and lections should contain specimens that have targeting training, and these should be deter- been identified authoritatively, preferably mined in accordance with the needs of indi- compared by taxonomic experts with ‘type’ vidual countries and regions. Broadly, specimens and exhibiting as broad a range training could include vocational, technical of morphological variation from the same

28 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-04/information/sbstta-04-inf-07-en.pdf

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area as possible. Newly-collected speci- belongs, within the country. This has been mens can be compared directly with these; discussed above under ‘taxonomic needs enhancing the identification procedure and assessments’. Despite the availability of ensuring correct naming of specimens. loans between museums and other Identification keys and guides are valuable, collection-holding organisations, there is a but greater confidence in identification can need for countries to amass sufficient iden- be gained though comparison with other tified specimens to make their designated specimens. Unfortunately, collections are national collections functional. Often a core expensive to maintain and require dedicated collection of such specimens is available, housing with high standards of environmen- but collection development will include tal control. Many countries have at least an identification of newly-collected and legacy institute holding some collections of its material, and the acquisition of previously- fauna and flora. These are often part of an collected and identified specimens from agriculture or forestry department, and links elsewhere, when possible. between such collections and their associ- In some cases specimen repatriation ated personnel and those in dedicated taxo- agreements have been developed, but this is nomic institutions and networks are often unlikely to be the most practicable route to lacking or at best informal, and these must build up the collections required. Many be developed and maintained. Such collec- institutes operate a loaning system, whereby tions may also lack the funding to be able to specimens can be lent to users worldwide. assist in meeting needs identified within An alternative is for users to visit the insti- NBSAPs for implementation of the CBD. tutes and use the collections to facilitate Consequently, Parties and authorities identification of their material. This has responsible for museums and herbaria have added value, in that it also enables the been asked to strengthen reference collec- researchers to access libraries and forge tions in countries of origin, invest, on a relationships with colleagues in other coun- long-term basis, in the development of tries. All collections facilities should make appropriate infrastructure for their national specimen images available where this is collections, and develop appropriate collec- helpful or possible for the taxon concerned, tion housing to ensure the protection of the either in paper publications or on the web. collections (see annexes 8 and 9). COP also As with all activities, each of these alterna- noted that “As part of that investment, tives can be costly, both to the developing donors, both bilateral and multilateral, in country and the institute in the developed their commitment to the conservation and country. In a time of diminishing resources, sustainable use of biological diversity in these costs cannot be underestimated or countries where they provide investment ignored. All Governments, international and support, should support infrastructural national funding agencies, biosystematic needs of collection-holding institutions.” institutions and taxonomic organizations (see annex 9) have a role to play in financing and other- It may be difficult to find specimens that wise supporting this activity. have been collected from a country and Funding is of course needed for all identified, but stored in a collection outside capacity-building exercises, including train- that country. There may be no record of the ing programmes, strengthening reference specimen, or the species to which it collections, making information housed in

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collections available to countries of origin, repatriation of specimen data to countries of producing and distributing taxonomic origin, loan of specimens, identification guides, strengthening infrastructure and dis- services and advice on a global scale, and seminating taxonomic information. Funding receiving large numbers of scientific visi- is discussed in more detail in section 5 tors. However, institutions in this class also below. have capacity-building needs, since extant Expert institutions in both developed and resources are often insufficient for the tasks developing countries clearly have to be the institutions are called upon to undertake. involved in any capacity-building projects. There is no basis for any assumption that However, support is needed to ensure that museums and herbaria in developed coun- this capability is capitalised on. SABONET tries can meet all requests for information in South Africa and BioNET-INTERNA- and specimen loans that they receive with- TIONAL with a number of regional net- out additional resources. works spread over the world are both At the regional level, there should be a examples of capacity-building on a regional clear balance between national and basis, the latter having a global dimension regional solutions. Convention-related also. issues, and the biota itself, often extend across national boundaries, and regional activities and resource use may be the most 3.2.6 Strengthening of existing networks effective and efficient mode of action. For for regional co-operation example, because countries within a region Capacity-building needs are particularly will share at least some of their biota, using apparent in developing countries, most of the same names for the same species is which have far too few human or infrastruc- basic tool to ensure efficient communica- tural resources to deal with the taxonomic tion. With a common understanding of the needs of the Convention (Anon, 1998c; names used, policies can be formulated to Herrera, 2002; Smith et al., 2002; Shimura, deal with transborder issues such as the 2003). Much of the work being undertaken conservation status of species, and controls and which will be discussed below over species with potential or actual bene- addresses issues particularly pertinent to fits arising from their genetic makeup. developing countries. However, rather than Moreover, with the increasing importance attempt to build sufficient capacity nation- of invasive alien species, cross-border col- ally to address all taxonomic needs that are laborations are of greater importance. It is prioritised within a country, global and vital that all contiguous countries, and all regional resources also need to be examined countries along a particular pathway for and tapped. The greatest concentrations of invasive species, can recognise such taxonomic activity, along with the largest species and concur on their nomenclature. collections and libraries, are in industri- However, gaining multinational accep- alised countries. Part of the strategy to tance and agreement on names is not as implement the GTI must be to ensure their simple as it perhaps should be, especially involvement. Such institutions, because as not all species will have been collected they hold massive collections of organisms from each country, and each country may from other countries, wish to meet the be using national and subnational lists obligations that this imposes. These include compiled at different times and providing

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different forms of names29. Thus achieving INTERNATIONAL and GEF-funded net- a unified list will involve taxonomic works such as SABONET and BOZONET. scrutiny of the various name lists and 30 probably of collections . 3.2.7 Development of a coordinated From an economic perspective, few Global Taxonomy Information System nations can maintain sufficient taxonomic expertise and infrastructure to provide neces- Removing the taxonomic impediment sary information about the whole of their requires an increase in provision of taxo- biota. Given the small proportion of existing nomic information. This must be in terms of species that have been formally identified – content, accessibility and rate of informa- about 1.7 to 2 million out of a total number of tion development. somewhere between 5 and 30 million (MEA A considerable problem in accessing tax- 2005) – the employment of sufficient onomic information is that it is mostly numbers of taxonomists for the task is unfea- widely scattered and not accessible through sible for almost every nation. Regional capac- any one source. At the time the GTI PoW ity development may be a viable solution, was prepared, the expected strategy to deal building strong links at both operational and with this problem was that (i) the current political levels between different institutes status of major taxonomic information sys- and Governments. The COP has recognised tems (including their major foci) would be this in many of its decisions (see annexes 9 to identified and then (ii) a coordinated 11) that call for prioritisation of a) strengthen- approach to the development of a global tax- ing regional and sub-regional networks for onomic information infrastructure would be taxonomy; b) promoting regional collabora- planned. While such a structured approach tion in setting up regional agendas; c) pro- has not happened, a considerable amount of moting regional and sub-regional training work is going toward addressing the prob- programs; d) identifying … regional priority lem. However, because of resource limita- taxonomic information requirements; and e) tions and the relatively small numbers of holding regional meetings of scientists, man- people involved, this has not occurred to the agers and policy-makers to prioritize the most extent that many users would like. urgent … taxonomic needs and facilitate the There are various sorts of information that formulation of specific regional and national are needed to underpin the GTI. The GTI projects to meet the needs identified. As PoW is not explicit about the concept of ‘tax- noted, this model works well with many con- onomic information’, but realistically it servation and sustainable use issues, since should be considered as the information that these are often regional in nature, and are best allows taxonomists to do their job as addressed through multi-national consortia. efficiently as possible, and allows non- There are several models for the success- taxonomists to access the information they ful development of taxonomic capacity on a need in the format most suitable for their regional or sub-regional basis, including needs. There is an overlap in needs between the regional LOOPS of BioNET- the different user sets, particularly in lists of

29 For systematic and taxonomic reasons there is a gradual change in scientific names over time. Although the goal is stability of nomenclature, in many groups the rate of discovery of new species and the consequent changes in nomenclature prevent this state from being achieved in the near future. Although work is going on to address this aspect of the taxonomic impediment, a result of the situation to date is that different lists citing the same species may use different names for them. 30 In Europe the Fauna Europaea project was put in place to achieve this end.

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names, distributions, images etc. Currently complete at present is perhaps that the taxonomic information system is develop- maintained by the Expert Center for ing as a large number of independent, Taxonomic Identification (ETI)31 – this semi-independent or associated databases and and others are listed in the GTI Portal information delivery services. In future, digi- on the CBD website. tal interoperability will allow a seamless b) Contact information of museums or interaction between the different information herbaria worldwide. This, although sources, and the possibility of interaction not highlighted in any COP decisions, between data users and data providers. This is is a clear need raised by many in meet- ultimately the goal of the global taxonomic ings on the GTI. Increasingly, taxo- information system as it is now envisioned. nomic centres are making contact Many information systems are increas- details available on their web sites. At ingly being delivered via the internet, and least one more inclusive database is overall there is a move to make taxonomy available at ‘Collection Managers more internet-based. Given this trend, and Online’32. For botanical institutions the limitations of internet connectivity in Index Herbariorum33 provides infor- many developing countries, a component of mation for 3,240+ herbaria in 165 any capacity-building initiatives should be to countries and 9,869+ staff members ensure adequacy and sustainability of con- associated with these herbaria. nection to the internet. This might (ideally) c) Bibliographic information to support be accessed by all taxonomists and users of taxonomic research (called for in deci- taxonomic information to the internet, or at sion IV/1.D). Finding the appropriate least access by the appropriate libraries. publications can be a major challenge These could then be a resource for people to for researchers, especially if they do come and use, or as a document or CD-ROM not have access to a large library. delivery service for downloaded materials. Increasingly, electronic media are The scope of the information required being used, because of ease of compi- includes: lation and updating, and the complex- ity of relationships between different a) Lists of taxonomic experts of particular databases that is possible. There are taxa at national, regional and global some services that can provide infor- levels (as called for in decision IV/1.D). mation. The Zoological Record34 is an Access to such lists should help people abstracting service that is available on- who need specific taxonomic expertise line35 and, for years prior to 1978, as a to find who might be available and suit- set of printed volumes. Botanical taxo- able for a particular issue. A number of nomic literature can be found on the such databases are being developed at internet at several sites, including the global, regional, national and taxon lev- Kew Record of Taxonomic Literature36 els, and often overlapping. The most and in the botanical indexes at Harvard

31 http://www.eti.uva.nl/ 32 http://www.unm.edu/~museum/herb/cmo.htm 33 http://sciweb.nybg.org/science2/IndexHerbariorum.asp 34 http://www.biosis.org/products/zr/ 35 http://library.dialog.com/bluesheets/html/bl0185.html 36 http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/bibliographies/KR/KRHomeExt.html

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University37. For bacteria the situation for the literature itself to be made is more controlled, in that bacterial available in this fashion. names prior to 1980 have been sup- d) Relevant publications, either as hard pressed, and the Bacteriological Code copy or in digitised formats (called for requires that new names are published in decision IV/1.D). Taxonomy is either in the International Journal perhaps unique among scientific disci- of Systematic and Evolutionary plines in requiring access to all of its Microbiology (formerly International published literature (unlike many sec- Journal of Systematic Bacteriology), tors whose literature becomes outdated published by the Society for General in a few years and is then of primarily Microbiology in Reading, U.K., or are historical and not scientific interest). validated by this journal. The journal Because taxonomists need to refer to can be found online38. Similarly, in the original descriptions of taxa, infor- virology all accepted names are kept in mation about taxa is cumulative, and an “Index” by the ICTV, and can be many species have been described or accessed, with other useful informa- listed in the literature only once, the tion including a key to viruses and an whole body of literature is required, index of viruses, at ‘Virus Taxonomy not just the most recent papers. This Online’39. Although the bacteria and gives a tremendous problem of scale. viruses are probably of an appropriate At present, the output of much taxon- size that the sources will answer many omy is expensive printed monographs, questions, animals and plants, because or papers in low-circulation journals they are such large groups, may be available only in specialised libraries. served also by smaller sources of more A few of these libraries hold signifi- focussed data. For example, there are cant amounts of taxonomic literature, several projects to make bibliogra- and these can provide copies, some- phies relating to single taxa accessible times at cost. There are attempts to via the internet (e.g. for mosquitoes at make literature accessible on the inter- the Walter Reed Biosystematics net, in various formats, and this Unit40). Of course, there are numerous process is moving very rapidly. A pro- bibliographies and catalogues in ject involving major systematic institu- printed form, but these can be difficult tions in the UK and USA to digitise the to locate, and there is no central net contents of their libraries and place resource that provides any informa- more than 2 million items on the web, tion as to what and where they are. the ‘Biodiversity Heritage Library’ Corresponding directly with libraries project, is now under way. The Global in major collection-holding institu- Biodiversity Information Facility tions is one possible route. The next (GBIF) has a programme for “Digital step from making bibliographic biodiversity literature resources” resources available on the internet is planned as one of six integrated

37 http://www.huh.harvard.edu/databases/cms/addenda.html 38 http://ijs.sgmjournals.org/ 39 http://www.virustaxonomyonline.com/ 40 http://www.mosquitocatalog.org/main.asp

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thematic areas. PubMed41 is the US their holdings and, where such cata- National Library of Medicine’s free logues exist, they often list only the digital archive of biomedical and life names of the species held, but not sciences journal literature, although country or region of origin. This situa- currently there are relatively few taxo- tion is slowly changing with the advent nomic papers there. Some teams are of electronic cataloguing. However, making PDFs of papers pertaining to a while both paper and electronic cata- particular taxonomic group available. logues are of great importance in assist- The Smithsonian Institution and the ing countries with assessing what Natural History Museum (London) animals and plants have been recorded have collaborated in placing the from within their borders, they are 40,000 pages of the Biologia costly to develop and maintain. Centralia-Americana on the web42 Information enabling location of speci- (dealing with more than 50,000 mens is also available in original and species of animals and plants) as JPEG subsequent literature dealing with indi- images that can be downloaded and are vidual species, which itself can be very working to place all of the text into difficult to obtain without good library XML. The advantage of this is that the facilities. In all likelihood the informa- text will ultimately be in a form that is tion will only become available interoperable with other forms of data through work on digitisation of speci- such as specimen data and names. This men information, literature, and the will be an important part of the global collection-level descriptive programme taxonomic information system. being undertaken by some institutions. Although this component of the over- However, most institutions that hold all system is developing, it still the specimens do not have the requires support to assist both the tech- resources available to develop or main- nical developments needed and also tain the content of such systems. the digitisation itself, given the vast One model of solving the problem of amount of literature that will be access to these data has been demon- required. In Europe, there have been a strated by the National Commission number of initiatives aimed at making for the Knowledge and Use of literature available on the internet – see Biodiversity, Mexico (CONABIO). the European GTI Toolkit for links43. CONABIO staff members were sent e) Location of collected specimens (type to institutes outside the country to and vouchers) (called for in decision database specimens from Mexico. IV/1.D). Although many specimens are Both CONABIO and the collection- known to be held in institutions outside holders benefited from this activity, in their country of origin, there is rela- that Mexico gained access to data on tively little information available as to species occurring within the country where those specimens are. Most insti- and the institutions gained databases tutions do not have full catalogues of of their holdings, which otherwise

42 http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/ 42 http://www.sil.si.edu/digitalcollections/bca/ 43 http://www.gti-kontaktstelle.de/toolkit/index.html

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would not have been compiled. lished monographs and reports (and CONABIO44 has repatriated about 1.5 much of it is not, or the publications million specimens with a collection of themselves are unavailable), countries nearly 120,000 high resolution digital should consider plans to gather this images. These data are used on an information. The CONABIO model almost daily basis by the general mentioned above is a good example of public and decision-makers. a solution to this problem. However, f) The contents of collections at the the cost has been high. Before GBIF, species level. This data component is CONABIO spent around US$1 for closely related to the one above. The each repatriated record (around $1.5 information is available only in a million on repatriating data was spent patchy manner. Information can be pre-GBIF). Currently, GBIF has repa- obtained by searching the web sites of triated for Mexico about 400,000 collections or published catalogues of records for free. GBIF requires further collection contents if these can be funding to continue this work and located. Many collections now pro- thereby save developing countries a vide data of their holdings at the spec- considerable amount of money. imen level through web portals such Increasingly this information is as GBIF or BioCASE and these can being made available, particularly be searched to find species holdings. through gateways such as BioCASE45 g) Specimen-level information from col- and GBIF46, although institutions are lections, including all the data associ- also placing such data on their own ated with the specimens held. web sites for individual collections. Information associated with speci- This type of data is potentially mens in natural history collections extremely valuable for CBD imple- may facilitate conservation and sus- mentation, especially when associ- tainable use of biodiversity (Navarro ated with adequate nomenclature et al., 2003; Petersen et al., 2003; information to ensure confidence in Iguishi et al, 2004; Suarez & Tsutsui, the identity of the taxa being covered. 2004). Such information often h) Organism names, in the form of includes: identification(s) (with the authority files (called for in decisions authority responsible); date of collec- IV/1.D, VI/8 and VIII/3). The COP tion; precise geographic location (lati- adopted a target under operational tude, longitude, altitude, depth); sex; objective 3 which is “a widely accessi- breeding condition; habitat type; host ble checklist of known species, as a identification; food preferences; soil, step towards a global register of plants, water, or sediment type; as well as animals, microorganisms and other other types of information such as organisms”, which is adapted from tar- abundance, song types, behavioural get 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant displays, and genetic tissue samples. Conservation (GSPC) adopted in deci- If this information is not accessible in sion VI/9 (see text box 3-2 for a list of electronic databases or at least in pub- the 16 targets of the Global Strategy for

44 www.conabio.gob.mx 45 http://www.biocase.org/ 46 http://www.gbif.org

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Plant Conservation). Such lists of (IPNI)50, although this does not state names might also include classification whether the name is currently in use details, synonymy etc. Because of the or not. There are an increasing number nature of taxonomic work, there are of global initiatives such as the cata- often changes in the names given to logue of world Diptera (flies)51, the species over time. There are various International Legume Database & reasons why this is necessary, although Information Service (ILDIS)52 and taxonomists strive for stability in Fishbase.53 There are also numerous nomenclature. The problem of being regional databases or checklists cover- able to keep track of what names ing a range of organisms, both by should be used47 is being addressed by taxon (e.g., checklist of the flora of the development of widely-accessible Paraguay54) and some aspect of their lists of names for the various groups of biology (e.g., the US Invasive species plants, animals and microorganisms. In information system55, LarvalBase – addition to printed catalogues which, dedicated to larval stages of fish56), or while numerous, suffer from the prob- as a total biota. (e.g. the UK National lems of becoming rapidly out of date Biodiversity network57). Some of these and can be difficult to obtain, databases are searchable together via single web are available sometimes on CD-ROM portals at Species 200058 and GBIF59. and more generally on the internet. The Species 2000, together with the number of electronic databases Integrated Taxonomic Information probably runs into the thousands, and a System (ITIS)60, make up the Catalogue publication such as this cannot hope to of Life Partnership, and release annually give an exhaustive list. However, a few a CD-ROM of all the names to which examples serve to show what is avail- they give access (as of 2006 this covers able, and the sorts of product that can 880,000 species, about half of all known be developed to fill a need. For species). Other large-scale initiatives viruses48 and bacteria49 complete lists that give access to names of multiple of names are accessible on the internet. biotic kingdoms are Asia-Oceania61, Plant names can be found on the Ecoport62, and the Universal Biological International Plant Names Index Indexer and Organizer (uBio)63.

47 COP IV/1.D, stated: “Institutions, supported by Parties and international donors, should coordinate their efforts to establish and maintain effective mechanisms for the stable naming of biological taxa.”. In practice this will involve taxonomists, their parent institutions and the bodies responsible for the International Codes of nomenclature 48 http://www.danforthcenter.org/iltab/ictvnet/asp/iVirusIndex.asp 49 http://www.bacterio.cict.fr/ 50 http://www.ipni.org/index.html 51 http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/diptera/biosys.htm 52 http://www.ildis.org/ 53 www.fishbase.org 54 http://www.ville-ge.ch/cjb/bd/checklist/index.php 55 http://www.invasivespecies.gov/ 56 http://www.larvalbase.org/ 57 http://www.nbn.org.uk/ 58 http://www.sp2000.org/ 59 http://www.gbif.org 60 http://www.itis.usda.gov/ 61 http://www.sp2000ao.nies.go.jp/text/about/ 62 http://www.ecoport.org/index.html 63 http://www.ubio.org/

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BOX 3-2 The 16 targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation

a) Understanding and documenting plant diversity: (i) A widely accessible working list of known plant species, as a step towards a complete world flora; (ii) A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of all known plant species, at national, regional and international levels; (iii) Development of models with protocols for plant conservation and sustainable use, based on research and practical experience; b) Conserving plant diversity: (iv) At least 10 per cent of each of the world’s ecological regions effectively conserved; (v) Protection of 50 per cent of the most important areas for plant diversity assured; (vi) At least 30 per cent of production lands managed consistent with the conservation of plant diversity; (vii) 60 per cent of the world’s threatened species conserved in situ; (viii) 60 per cent of threatened plant species in accessible ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and 10 per cent of them included in recovery and restoration programmes; (ix) 70 per cent of the genetic diversity of crops and other major socio-economically valuable plant species conserved, and associated indigenous and local knowledge maintained; (x) Management plans in place for at least 100 major alien species that threaten plants, plant communities and associated habitats and ecosystems; c) Using plant diversity sustainably: (xi) No species of wild flora endangered by international trade; (xii) 30 per cent of plant-based products derived from sources that are sustainably managed; (xiii) The decline of plant resources, and associated indigenous and local knowledge, innovations and practices that support sustainable livelihoods, local food security and health care, halted; d) Promoting education and awareness about plant diversity: (xiv) The importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, educational and public-awareness programmes; e) Building capacity for the conservation of plant diversity: (xv) The number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation increased, according to national needs, to achieve the targets of this Strategy; (xvi) Networks for plant conservation activities established or strengthened at national, regional and international levels.

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A major need is to develop standards and include drawings of particular features or protocols to allow electronic databases to be kinds of organisms that do not lend them- interoperable, so that all available informa- selves to photographs (e.g. various soft- tion can be accessible through a single bodied invertebrates). Examples where this query, rather than having to address each has been done are Harvard University’s database separately. Initiatives such as GBIF MCZ type database65, which has images of and the Taxonomic Database Working their insect types (and some useful software Group (TDWG)64, are working on this issue. to manage collection data including One important feature necessary for the images), the University of Michigan developing systems is the facility to accom- Museum of Zoology’s bird collection66, the modate different systems of nomenclature Zoological Museum of Amsterdam’s ‘bird (see decision VI/8 in annex 11). Although type specimens online’, which provides ideally for any one group of organisms a access to 3D images of the types67, and the single Linnean classification would be New York Botanical Gardens Vascular Plant accepted by all workers worldwide, in prac- Type Catalog68. Interestingly from the point tice this is rarely the case, and different of view of collections security, free provi- workers recognise different species and sion of the images in the last-named institu- higher taxon categories. In such cases, it is tion has reduced the demand for loans of important to be able to match the concepts specimens. In addition to these types of ini- so that misunderstanding is avoided. tiatives, there are also many smaller initia- Similarly, in the context of colloquial and tives by groups of people on specific taxa traditional nomenclatures, it is important to such as spiders, ants, earwigs, etc. be able to identify how the different concepts relate to one another, even when the 3.2.8 Forest biological diversity concepts of the different systems do not pre- cisely match. The taxonomic needs associated with forests globally are immense. In the wet i) Images of organisms, particularly of tropical forests, especially, the number of type specimens and important characteris- undescribed species is estimated to be in the tics for identification. It is of paramount millions, particularly of smaller organisms. importance that recently collected speci- Moreover, the most biologically rich areas mens be compared to type specimens and tend to be in the lesser-developed regions of other authoritatively identified specimens. the world, where taxonomic expertise is When direct comparison to specimens is not least accessible. The importance of taxon- possible, comparison to images of speci- omy to forest biodiversity in terms of the mens, especially images that feature (mag- CBD has been stressed repeatedly, along nified if necessary) characteristics needed with the requirement for capacity-building for identification. These images may also to respond to these needs.

64 http://www.tdwg.org/ 65 http://mcz-28168.oeb.harvard.edu/mcztypedb.htm 66 http://www.lsa.umich.edu/ummz/areas/bird/index.asp 67 http://ip30.eti.uva.nl/zma3d/home.html 68 http://www.nybg.org/bsci/hcol/vasc/

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Specific needs for taxonomy in this the- 3.2.9 Marine and coastal biological matic area highlighted through COP deci- diversity sions are for taxonomic studies to support Some 15% of all species described so far are basic assessment and monitoring of forest marine, 80% of which belong to phyla biodiversity, with particular emphasis on the restricted to the seas. The lack of knowledge impact of climate change and of soil, air and of marine organisms is exemplified by the water-borne pollution (decision VI/22). discovery in the past few decades of mas- Inventories of forest species at the local and sive cold-water coral reefs at great depth in national levels are also required (decision the oceans and the discovery of the first IV/7). Not only monitoring tools are hydrothermal vent in 1977. In addition, tens needed, but also the identification and selec- of thousands of seamounts are estimated to tion of indicators of below-ground diversity lie in the world’s oceans, but only a rela- in tropical, temperate, and boreal forests has tively small number of those have been been highlighted (decision VI/8). Such sampled biologically, and a vast number of support is important for basic assessments, seamounts remain to be discovered. Not for identifying status and trends of forest only are new ecosystems being found but, biodiversity and to underpin restoration of inevitably, many new species are still being forest ecosystems (decision V/4). Other discovered. In 2004 106 new species of fish uses are to provide guidance in the selection were added to the Census of Marine Life of sites to be protected, and in the valuation (CoML) database69 - some two new species of resources (decision V/4). a week arising from surveys. The CoML Although much of the work called for is also found that “a specimen collected below implicitly at the species level, some is at a 2000m is about 50 times more likely to be finer grain. Assessment of “the diversity of new to science than one found at 50m.” forest genetic resources, taking into consid- (CoML press release, Nov., 2004). Current eration the identification of key func- knowledge of much of the marine ‘micro- tional/keystone species populations, model fauna’ such as molluscs, crustaceans, poly- species and genetic variability at the chaete worms and multicellular algae is deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) level” has incomplete, and that of nematodes and pro- been stated as a need (decision VI/22). tists probably very poor. The biomass of The outputs of work under the GTI will small deep-sea organisms such as the meio- be, broadly, an increased knowledge of the fauna (mainly nematodes) probably equals species composition of forests, through both or exceeds the biomass of larger organisms; taxonomic studies and inventories. An but data on comparative species richness are expectation of the COP is that much of this lacking. Concerns over the impact of work will be carried out at national level. destructive fishing practices (such as bot- Taxonomic resources additional to those tom trawling) and the potential loss of bio- currently available will be required to meet diversity of deep-water systems such as the needs imposed by the identification of cold-water coral reefs are amplified by the criteria and indicators of forest biodiversity. limited information about the taxonomy,

69 http://www.coml.org/coml.htm

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biology and ecology of most of the species The coral reef work is focused largely on the found in deep ocean areas70 need to assess and manage coral bleaching, Most marine ecosystems are essential for but also accommodates other issues perti- the economy of many islands and archipela- nent to this type of ecosystem. There are gos, as well as coastal countries relying needs to assess the taxonomic, genetic, heavily on biotic resources from the seas. physiological, spatial, and temporal factors Exploration of deep-sea systems and other governing the response of corals, zooxan- marine ecosystems in international waters thellae, and other coral-reef-associated deserves special consideration, and the tax- species to increases in sea-surface tempera- onomic component of this is of particular ture. In the light of these findings, imple- importance. The need for taxonomic capac- mentation of management actions and ity related to deep seabed biodiversity has strategies to support reef resilience, rehabili- been highlighted by COP (decision tation and recovery should be put in place. VIII/21). Marine research has lagged behind These also require a taxonomic input, in the terrestrial research because sampling and baseline assessments, long-term monitoring, observing require the use of ships and and rapid response teams that are needed to equipment that are expensive to own and measure biological and meteorological vari- maintain. Recent work, under initiatives ables relevant to coral bleaching, mortality such as the CoML, is reversing this rela- and recovery. Clearly, as with many aspects tionship, and the concomitant demands on of the work of the GTI, the taxonomic activ- taxonomy to support the work are huge. ity will ideally be undertaken in partnership The need for taxonomic work to support with organisations active in the field; such the Convention’s marine and coastal biodi- as the International Coral Reef Initiative, versity work programme has been identified its partners and The Intergovernmental in the programme of work (see references to Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of decision VII/5 in annex 4). In particular, UNESCO. As an example, the IOC Working emphasis has been given to: Group on Coral Bleaching and Related Indicators of Coral Reef Health is undertak- • Strengthening of taxonomic expertise ing work including indicators to detect envi- at regional and national levels; ronmental stress. • In the context of the work plan on Another area where taxonomic work is coral bleaching, supporting the train- needed is to address marine invasive alien ing of and career opportunities for rel- species which are transported globally in bal- evant marine taxonomists, ecologists last water. Taxonomic work in this area will and members of other relevant disci- require, among other things, a focus on plines, particularly at the national and pelagic juvenile stages of benthic organisms. regional level; and The needs identified include identification • In the context of mariculture, support- guides for major groups, and of the appropri- ing basic global-scale taxonomic stud- ate taxa within them. Such guides should be ies and updating taxonomic databases targeted at non-specialists to help them iden- including genetic diversity at the intra- tify and monitor such organisms, especially specific level. non-native fauna and flora. The mid-term

70 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/cop/cop-07/information/cop-07-inf-25-en.pdf

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evaluation report on the GloBallast require expensive technology, research Programme71 (Vousden & Okamura, 2003) efforts require considerable financial out- noted “Identification of introduced species put, and thus collaborative efforts between requires training and considerable expertise. organizations would provide a cost-effec- It would be highly ambitious to expect any of tive approach. Some examples of this the countries to be able to identify introduced approach are the Census of Marine Life, the species with any certainty without assistance OASIS (Oceanic seamounts: an integrated from experts in the field of invasion biology study)72 project, the Sea Around Us and taxonomy. The methodology taught dur- Project73, and Seamounts online74. DIVER- ing the PBS (Project baseline survey) relies SITAS, in a report submitted to SBSTTA75, on identifying all specimens collected to least included a Sample Framework Project on taxonomic unit. The PBS consultancy team Marine waters. provided the PCU (project coordination unit) Several tools providing information on with a list of global taxonomic experts for marine organisms are available on the web, distribution to all participating countries.” including databases of fish names, some The same report noted the importance of sus- with biological information or images of tainability in the monitoring of ballast organ- both larvae and adults76, while Cephalopods isms, and in this context stated “countries are covered at ‘Cephbase’77. These and also realise that they will need advice on the many other data providers can be accessed taxonomy and other pertinent scientific through the Ocean Biogeographic informa- aspects of any invasive species as, by their tion System, OBIS78 very nature, such species will probably not be familiar to local or even regional 3.2.10 Dry and sub-humid lands experts.” (Vousden & Okamura, 2003). biodiversity For deep sea systems, priority areas for protection in the deep seas include The programme of work for biological seamounts, hydrothermal vents, cold-water diversity in dry and sub-humid lands, corals and other vulnerable ecosystems encompasses Mediterranean, arid, semi- (decision VII/5). Furthermore, the COP arid, grassland, and savannah ecosystems requested for a compilation and synthesis (decision V/23) and includes several ele- of information of deep seabed genetic ments for which taxonomic input is resources, and has adopted a specific deci- required. These include assessment of sion on the issue of deep seabed genetic status and trends, identification of specific resources beyond the limits of national areas within dry and sub-humid lands of jurisdication (decision VIII/21). Because particular value for biological diversity deep sea areas are difficult to sample and and/or under particular threat, the develop-

71 http://globallast.imo.org/ 72 http://www.rrz.uni-hamburg.de/OASIS/Pages/page1.html 73 www.seaaroundus.org 74 http://seamounts.sdsc.edu 75 document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/INF/1 76 http://www.nmfs.hawaii.edu/library/tax.html provides links to the California Academy of Sciences Catalog of Fishes, FishBase, LarvalBase, and the USFDA Regulatory Fish Encyclopedia. 77 http://www.cephbase.utmb.edu/ 78 http://www.iobis.org/

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ment of indicators, and in situ and ex situ the first place, there is an equal need to pro- conservation of dry and sub-humid lands vide easy to use tools for the subsequent use biodiversity. of non-specialists. A common theme through Key elements of dry and sub-humid much of the GTI is that taxonomists ulti- ecosystems, both in terms of sensitivity to mately do not carry out all identifications, disturbance and as indicators, are the organ- but provide identification tools – keys, field isms that maintain the crucial soil crust. guides, identification cards etc – that enable Increasing knowledge of what these organ- others without their specialised knowledge isms are, how they are distributed and how to identify organisms. The taxonomists they can be identified, has been recognised themselves can then serve as backup support as important both for maintaining the in the case of particular problems. integrity of dry and sub-humid ecosystems and for their value as indicators of ecosys- 3.2.11 Inland waters biological diversity tem health. Thus particular needs that have been highlighted (in the GTI PoW) are Some groups of animals and plants in inland increasing taxonomic capacity to identify waters (e.g. many fish, crustacea) are of crust-forming lichens and develop identifi- great social and economic importance. cation tools, improving knowledge of the Moreover, monitoring and assessment of micro-organisms in nutrient cycling, and fresh-water ecosystems involves access to increasing taxonomic information on pests detailed taxonomic knowledge of a variety and diseases. Dry and sub-humid lands also of groups, or the distillation of such knowl- contain a significant number of land races edge in field-guides. However, there are and wild relatives of important crops such serious gaps in taxonomic knowledge for as wheat, barley, durum, and lentil. The many of the groups involved (see excerpts genetic diversity of these land races and from decision VII/4 in annex 4). wild relatives, once catalogued, can provide The programme of work on biodiversity an important source of genetic material with of inland waters (decision VII/4) identifies a high tolerance for drought, salinity, etc. a focus for field guide production: “the for cross breeding. However, it has also development of the series of regional been recognised that many countries, partic- guides to the taxonomy of freshwater fish ularly developing countries, have so far not and invertebrates (including adult terres- been able to provide sufficient financial trial forms where appropriate) as an input support for the required assessment and tax- to ecosystem monitoring for river and lake onomic studies, and that there is a need to health”. The production of such guides is, develop appropriate skills in taxonomy.79 like many taxonomic activities that support This is of particular relevance to dry and the Convention, already in progress. sub-humid lands, which encompass many Perhaps uniquely for taxonomic products, developing countries especially in Africa however, some of these are available on the and Asia. internet in a site hosted by the World Bank Although there is a clear need for taxo- (Kottelatt, 2001) (see section 5.2.1.5 of this nomic skills to carry out identifications in Guide).

79 AHTEG report on Biological Diversity of Dry and Sub-humid Lands, 2003 – document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/8/INF/2

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A DIVERSITAS report submitted biodiversity’ also covers organisms in envi- to SBSTTA80, included two proposals on ronments that may be impacted by farming taxonomy and inventory of inland water practices. This is a natural concomitant of biodiversity. the application of the ‘ecosystem approach’ espoused by the CBD. Some degree of taxonomic input is 3.2.12 Agricultural biological diversity needed on each of these functional groups in ‘Agricultural biodiversity’ is a broad term order to deliver fully on their objectives that includes all components of biological within the thematic Programme of Work. diversity of relevance to food and agricul- This need ranges from basic identification of ture, and that constitute the agro-ecosystem species living in agricultural ecosystems (see decision V/5). The first Global (beneficial, neutral and pests), to taxonomic Biodiversity Outlook (SCBD, 2001) identi- research to establish the identity of wild rela- fied three constituent functional groups: tives of agriculturally important species. Also important is basic knowledge on the func- • Producers (“the domestic, cultivated, tional relationships between organisms; the farmed and semi-wild species (mainly sort of data often recorded by taxonomists. flowering plants, fishes, birds and While the importance of broadening the mammals) whose production provides genetic resource base of agricultural products human food, together with the vari- through wild relatives has been mentioned in eties and wild relatives that expand the Convention literature several times81, there genetic resource base for future breed- has been little discussion on what must be ing improvements”); done, this perhaps being perceived as part of • Support services (“the wild and semi- the work of the FAO under the various Plant managed species (mainly micro- and Farm Animal genetic resources pro- organisms and invertebrates) that grammes. However, the identities of the wild provide services supporting agricul- relatives of many crops are not well known, tural production, notably the soil and considerable taxonomic work is required biota, pollinators and the predators to identify and, in some cases, describe them. that affect pest species”); For example, Ethiopia represents one of the • Pests and pathogens (“the wild species world’s eight major centres of crop plant (mainly micro-organisms and inverte- diversity, the region providing the origin of 12 brates) that decrease agricultural pro- widespread crops and a number of others duction by causing disease or damage used within the area. However, the country’s to producers”). flora and vegetation types are not fully known (Groombridge, 1992). This has led to a pro- Because the CBD has stressed the impor- ject proposed as a GTI Pilot from Ethiopia to tance of mitigating the negative effects of complete a study of the country’s flora. agricultural systems and practices on other The organisms providing the ‘support ecosystems (decision V/5), ‘agricultural services’, include those responsible for

80 document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/INF/1 81 e.g., decisions III/11 and V/5

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maintaining natural processes and cycles GTI Pilot Project focused on termites of both below ground and above it. Two areas significance to agricultural biodiversity, have been highlighted: soil biodiversity and both as pest and beneficial elements, and pollinators. included collecting data on termites in major taxonomic collections at a global 3.2.12.1 Soil biodiversity level. These data would be used to elucidate The importance of taxonomic work on soil the distribution patterns of beneficial soil- micro-organisms (including symbionts) has inhabiting species linked in with existing been highlighted several times in COP deci- studies on the role of such termites in soil sions. An International Initiative for the quality and fertility, and assess the decline Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil of beneficial species in agricultural lands. Biodiversity has been established as a cross- cutting initiative within the programme of 3.2.12.2 The International Pollinators work on agricultural biodiversity (decision Initiative (IPI) VI/5). The FAO and other relevant organiza- Pollination is an essential ecosystem service tions have been invited to facilitate and coor- that depends to a large extent on symbiosis dinate this initiative, and more information between species, the pollinated and the pol- can be found through the Soil Biodiversity linator. Reduction in numbers, or loss, of Portal82. Soil biodiversity work requires a either will affect the survival of both taxa. major taxonomic component, especially Not all plants depend on animals for polli- given the numbers of species (and relatively nation, of course. Many plants are wind pol- few of those species are believed known) linated, such as grasses and many staple and the difficulties involved in distinguish- food crops. However, at least one-third of ing them. Notably, the report of the Asian the world’s agricultural crops depend upon GTI workshop in 2002 stressed the very low pollination provided by insects and other numbers of taxonomists of micro-organisms animals. Some forest trees and other plants who were active in the region (Wilson et al., also require pollination by animals in order 2003). to reproduce. Pollinators, therefore, are A framework for action was adopted by essential for diversity in diet and for the the COP in 2006 (decision VIII/23, section maintenance of natural resources. The B) in order to facilitate further implementa- assumption that pollination is a “free eco- tion of the soil biodiversity initiative, and logical service” is somewhat misleading, in the framework highlights the important that resources, such as refuges of natural cross linkage between the initiative and the vegetation, are required. Where these are GTI. Products in this area are likely to reduced or lost they become limiting and include development of standard methods adaptive management practices are for identification of soil biodiversity to required. Such management must be based different taxonomic levels; and increased upon good information on the identities of knowledge of soil biodiversity to aid in the the pollinators in order to be successful. identification of indicators of the “health” Throughout the world, agricultural proof below-ground biological diversity. One duction and agro-ecosystem diversity, as well of the proposals submitted as a prospective as populations of native vegetation, are

82 http://www.fao.org/AG/AGL/agll/soilbiod/fao.stm

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threatened by declining populations of polli- ‘unacceptably high’. As noted, there are nators. Many pollinators are bees, of which other insect and vertebrate pollinators of there are over 25,000 different species, and agricultural and other important plants (for which visit and pollinate a diverse range of example the weevil pollinators of oil plants. Both the diversity of wild plants and palms). Therefore easy-to-use keys and / or the variability of food crops depend on this automated identification systems to bee diversity. Though bees form the most families, genera and species of pollinators important group of pollinators, other insects are required. This activity forms part of the such as butterflies and moths, flies and bee- first stage of activities on global monitoring tles, and vertebrates such as bats, squirrels, of pollinators. birds and some primates, also pollinate Element 3 of the plan is capacity-build- plants. Some plants are visited by many dif- ing, which states: “One major area which ferent pollinators, while others have specific needs addressing is the capacity of countries requirements. The same applies to the polli- to address the taxonomic impediment, which nators, some being generalists and others derives from serious shortfalls in investment specialists. Therefore, pollination as a in training, research and collections man- science requires detailed investigation, and agement. It seriously limits our capability to the application of management practices is assess and monitor pollinator decline glob- intricate. In most cases, there is a lack of ally, in order to conserve pollinator diversity knowledge about the exact relations between and to manage it sustainably. The global individual plant species and their pollinators, taxonomic impediment is costly, especially but studies in this field demonstrate that they when expressed in terms of those research are often quite specific. initiatives in pollination and conservation Considering the urgent need to address ecology which are wholly dependent on the issue of worldwide decline of pollinator access to sound bee taxonomy and are ren- diversity, the COP established an dered wholly non-viable in its absence. International Initiative for the Conservation There is also a global taxonomic deficit, that and Sustainable Use of Pollinators in 2000 is, the unacceptably high numbers of bee (decision V/5, section II), and subsequently genera for which identification keys are not a plan of action, which includes an objective available.” An action to meet this is to to address the lack of taxonomic informa- “Build taxonomic capacity to carry out tion about pollinators (see excerpts of deci- inventories of the pollinator diversity and sion VI/5 in annex 4). The taxonomic distribution in order to optimise their man- requirements of the IPI are made explicit agement, through, inter alia, the training of throughout the text of the plan of action, and taxonomists and parataxonomists of bees clearly the availability of taxonomic knowl- and other pollinators.” Additional activities edge on pollinators should be part of taxo- in this section which involve a strong taxonomic needs assessments for the GTI. The nomic element are to “Develop tools and plan of action is very specific about some of mechanisms for the international and the needs already recognised. For example, regional exchange of information for the there is a requirement to promote the devel- conservation, restoration and sustainable opment of identification keys for bee gen- use of pollinators. This may include … era, since the number of bee genera Developing and updating global and for which such keys are not available is national lists of threatened pollinator

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species, and produce multilingual manuals The COP suggested a collection of case on pollinator conservation and restoration studies of pest and disease control mecha- for farmers.” Further suggested actions in nisms, including the role of natural enemies the same text are: strengthening national and other organisms at field and landscape institutions to support taxonomy of bees and levels (decision V/5). The clear link other pollinators, through, among other between pests and GTI was made when things, (a) Maintaining continuity of taxo- COP requested that the GTI be included in nomic and reference collections of bees and the joint work plan between the secretariats other pollinators; (b) Recognition of centres of the CBD and the International Plant of excellence in bee taxonomy and estab- Protection Convention83. lishment of centres of excellence as appropriate; and (c) Repatriation of data through capacity-building and benefit-sharing. 3.2.13 Mountain biological diversity The taxonomic needs outlined in the IPI Mountains cover about 25 per cent of the are perhaps the most explicit in any earth’s terrestrial surface and are particu- Convention document other than the GTI larly fragile and important systems. They decisions themselves. serve as refuges for many species, including endemic and endangered species, are fre- 3.2.12.3 Pests and pathogens quently biological diversity hotspots, and can harbour a high genetic diversity of A major component of agricultural work all crops, livestock, and their wild relatives. over the world has been associated with Ecosystem types such as forests, dry and identifying the pests and diseases affecting sub-humid lands, inland waters and agricul- domesticated plants and animals, and find- tural systems, are an integral part of moun- ing ways of treating them (including the use tain habitats, and taxonomic information of natural enemies). The work identified needs pertaining to these thematic areas is ranges from basic alpha-taxonomy of pests also applicable to their occurrence in moun- and natural enemies, to how the information tain ecosystems. The only priority so far set is presented and distributed, to assessment for the GTI in this thematic area is for taxo- (and the taxonomic capacity that underlies nomic work underpinning identification, it). Two needs assessments similar to this monitoring and assessment of mountain have been carried out recently by biological diversity, but COP has requested ASEANET, focussed on pests and others be developed (decision VII/27). pathogens in South East Asia (Evans et al., Within the programme of work for the 2002), and the other on arthropod pests of GTI, the planned activity on mountain bio- the same region (Naumann & Jisoh, 2002). diversity was elaborated by COP in 2006 Both made a number of recommendations, (see annex 13), with a focus on collating focussed on the necessity of bringing the relevant information and expertise at relevant collections of organisms held in regional levels. Several existing initiatives countries of the region up to a standard are identified as key actors including the appropriate to meet the identification needs GMBA84, the Mountain Partnership, and the identified, and provision of information. Mountain Forum. Others such as ICIMOD85

83 see paragraph 11(g) of decision VIII/3, contained in annex 12 84 http://gmba.unibas.ch/index/index.htm 85 http://www.icimod.org/

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are not specifically mentioned but are key in particular for regional approaches to actors nonetheless. Together these actors meeting taxonomic needs and building should identify research priorities and for- capacity. mulate of programmes and projects, as highlighted by workshops directed at devel- 3.2.15 Access and benefit-sharing oping technical cooperation networks of One of the three objectives of the taxonomic institutions in the ANDEAN and Convention is “the fair and equitable shar- South Asian subregions (ANDINONET86 ing of benefits arising out of the utilization and SACNET87 respectively). of genetic resources”. Article 15 of the Convention recognises the sovereignty of 3.2.14 Island biological diversity States over their natural resources and pro- A programme of work on island biological vides that “access to genetic resources shall diversity was developed and adopted by the be subject to the prior informed consent of COP in 2006 (decision VIII/1). One of the the Contracting Party providing such priority actions (3.2) for Parties is to “com- resources”. It “shall also be based on mutu- pile detailed inventories of island species, ally agreed terms” in order to ensure the assess their conservation status, including possibility of sharing of benefits arising the main threat criteria, and develop the tax- from the commercial or other utilization of onomic expertise necessary to facilitate these genetic resources. this.” (see excerpts from the decision in However, no benefits can be shared if the annex 4). Suggested activities to support genetic resources themselves are not known this priority action included taxonomic and utilized. The first step to bring about studies or revisions of important island taxa, benefit-sharing is knowledge of the identity including marine, freshwater and terrestrial of species and strains of potential interest species, as well as taxonomic training and and their distributions. Thus inventories at preparation of guides to enable researchers sub-national and national levels can provide to identify poorly known biological groups, an immediate value as a base for both leg- coral species and other associated island islative action and investigation of potential species. or actual benefits. Also in 2006, the COP adopted a planned These activities are of particular impor- activity on island biodiversity as part of the tance at the country level, at which most GTI programme of work. In this regard, the arrangements regarding access and benefit COP noted that islands incorporate all types sharing must, or are most effectively, handled. of biodiversity and therefore the planned The importance of inventories for access and activities 8 to 18 of the existing programme benefit-sharing issues has led to the identifi- of work also contribute to conservation and cation of their assessment and inventory sustainable use of island biodiversity. (together with the information management Nevertheless, the COP recognized that spe- systems to deal with this information) as key cial support is needed in the case of islands, activities in this context. Parties are already

86 http://www.andinonet.org.ve/ 87 http://www.biodiversityasia.org/sacnet/

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committed to developing inventories of their Specimen Information Network, ENHSIN biodiversity under Article 7 of the Conven- or its successor, BioCASE89, a global basis tion. The more each country can properly (GBIF90, a portal which gives access to spec- inventory, collect, classify and utilize its bio- imen, observational and nomenclatural data logical resources, the greater will be the made available from many providers on a potential benefits to that country. A key com- global basis) or be fully compiled lists from ponent of this is national capacity-building in countries (e.g. the list of trees of El taxonomy and related disciplines. However, Salvador91). This action is meeting a need as discussed above, taxonomy is one science identified by the Convention, which agreed where no country has all of the expertise it that such access is a necessity (decision needs. It is a globally collaborative science, IV/1.D), and an output for GTI in this area is which when handled well, builds supportive interactive catalogues of material available, networks globally. linked to taxonomic collections. The primary goal of the GTI in this 3. Collections held by museums and respect is to assist countries in carrying out herbaria both in and outside a country: inventory work in a timely and efficient Most large institutions now regard repatria- manner. Inventory data can come from five tion of information as an important activity, sources: and are willing to partner with countries to 1. Published data: These include check- obtain grants for data capture and develop- lists, catalogues, taxonomic revisions etc. ment. The issues associated with data repa- Access to these may involve working with triation have been explored in detail by Ruiz natural history libraries in major museums & Pooma (2000). A successful example in and herbaria. Increasingly, key works in the repatriating data from foreign collections, is ‘legacy literature’ are being digitised and a collaborative project among CONABIO, placed on the internet (e.g. the Biologia INBio, and the Missouri Botanical Garden Centrali-Americana for animals and plants Herbarium with the support of GBIF. of Mesoamerica88). However, in most cases 4. Collecting and identifying new past publications have not been digitised, and material: This may be done by nationals or must be sought with the aid of specialists and in partnership with non-nationals. The latter librarians. Modern works are increasingly method is likely to be of particular value to appearing electronically as well as in print, countries with an under-developed taxo- although it is still a very small proportion and nomic infrastructure. In this case, an agree- cannot yet be considered an adequate source. ment between the partners should clearly 2. On-line databases: These, while also specify terms and conditions for collections, incomplete, are rapidly increasing in number curation, management, and use of the speci- and scope and give names and localities mens collected (based on full prior informed where the species concerned have been consent). All collecting must reflect national collected. They may be drawn from collec- laws and permit regulations. Such agree- tions held in museums on a regional basis ments need to be realistic, of course. Some (e.g. the European Natural History attempts made to protect genetic resources

88 http://www.sil.si.edu/digitalcollections/bca/ 89 http://www.biocase.org/ 90 http://www.gbif.org 91 htthp://internt.nhm.ac.uk/cgi-bin/botany/ESTrees/index.dsml

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from misappropriation through overly to provide efficient data entry of new infor- restrictive legislation affecting collecting mation generated. have slowed down implementation of the 5. Use of indigenous knowledge: Convention, including the development of Indigenous and local communities have national inventories. A requirement that all detailed knowledge of biodiversity elements specimens be identified to the species level, which may be databased with the prior for example, would be very difficult for any informed consent of these communities and non-national partner to deal with, particu- appropriate safeguards (Pfeiffer & Uril, larly in the case of microfauna such as 2003). Traditional knowledge of the uses of insects. In many collecting enterprises non- a particular organism may be associated target taxa are collected by chance as a ‘by- with the nomenclature used in the inventory. catch’ of the target organisms and are This provides evidence of prior use and is unlikely to be identifiable by the collectors. important to establish appropriate intellec- Moreover, for collections of species-rich tual property rights. It also safeguards such and poorly known organisms such as inver- knowledge in a period when oral traditions tebrates and micro-organisms, most of the are being lost and with them the taxonomic species collected within the target taxa and associated knowledge of the people. would be unknown and need to be described The people of the Cook Islands have pro- before names are available, a time-consum- duced a valuable database of their fauna and ing process. It should also be noted that dis- flora, in their National Heritage project92 couraging such ‘by-catch’ by allowing only targeted collecting is a waste of precious There are increasing issues regarding collec- time and resources, and will, in the long run, tion by non-nationals and subsequent taxo- only slow the process of inventory and nomic work on specimens collected taking deprive future generations of key ecological place outside the country of origin. As part of and biodiversity data. their implementation of the CBD provisions Among other priorities, the Global on access and benefit-sharing, many coun- Taxonomy Initiative will concentrate on tries are evaluating and changing the permit developing capacity in the collection and systems for researchers. It is an important classification of biodiversity. Projects in this step to safeguard rights, but if the system area will be designed to develop capacity in developed is too difficult, restrictive, expen- collecting and maintaining biological col- sive or time-consuming, researchers will not lections. Taxonomic information, specifi- be able to do the key taxonomic work that the cally including genetic level data, will be country needs, hindering the development of critical in tracing the origin of resources. inventories, and other information needed to A major element in increasing capacity to implement the Convention. Strong but prac- properly inventory and access biological tical processes of research, collections, and resource information is effective informa- export permits are key components of a tion management. Therefore, a key element strong national access and benefit-sharing of the GTI is the development of appropriate strategy. Current analyses of best practices IT tools to allow access to existing data, and and lessons learned from early regulatory

92 The Cook Islands Biodiversity Database: http://www2.bishopmuseum.org/pbs/cookislands/

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changes will make it easier for all nations to overall access and benefit-sharing regime. effectively build a proper system. They include a number of references to This issue is of prime importance to taxonomic research, and recommendations regional and subregional initiatives being as to how activities to implement the encouraged by the GTI. During the GTI GTI might be accommodated. Relevant regional meeting in Asia in 2000, trans-bor- portions of the text are given in Annex 4. der research issues and permits were dis- Specifically they recommend that cussed and the workshop called for a “Taxonomic research, as specified in the streamlined approach to obtaining permis- Global Taxonomy Initiative, should not be sion to undertake taxonomic research under prevented, and providers should facilitate the GTI (Wilson et al., 2003). The issue has acquisition of material for systematic use also been highlighted by the Coordination and users should make available all informa- Mechanism of the GTI, who in their first tion associated with the specimens thus meeting noted: “Biological species do not obtained”. An important provision is that observe national boundaries, and can only permission for collection and research can be understood and sustained if their varia- be given for a particular set of uses, and tion can be studied and assessed in the any change of use may require a new appli- natural habitats throughout their entire geo- cation for prior informed consent. Uses asso- graphic range. Much taxonomic research ciated with taxonomic research in the depends on transnational activities and development of inventories might include: international cooperation involving joint conducting research; collecting specimens; fieldwork, travel of personnel, and the fre- exporting specimens; retaining specimens; quent exchange of data, samples, and bio- conducting different types of analysis logical specimens. The Coordination (e.g. morphological, molecular or genetic); Mechanism advises the Executive Secretary exchanging specimens freely outside the to urge Parties to the Convention to facili- country; publishing data about the speci- tate such efforts of international cooperation mens (particularly distributional); importing for taxonomic research as are needed to help necessary equipment and chemicals to carry implementing activities of the Convention out the research (preferably with tax exemp- by, inter alia, establishing clear and unam- tion), etc. biguous mechanisms for granting the neces- In order to enable researchers to obtain sary permissions for approved research information on what regulations are in projects, field work, collection of biological force, and what permits are required, coun- specimens, and free exchange of personnel, tries have been asked to designate ‘National data and relevant materials.”93 Focal Points’ and establish ‘Competent The Convention has provided the “Bonn National Authorities’, the first of whom Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources might be responsible for informing those and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of the seeking information of relevant procedures, Benefits Arising out of their Utilization” and information on the competent national (decision VI/24). These guidelines were authority responsible for granting access to developed to assist Parties, Governments a specific genetic resource. Together they and other stakeholders in developing an could take a number of practical steps to

93 available through the GTI Portal at www.biodiv.org

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facilitate access to genetic resources for tax- bearing in mind the Bonn Guidelines, an onomic research, such as: international regime to promote and safeguard the fair and equitable sharing of bene- 1. Undertaking necessary steps at the fits arising out of the utilization of genetic national level for the requirements of resources”. The CBD Ad Hoc Open-ended taxonomic research to be taken into Working Group on access and benefit-shar- account. ing was mandated by the Conference of the 2. Making information related to Parties to elaborate and negotiate the interna- research, collecting and export permit tional regime on access and benefit-sharing requirements available on an appro- and to complete its work before the tenth priate national web site, together with meeting of the Conference of the Parties. In appropriate contact points, at each of this context, it will be important for the nego- their Embassies or Consulates, and tiators of the international regime to keep in through the National CBD/GTI Focal mind the need to develop a regime that will Point and access & benefit-sharing take into account the particular requirements Focal Point (recognizing that in most of taxonomic research. countries these permits are given by different offices and generally differ- 3.2.16 Invasive alien species ent Ministries, and may be multiple). 3. Making information regarding legal Invasive alien species (IAS) are species requirements for exchange of biologi- introduced deliberately or unintentionally cal specimens and about current legis- outside their natural habitats to places lation and rules for access and where they have the ability to establish benefit-sharing available through the themselves, out-compete natives and take GTI portal as recommended by over the new environments96. They are COP94. widespread in the world and occur in all categories of living organisms and all types of A database on access and benefit-sharing ecosystems. The threat to biodiversity due measures including national and regional to invasive alien species is considered sec- strategies, policies, legislations and regula- ond only to that of habitat loss, and the tions developed by Parties to assist with the impacts are predicted to increase in future implementation of access and benefit-shar- for many types of ecosystems (MEA 2005). ing provisions of the Convention is avail- There are a large number of pathways or able on the Convention website95. mechanisms by which invasive alien At the World Summit on Sustainable species can affect biodiversity97. Development, in 2002, Governments called The work under the Convention on IAS for action to “negotiate within the framework has highlighted the important role of taxon- of the Convention on Biological Diversity, omy for understanding and management of

94 see paragraph 6(b) of decision VI/8, in annex 10 95 http://intranet.biodiv.org/programmes/socio-eco/benefit/measures.aspx 96 This is not intended as a formal definition. There are various definitions for terms such as invasive alien species, alien species, exotic species, non- native species, etc. A glossary of relevant terms used in international fora is being developed and will be available through the portal on invasive alien species on the CBD website. 97 see document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/11/INF/4

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IAS98. The following points in particular the Convention’s work on invasive alien have been noted: species, has produced a Global Strategy on Invasive Alien Species (McNeely et al., • Research and monitoring activities on 2001). This strategy also emphasises the IAS should attempt to include a base- need for building research capacity using a line taxonomic study of biodiversity. cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary At the national (or other appropriate) approach, and including “Strengthening level this will ensure that IAS can be infrastructure for research on IAS (e.g. sys- recognised and distinguished from the tematics, taxonomy, ecology) at national biota naturally present; and regional levels”. It suggests that an • Such a survey should include local international committee to correlate and communities; and manage updated taxonomic nomenclature • Relevant extant databases pertaining to for all IAS would be a useful resource. Also IAS should be inventoried and synthe- highlighted is the importance of building sised, including incident lists, potential capacity to identify, record and monitor threats to neighbouring countries, invasions and provide current lists of poten- information on taxonomy, ecology and tial and established IAS. genetics of invasive alien species and The capacity necessary to meet the on control methods. Since this deci- information needs was outlined in the sion, progress has been made and a list Davis Declaration100, an output from a of IAS-related databases compiled99. Workshop on Development of Regional Invasive Alien Species Information Hubs, The Global Invasive Species Programme held in Davis, USA in 2001 (see Text (GISP), a key partner in implementation of box 3-3). The concept is to establish a

Box 3-3 The Davis Declaration

Workshop on Development of Regional Invasive Alien Species Information Hubs, Including Requisite Taxonomic Services, In North America and Southern Africa 14-15 February 2001, Davis, California We the participants in the aforementioned scientific workshop: Recognize: The negative impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on native biodiversity; ecosystem functions and services; the productivity of agriculture, forestry, wildlife, and fisheries; and human health are very costly to society. These costs are measured not just in economic terms, but also in damaged goods and equipment, food and water shortages, environmental degradation, loss of native species, increased rates and severity of natural disasters, disease epidemics, and harm to human welfare. Every country has been impacted by IAS. Unless coordinated efforts involving the cooperation of all stakeholders are implemented to minimize the movement of IAS, invasions

98 decisions V/8, VI/8, VI/23 99 http://www.gisinetwork.org/Documents/DRAFTIASDB.html 100 http://www.invasivespecies.gov/laws/declarations.shtml

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will become more frequent and their impacts more severe as the globalization of trade, transport and human travel increase. Coordinated efforts to restrict the movement of IAS require that all nations have access to taxonomic capabilities, information services, and useful tools to support and implement prevention policies and develop effective response strategies. Invasions of non-native species are greatly increasing the need for taxonomic services, while the number of taxonomists and resources for taxonomic capacity-building are decreasing worldwide. Initiatives relevant to strengthening IAS information services are proliferating, with agencies and organizations providing information for many purposes and on many geographic scales. These initiatives are not well coordinated. Some are overlapping or duplicative. Major gaps remain in coverage for some taxonomic groups and regions of the world. Therefore, we Conclude that: There is an urgent need to develop a comprehensive global strategy to strengthen and coordinate IAS taxonomic and information services. Thus, we: Encourage: • Establishment of a global information system based on a network of regional information hubs for providing information services and tools relating to IAS and building wherever possible on existing efforts178. • Support of IAS information services by strengthening of the infrastructure for information technology and management, taxonomic identification, systematics research, vouchering and collections management worldwide. • Development of tools to increase taxonomic capacity worldwide. These tools, which should be made available wherever possible in hard copy, on CD, and on the Internet, include, inter alia, a guide to taxonomic services for IAS; common nomenclatural standards; identification aids; searchable lists of floras and faunas; and training programs for new taxonomists and parataxonomists. • Establishment of partnerships with key stakeholder groups, including industry, non- governmental organizations, and the general public, for developing and applying taxonomic services and information to combat IAS. Note with Approval: The Global Invasive Species Programme’s plans to promote taxonomy as a key component of national capacity in IAS prevention and management, encourage research to address taxonomic needs, and help coordinate a distributed IAS information network to include early warning and predictive functions.

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Call upon: • The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), BioNET-INTERNATIONAL, and the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) to make IAS a priority, establish global standards for IAS taxonomic classification, and improve the availability of accurate IAS taxonomic information. • The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and other relevant bodies to recognize the need and encourage support for better coordination, additional tools, and immediate capacity-building in IAS information and taxonomic services. • National, regional and international research and development agencies to make resources available to better coordinate and increase the capacity of IAS information and taxonomic services, in order to meet the immediate needs of both developing and developed countries.

APPENDIX Background The workshop brought together scientists from Africa, North America, and international organizations who are participating in national, regional and global efforts to develop taxonomic services and/or information networks to better inform work on invasive alien species (IAS). The objectives of the workshop were to share experience in developing distributed information networks relevant to IAS and to provide recommendations on concepts and criteria for developing and coordinating IAS regional information hubs and requisite taxonomic services in order to facilitate identification, assessment, and rapid response to IAS. The workshop was sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP). It was hosted by the University of California at Davis, which is providing technical support to various domestic and international efforts for developing and coordinating IAS information services. Workshop presentations assessed the need for a distributed IAS information system, supported by essential taxonomic services, and provided overviews of initiatives at the global level, in eastern and southern Africa, and in the Western Hemisphere. Working sessions focused on IAS information management and technical issues, and on issues at the interface between IAS taxonomic services and information systems. The workshop produced the Davis Declaration to focus international attention and resources on development and coordination of IAS information and taxonomic services, and a report (in preparation) containing specific recommendations for strengthening IAS- related taxonomic capacity and for implementing a global network of regional information hubs. The workshop products will provide important support for ongoing taxonomic initiatives (e.g., ITIS, GTI, BioNET-INTERNATIONAL) and for GISP plans to develop a global IAS information network. They will also provide guidance for planning pilot regional invasive species hubs in Mexico and South Africa, for which seed grants are being provided through the Environmental Diplomacy Fund of the U.S. Department of State.

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global information network based on a Further work on the information manage- series of regional information hubs provid- ment element of the proposal was carried ing information services on IAS. Each hub out at a joint meeting with the Clearing-house would develop a core set of information Mechanism in Montreal in 2002 (SCBD, products, coordinate existing information 2002)102. The meeting endorsed the concept systems and encourage new initiatives to of regional hubs, and suggested that extant meet regional needs, facilitate synthesis networks, such as those affiliated to and integration of information from many BioNET-INTERNATIONAL, explore oppor- countries and sources, ensure application of tunities to utilise their infrastructure in their appropriate data standards and vocabular- development. A number of technical issues ies, and provide quality control and docu- were discussed, including standards for mentation. A Global Invasive Species taxonomy, which were: Information Network has been set up to achieve some of these objectives101. (i) Increase the standardization of Other recommendations from Davis taxonomic usage within the net- include: work, taking into account the following: (i) Support of IAS information services (ii) Encourage cooperation among by strengthening the infrastructure hubs to ensure that all are using for information technology and the same names for species; management, taxonomic identifica- (iii) Recognize and communicate tion, systematics research, voucher- changes in taxonomic concepts of ing and collections management individual invasive species with- worldwide; out delay across hubs; (ii) Development of tools to increase tax- (iv) Encourage adoption by hubs of onomic capacity worldwide. These standard nomenclatures of higher tools, which should be made avail- taxonomic groups, where devel- able wherever possible in hard copy, oped and accepted under the on CD, and on the internet, include, appropriate nomenclatural codes; inter alia, a guide to taxonomic (v) Use the taxonomic resources of services for IAS; common nomen- GBIF, ITIS and/or Species 2000 clatural standards; identification aids; that provide access to baseline searchable lists of floras and faunas; taxonomic data to ensure interop- and training programs for new taxon- erability; omists and parataxonomists; and (vi) Enable the inclusion of unidenti- (iii) Establishment of partnerships with fied or partially identified speci- key stakeholder groups, including mens in the information system; industry, non-governmental organi- (vii) Allow species level updates of spec- zations, and the general public, for imen-associated data, such as distri- developing and applying taxonomic bution and ecological impact, upon services and information to combat their eventual naming or re-identifi- IAS. cation in the information system;

101 http://www.gisinetwork.org/; http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/cop/cop-08/information/cop-08-inf-35-en.pdf 102 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/cop/cop-06/information/cop-06-inf-18-en.doc

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(viii) Encourage hubs to recommend to local and indigenous communities relevant affiliated institutions to follow to implementation of the Convention103. best practices, such as: Traditional knowledge systems include tax- i. Maintenance of voucher col- onomic information, which, if used in com- lections of invasive species bination with Linnean taxonomies, could (including genetic material), be of wider value, and also serve to protect whether named or not; the rights of the originators. However, ii. Specimen identification track- access to and use of traditional knowledge ing systems with the potential must have the prior informed consent of the of active links to the informa- holders of that knowledge and be based on tion network in the case of mutually agreed terms (see discussion of voucher specimens; access and benefit-sharing and the GTI iii. Mechanisms for actively link- above). The value to indigenous peoples of ing species-level data and the this activity is to enhance their ability to specimen-level data upon participate in decision-taking with regard to which they are based. Convention implementation and to enable (ix) Allow for multiple taxonomic them to manage their knowledge in a period interpretations by the information when oral traditions are breaking down and system. Where conflicting interpre- written records are not available. Guides tations create confusion as to the should be made available to ensure that status of a species as invasive, these there is clarity on species or variants in dis- should be flagged as requiring pri- cussions between peoples in different ority investigation. regions or with different cultural back- Additional contributions to the implementa- grounds. As part of this process methods of tion of Article 8(h) (the Convention Article depicting and correlating taxonomies based dealing with IAS) are ongoing within other on traditional knowledge and those based international fora including, but not limited on Linnaean nomenclature need to be to, the International Plant Protection developed. Convention (IPPC), regional plant protec- Local and indigenous communities are tion organizations, the Food and Agriculture encouraged to be involved in the imple- Organization of the United Nations, the mentation of the Convention, including the International Maritime Organization, and GTI. This aspiration is included within the the Ramsar Convention. GTI PoW, and formed part of a report by UNESCO, DIVERSITAS and WWF 3.2.17 Support in implementation of (Anon, 2000). However, care must be Article 8(j) - Traditional knowledge, inno- taken to ensure that such involvement is vations and practise. undertaken in the most effective manner Article 8(j) of the Convention concerns the and respects the rights of the peoples knowledge, innovations and practices of concerned.

103 Article 8. In-situ conservation. Each contracting party shall, as far as possible and as appropriate: (j) Subject to its national legislation, respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and promote their wider application with the approval and involvement of the holders of such knowledge, innovations and practices and encourage the equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of such knowledge, innovations and practices.

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3.2.18 Support for ecosystem approach organisms of a system, but also the way in and CBD work on assessment including which humans are engaged with that sys- impact assessments, monitoring and tem, and how human activities, even at a indicators distance, impact upon it. Under the ecosystem approach, the The GTI was originally developed in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment face of problems in implementing Article 7: (MEA)106 was a key activity, and in fact was Identification and Monitoring. The need for the main focus of the planned activity for identification of components of biological the ecosystem approach under the GTI diversity, and for assessment and monitor- PoW. The MEA found, not surprisingly, that ing of their status, underpins many imple- the taxonomic knowledge available for mentation activities under the Convention. characterizing ecosystems varied consider- It follows that, wherever identification and ably. The detailed findings of the MEA pro- monitoring activities are called for in a vide good insights into the extent of the work programme, there is an implicit, if not taxonomic impediment for management of explicit, requirement for taxonomic various types of ecosystems. support104 - work under the GTI. Where the The GTI also has relevance to the suite of requirement is not explicitly stated in a COP associated environmental conventions (e.g. decision, there is often an acknowledgment the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), of the need by the inclusion of a require- the Convention on International Trade in ment for taxonomic capacity-building. Endangered species of Flora and Fauna Capacity-building in taxonomy is funda- (CITES) the Convention to Combat mental to identification, monitoring, indica- Desertification (CCD) and to the Commission tors and assessments activities105. on Sustainable Development (CSD)). The ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water 3.2.19 Protected areas and living resources that underlies Convention implementation. Within the The COP adopted a programme of work on Convention the term ‘ecosystem’ is defined protected areas in 2004 (decision VII/28) in Article 2: “’Ecosystem’ means a dynamic and reviewed progress in 2006 (decision complex of plant, animal and micro-organ- VIII/24). In addition to recognizing the ism communities and their non-living envi- important linkages between protected areas ronment interacting as a functional unit”. and GTI, the COP elaborated a planned Humans, with their cultural diversity, are an activity on protected areas as part of the integral component of ecosystems in this programme of work for the GTI. approach. What this means is that any The 2003 UN list of protected areas implementation activity should consider included more than 100,000 sites covering an not only the animals, plants and micro- area of 18.8 million square kilometres of

104 Monitoring in a form which would require taxonomic support has been stated as necessary in, for example, the work on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity (decisions V/3, VI/3); Invasive Alien Species (decision VI/23); Agriculture (decisions III/11, V/5, VI/5); inland waters (decision VII/4); Forest Biodiversity (decision V1/22); Implementation of Article 8(j) (decision V/16); Biodiversity and tourism (decision V/25); and the Global Plant Conservation Strategy (decision VI/9). 105 See decisions III/10 and VI/7 106 http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/index.aspx

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which 17 million square kilometres are ter- involve taxonomic work to identify the restrial – some 11.5% of Earth’s land surface. components of that biodiversity108. In addi- These protected areas represent almost all tion, the protected areas PoW calls for ecosystem types: forests, savannahs, grass- establishment of a comprehensive system of lands, wetlands, and coastal and marine sys- representative national systems of protected tems, although with different degrees of areas by 2010 by parties through expansion coverage. Between 10% and 30% of the of protected areas in any remaining large, planet’s Amazonian rain forests, the Arctic un-fragmented natural areas. In terms of Tundra and the tropical savannah grasslands determining appropriate sites for protected are now held in protected areas. However, areas, data are needed on the range and less than 10% of the world’s wetlands and ecological needs of the most species less than 0.5% of the world’s coastal and possible, and in particular about endemic marine systems are protected. and RET (Rare, Endangered, Threatened) Protected areas support biodiversity by species. However, such data are frequently maintaining essential ecosystems and eco- either unavailable due to lack of description, logical services. They provide refuge for or available only in large collections held in some of the world’s spectacular, valuable museums and herbaria. To meet these chal- and often threatened biota. However, pro- lenges, the following should be considered tected areas established for the conservation for any actual or proposed protected area: of biota are likely to be placed and managed in terms of the larger better known species • Access to specimen data from that rather than the much greater number of area (i.e. via GBIF and the taxonomic smaller species that may occur there107, and institutions), particularly of endemics management decisions may be biased by and locally/regionally rare entities; this (Caro & O’Doherty, 1999; Andelman, • Knowledge of the role of the area in & Fagan, 2000; Lindenmayer et al., 2002). relation to the distribution of as many Accurate information about various biodi- species as possible (using programmes versity components of protected areas can such as WORLDMAP109, and ecologi- considerably improve the management and cal niche modelling (Raxworthy et al., selection of those areas. However, for most 2003; Canhos et al., 2004) again of the designated protected areas such infor- dependant on taxonomic input and mation is not available. The PoW on pro- access to collections); tected areas includes the need for studies to • Rapid surveys on a selection of target improve the knowledge of the distribution, groups of lower organisms, using ini- status and trends of biological diversity in tiatives such as Conservation Interna- protected areas, an activity that must tional’s Rapid Assessment programme;

107 The approximately 1.78 million described species are not evenly spread across taxa, but are rather concentrated in the larger organisms such as vertebrates and vascular plants (where perhaps 90% have been discovered and named). There are, however, huge gaps among the smaller organisms, such as insects, fungi, algae and protozoa, which are both far more species-rich and often more important for ecosystem function. Moreover, listing of conservation status through the red databook system seems biased in favour of the larger organisms. Although there is no reason to believe that extinction rates are any lower for invertebrates than vertebrates, 24% of the 4,763 species of mammals are threatened, while only 0.06% of the 950,000 insects have so far been assessed as threatened (SCBD, 2001). 108 UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/9/6 109 http://www.nhm.ac.uk/science/projects/worldmap/

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• Rapid treatment of the survey results to • Free sharing of these data, including produce (1) list of RTUs (recognizable identification aids, between geographi- taxonomic units, or morphospecies, cally and ecologically related reserves. which are likely to be species-level taxa but are not named and thus cannot be Rigorous planning and management of pro- compared between sites) and their likely tected areas requires close association ecological roles; (2) list of species, between the conservation and taxonomic including newly-described ones; communities, including at the level of data • Long-term monitoring of these taxa sharing. It also demands focused capacity- with continuing description of new building of taxonomy (King & Lyal, 2003). species as collected; and

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4. DEVELOPING THE GTI AND MONITORING ITS PROGRESS As noted in the introduction to this Guide primarily responsible for the GTI, and other (section 1.2), the GTI has a dual nature, programme officers responsible for the the- with both policy and implementation com- matic work programmes and other cross- ponents. The function of the policy compo- cutting issues who may contribute to work nent of the GTI is to identify the priorities on the GTI from time to time. On a day-to- for action, which culminate in decisions of day basis, some of the main duties of the the COP including the programme of work. CBD Secretariat include preparing docu- The policy aspect involves the National mentation for SBSTTA, COP and other Focal Points within each country, the meetings, gathering and analyzing informa- Conference of the Parties (COP) of the tion for these documents, corresponding CBD and its Subsidiary Body on Scientific, with interested parties and focal points, Technical and Technological Advice maintaining the GTI portal on the CBD web- (SBSTTA), the Secretariat of the Convention site, forwarding requests of COP to Parties (SCBD) and the Coordination Mechanism and others, following up on implementation of the GTI. Implementation occurs primar- of various activities under the GTI, and liais- ily as Parties translate that policy at interna- ing with key organizations and partners in tional level into policies, strategies and order to inform people of the GTI and how activities at national level. they can contribute to its implementation. This section of the Guide first introduces the roles and responsibilities of the key 4.1.2 The GTI Coordination Mechanism actors in the development of policy, includ- In managing the GTI the Executive ing the CBD secretariat, the Coordination Secretary is advised by a Coordination Mechanism for the GTI, National Focal Mechanism, comprising delegates from Points, the COP, and SBSTTA. In addition, each of the UN regions as well as from rel- it reviews some of the main mechanisms evant international organisations. This was available to facilitate implementation of the set up by the COP at its fifth meeting in GTI, including national reporting, national 2000110 with a series of tasks to undertake, biodiversity strategies and action plans including the development of the PoW in (NBSAPs), the roster of experts, outreach concert with the Executive Secretary, and activities, taxonomic needs assessments, the in-depth review of the PoW that and pilot projects. Finally, some key obsta- occurred at COP-8 in 2006. There are cles and challenges to implementation of several aspects of the decision on GTI taken the GTI are discussed. by COP-8 for which the Coordination Mechanism will be able to provide advice to the Executive Secretary, including but not 4.1 Roles and responsibilities limited to; 4.1.1 The CBD Secretariat • Design and implementation of the global Responsibility for the administration of the taxonomic needs assessment envisaged GTI under the Convention rests with the as planned activity 3 in the PoW; Executive Secretary of the SCBD in • Development of specific taxonomic, Montreal. There is a programme officer outcome-oriented deliverables for

110 See the annex to decision V/9, contained in annex 9 to this guide.

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each of the planned activities of the in order to provide a more focused link PoW, in advance of COP-9; and between the SCBD and individual Parties on • Fundraising and implementation for a the GTI, Parties have been invited to desig- project development seminar to assist nate National Focal Points for the GTI111. countries in developing projects to These GTI National Focal Points should be address identified taxonomic needs. one or more expert individuals or institutions who have the appropriate technical back- Reports of formal meetings of the ground and expertise to understand taxo- Coordination Mechanism are available on nomic needs in relation to the CBD. Focal the GTI Portal. The group also communi- Points have been or will be designated for a cates via email and is likely to use online number of activities under the Convention, discussion forums on the GTI Portal as an including the GTI. The identities and contact additional means to interact. points of the GTI National Focal Points can be found on the GTI Portal or can be requested by contacting the Secretariat. 4.1.3 National Focal Points In order to help the GTI Focal Points be All Parties have a CBD National Focal Point as effective as possible, some of the respon- – an individual or office within Government sibilities of the job have been summarized that takes the lead in CBD matters. However, (see Text-box 4-1). These activities are only

Box 4-1 Suggestions for action by CBD and GTI National Focal Points

These were identified by the meeting of the Coordination Mechanism for the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) held in Kuala Lumpur on 8 February 2004, and circulated to Focal Points in a Notification by the Executive Secretary on 16 September 20041. Parties should: • Appoint National Focal Points for the GTI (in accordance with decisions V/9 and VI/8 of the Conference of the Parties). These focal points should comprise one or more expert individuals or institutions who together have the appropriate technical background and expertise to understand taxonomic needs in relation to the Convention on Biological Diversity and have the capacity to fully perform the focal point role. National Focal Points for the Convention on Biological Diversity should: • Empower and support national focal points for the GTI in their efforts to make contact and communicate regularly with the taxonomic community in their country, where possible making use of existing networks. National Focal Points for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the GTI should: • Integrate taxonomy into all projects as appropriate to ensure implementation of decision VI/8, on the GTI programme of work, and that taxonomic needs are met in all thematic areas of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

111NOTIFICATION. Suggested actions for promoting implementation of the programme of work for the Global Taxonomy Initiative. Ref.: SCBD/STTM/LR/44307 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/notifications/2004/ntf-2004-073-gti-en.pdf

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• Create links with national biodiversity strategy and action plans, the clearing- house mechanism, (NCSAs), the Global Environment Facility and other relevant processes so that the need for taxonomy is understood in each of these processes and so that taxonomists understand what is required to fulfil the relevant commitments. • Utilize opportunities within national capacity self-assessments and GEF enabling activities to identify priority taxonomic needs for implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity. • Take responsibility for provision of information to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity on: a. Taxonomic needs assessments, including reviews or studies on specific taxonomic needs; b. Directories of taxonomic expertise; c. Registers of biological collections; and d. Taxonomic initiatives and networks. National Focal Points for the GTI should: • Initiate, complete and/or update as, appropriate, national taxonomic needs assessments, ensuring that these address the taxonomic needs identified in the work programmes for each thematic and cross-cutting issue under the Convention on Biological Diversity. • Prepare plans for the full national implementation of the GTI programme of work, utilizing national, regional and global capacities as appropriate. • Work with government and relevant organizations to mobilize resources for the taxonomic capacity-building required to meet national obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. • Participate in and help ensure the sustainability of national, regional and global initiatives and networks aimed at taxonomic capacity-building and technical cooperation. • Work to bridge the gap between taxonomists and all user groups involved (through the establishment of web sites, mailing lists, bulletin boards, presentations at scientific conferences, workshops with end-users and other means). • Popularise the GTI among taxonomists and provide an interface between taxonomy and the end-users of taxonomy. • Raise the level of in-country recognition for the applied nature of much taxonomic work and the critical contribution of baseline taxonomic work to all activities related to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the effective implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. • Be proactive in seeking to realize the benefits of cooperation with other sectors, for example, plant protection services, that have relevant capacities and capacity-building needs. • Provide relevant information and ongoing feedback to the taxonomic and end-user communities (on the Convention on Biological Diversity and the GTI, other

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organizations and processes, contacts, government decisions, funding possibilities as well as case studies, etc.). • Help to increase recognition that most taxonomic expertise can only be provided by taxonomists. • Build an understanding in government of the costs involved in providing taxonomic services and support the development of programmes aimed at improving long-term employment and career opportunities for taxonomists. • Facilitate regional and global implementation of the GTI programme of work through communication and cooperation with GTI National Focal Points and other stakeholders internationally.

a suggestion from the SCBD, and may be 4.2 Mechanisms to facilitate modified by Parties according to local needs Implementation and priorities. However, they do go some way to attempting to bridge the gap between 4.2.1 National reporting policy and implementation. Parties use various reporting mechanisms in order to monitor and provide information 4.1.4 COP and SBSTTA regarding their implementation of the The COP, as the governing body for the Convention. Reporting provides feedback Convention, makes requests and invitations not only to the COP but also to the Parties to Parties to carry out certain activities themselves regarding the effectiveness of related to the GTI. In addition, however, the their activities towards implementation. COP can also alert other organisations and National reports under the Convention initiatives as to the priorities and encourage are prepared periodically, the most recent them to play a role in meeting needs, and it being the third national reports. The report- can also alert funding bodies to priorities ing formats are agreed by COP well and needs, and encourage them to provide in advance of reporting deadlines, and to funding. The CBD itself is not a funding date the formats have been comprehensive, body and cannot provide financial support inclusive of questions regarding implemen- for implementation. tation of Article 7 and the GTI. The COP often bases its decisions on the In order to facilitate reporting in more GTI on recommendations of the Subsidiary detail on particular topics, the COP also Body on Scientific, Technical and Techno- requests or invites Parties to provide spe- logical Advice (SBSTTA), which in recent cific thematic reports. A few such thematic years meets twice in each inter-sessional reports or questionnaires have been devel- period between COPs. The SBSTTA helps oped, including one for the Global to ensure that decisions of COP are Taxonomy Initiative which was distrib- grounded on scientific inputs, because gov- uted by the Secretariat in 2004 to solicit ernment delegations tend to comprise scien- information for the in-depth review of tific experts. the GTI.

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The information contained in the NBSAPs are accessible through the CBD national and thematic reports is posted on web site115. the website of the Convention112 and can be analysed by any visitor to the website. 4.2.3 Roster of experts Unfortunately, not all governments sub- mit national reports and thematic reports, The clearing-house mechanism maintained and among those that do, the level of detail a roster of experts for the various thematic and rigour varies significantly. Government areas and cross-cutting issues under the departments that compile the reports do not Convention, including the GTI. However, always have direct contact with the organisa- the maintenance of the roster was discontin- tions or individuals providing the taxonomic ued in 2006 (decision VIII/10). Other avail- expertise to implement the GTI. For this rea- able databases of taxonomic expertise are son, and because gathering detailed informa- highlighted on the GTI Portal. tion is costly, the reports cannot always provide a level of detail on implementation 4.2.4 Outreach that would be helpful. Clarity in what has If people do not understand the importance been achieved would not only demonstrate of the Convention, or indeed of taxonomy the progress that is being made, but would to underpin its implementation, the imple- also identify more clearly what obstacles mentation of the CBD will be impaired. need to be overcome. In several GTI-related Thus the need to raise awareness and to workshops the participants have identified educate on the importance of taxonomy to a need for taxonomists and other people underpin the Convention is critical to the implementing the GTI to interact more success of the Global Taxonomy Initiative. closely with National Focal Points of the GTI At its eighth meeting in 2006, the COP and CBD (Klopper et al., 2001; the Third requested the Executive Secretary to under- Global Taxonomy Workshop113; the Paris take awareness-raising activities specific to 2003 meeting114). This might assist the Focal taxonomy, as part of the Global Initiative on Points in compiling the reports. Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) under the Convention116. 4.2.2 NBSAPs In the Global Taxonomy Workshop in Governments use national biodiversity Pretoria the participants produced a strategy strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) to for building taxonomic capacity as part of the articulate their plans for implementing COP GTI. This strategy, refined at a subsequent decisions in a national context. Ideally, the meeting in Paris (Annex 5), includes results of taxonomic needs assessments a set of activities that stretch from the should be made clear in an NBSAP, speci- policy level to implementation. Key aspects fying how the taxonomic impediment to involve outreach to all stakeholders, whether implementation of the CBD can be engaged in policy-level work, implementing addressed at national level. Many of these the CBD in one of the thematic areas or other

112 http://www.biodiv.org/reports/analyzer.aspx 113 http://www.bionet-intl.org/opencms/opencms/resourceCentre/onlinePublications/3GTW/index.htm 114 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-09/information/sbstta-09-inf-16-en.pdf 115 http://www.biodiv.org/world/nbsaps.asp - actual NBSAPs are accessible using the link from the side-bar on this page. 116 decisions VIII/3 and VIII/6.

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cross-cutting issues, or in taxonomy itself. at outreach outside of those already active This is to ensure that they all are aware of the in Convention activities. These include tax- GTI as an overarching political framework onomists themselves, funders, and users of and as a necessary integrated component of taxonomic information. CBD implementation, and their own role in ensuring its success. The table reproduced in 4.2.5 Taxonomic needs assessments Annex 5 provides a list of partners who have committed themselves in one or other meet- As has been noted in Section 3, taxonomic ing to undertaking these actions. However, needs assessments can be used to identify where outreach is concerned, every stake- priority needs across the various sectors holder, whether institutional or individual, implementing the CBD. They may be car- has an equal responsibility and right to ried out across whatever geographic area is participate. deemed appropriate, and either attempt to The very existence of the GTI and the examine the whole gamut of activities massive endorsement it has received in a under the CBD or focus on one area, such succession of CBD, COP and SBSTTA as aspects of agricultural biodiversity meetings is itself a powerful argument to use (Naumann & Jisoh, 2002; Evans et al., in explaining the importance of taxonomic 2002), or conservation (UK report, integration with other CBD implementation. unpublished). Numerous activities have taken place in The results of the needs assessment can the past few years, including presentations be incorporated into the NBSAP, or taken as on the GTI by the CBD Secretariat, a free-standing document. In either respect, members of the GTI Coordination however, it displays needs, and allows the Mechanism, and others at a number of work- taxonomic community, the other sectors, shops and meetings, including four regional and the policy-makers to prioritise actions and one global workshops on the GTI, and and resources. Thus priorities can be simul- set-up meetings for Regional Taxonomic taneously placed on the implementation and Technical Cooperation Networks. A number policy agendas. Moreover, in identifying of papers have been written and published in particular needs, the output required to meet various books and journals, including them, and the users of that information, the Cresswell & Bridgewater, (2000); Klopper assessment results will provide information et al. (2002); Lyal (2001, 2004, 2004a), and a route for monitoring for the National Samper, (2004); Shimura (2003, 2004). A CBD Focal Point, to assist understanding of brochure on the GTI has been produced by how implementation is progressing. the SCBD, the GTI Portal is maintained on In addition to providing a basis for future the CBD site, and other websites are main- activities the process of preparing the tained by various GTI National Focal Points assessment can act as a mechanism to high- globally. There have also been publications light taxonomic needs that had been over- in the CBD Technical Series related to looked, and for raising the profile of taxonomy117. taxonomy, the GTI and other aspects of the While all of these things are useful and CBD, an outcome reported by the UK GTI necessary, there needs to be a greater effort Focal Point (pers comm.).

117 See in particular http://www.biodiv.org/doc/publications/cbd-ts-21.pdf

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4.2.6 Pilot projects nance of long-term sustainability of in-country taxonomic information A helpful guide in the development of the (if appropriate); and GTI would be some model projects to help (d) How robust taxonomic information the various communities understand the ben- shall be made available openly and efits and possibilities arising from the GTI. dynamically, while allowing for future With this in mind some pilot projects of the upgrading, meeting protocols on intel- GTI were identified in the PoW, under each of lectual property rights, and ensuring the planned activities. In addition, calls have future access and benefit-sharing.120 been made118 for projects to exemplify the implementation of the GTI. Some 21 individ- This is no different from the types of uals and institutions responded to these calls, requirements that should be addressed for any and some of these were listed in an informa- implementation project – the work has to be tion document to SBSTTA119 Overall, the rooted in a need and it has to be shown how main characteristic of a GTI project, be it the outputs will be used to meet that need. capacity-building, information provision or However, as has been noted above, with the taxonomic studies, is that it should be directed vast numbers of species undescribed there is towards the removal of a taxonomic impedi- room for projects including monographic ment hindering implementation of the alpha-taxonomy121, cataloguing, producing Convention. This does not limit the work keys and other identification aids identifica- needed in any way; the only requirement is tions, training and a multiplicity of others. that an impediment is being addressed and the A number of projects implementing the outputs will be used in a clear way to remove GTI are in place, some funded by the GEF this impediment. Criteria that might be con- (see next section), and others by a variety of sidered are clarity on: different organisations. Many projects are listed in the GTI Portal, and some are dis- (a) Which identified taxonomic impedi- cussed further under the section on funding. ments are addressed (human resources, information, collections and facilities, etc.), including how 4.3 Obstacles to implementation such impediments were identified and the process through which they The most important obstacle to implementa- would be overcome; tion of the GTI is the inadequacy of global (b) How the project would provide taxo- taxonomic resources to meet all of the prior- nomic support to activities under the ities that have been or might be identified to Convention; implement the CBD. Even the extant muse- (c) How the proposed activities would ums, herbaria, university taxonomists and allow parties to meet their obliga- culture collections face a number of compet- tions under the Convention, with ing priorities, some more attuned to meeting particular reference to the mainte- CBD objectives, others less so.

118 The COP, in decision V/9: "Urges parties, Governments and relevant organizations to…communicate to the Executive Secretary and the Global Taxonomy Initiative Coordination mechanism, by 31 December 2001, … suitable programmes, projects and initiatives for consideration as pilot projects under the Global Taxonomy Initiative."; and in decision VI/8: "Endorses…further submission and elaboration of potential pilot projects." 119 http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-06/information/sbstta-06-inf-04-en.pdf 120 UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/6/INF/4 121 primarily description of species

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Capacity-building is noted as a need department, or they are not government throughout this Guide, and throughout the employees at all, but researchers at non- COP decisions, but this takes financial and governmental institutions. human resources, both to develop and sus- As noted earlier, this communication tain. When capacity exists, it has to be problem applies to national reporting as enabled to meet the needs, and this gener- well. Within countries there is generally no ally takes financial resources. Taxonomic line of communication between those work, just like other professional advice, implementing the GTI and the CBD. Thus needs to be paid for. In perhaps the majority the Focal Point will not be able to contact of cases, taxonomic needs for CBD imple- the taxonomists, and the taxonomists will mentation are identified and met (or not not know that their activities with respect to met) on an ad hoc basis, and discussion on the GTI are being reported on or that there them does not extend beyond the project is a need for such reports. This is not always level. Practicing taxonomists are often the case, of course; in some countries the asked advice (and expected to give it freely) lines of communication are being devel- on identities of species or to provide deter- oped. However, even here there is a wide- minations for projects funded by multilat- spread ignorance of the CBD and how eral or bilateral agencies where an original taxonomic work might be developed to help taxonomic component of the budget was implement it. either never considered, or even removed as Taxonomists, like any other scientists, unnecessary. This state of affairs is clearly will have a set of scientific objectives that not satisfactory, and does not encourage the determine the work that they do. These are establishment of systems that could deal both individually and institutionally set, and with CBD needs most effectively. A key both individuals and institutions are judged aim of the GTI must be to modify the man- upon how well they meet their targets. ner in which taxonomy is perceived and While some of these targets may accord practiced. with activity to implement the GTI, not all A second key obstacle to implementation of them will, and consequently there may be of the CBD is poor communication and lack a conflict in priorities (Lyal & Weitzman, of understanding about the GTI. First, the 2004). It cannot be assumed that by identi- decisions of the COP are not known to fying a set of needs for implementing the many practicing taxonomists and others Convention that this ensures that taxono- implementing the CBD. Many do not even mists will start work to meet them. Clear realise that what they are doing is imple- incentives in different forms are needed to menting the CBD, or understand the CBD change this situation. Institutional priorities and its operation. Even those who do read and performance indicators might be broad- the decisions do not necessarily understand ened to include relevant targets, something the implications for their work, or just what that might involve discussions at govern- is being asked of them. The National CBD ment level between departments charged or GTI Focal Point may not be able to com- with implementing the CBD and those con- municate with all taxonomists, probably trolling museums, herbaria or universities. because they do not know who they are, There will also certainly have to be funding they are not in the same government considerations.

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A third obstacle to implementation of the majority of species which they will GTI is the perception that there will be no encounter, deprives ecosystem managers of taxonomic problem in implementing the tools with which they might do their job, convention, or that it can somehow be over- and deprives countries of knowledge of come by focusing on organisms for which their biodiversity and thus of the chance to there is no problem. This, of course, assert rights of access and benefit-sharing. deprives projects of information on the

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5. FUNDING FOR THE GTI Funding is necessary to address the shortage obligations of this Convention. A special of taxonomists, of taxonomic information financial mechanism in this regard was and of taxonomic infrastructure. In many thereby established and its operation was cases, developing countries have very little later entrusted to the Global Environment or no physical reference collections of local Facility – a relatively new multilateral trust biodiversity, nor trained personnel, and in fund established to promote international developed countries taxonomy has been cooperation for global environment benefits. under-resourced for many years, leading to a Although the GEF is frequently identified as general decline in infrastructure, and a the main source of funding, this is most dearth of younger professionals. apparent for large-scale projects. Smaller- The CBD is not a funding agency, and scale activities tend to take place with fund- does not provide financial support for ing from other sources. Even the setting up implementation projects. Instead, it sets out of multinational taxonomic networks has the policy background which in turn pro- been undertaken more times without GEF vides a mandate to funding organizations funding than with it. and other donors to support implementation The GTI PoW and other COP decisions of the GTI. As taxonomy is a cross-cutting make it very clear that funding may be issue, support to the GTI is not limited to sought from many sources. This section projects with a taxonomic focus – it also highlights a few funding sources, including includes taxonomic components of any bio- all of the types of sources anticipated by logical diversity project. Indeed, it is likely Parties to the Convention – national sources, that most taxonomic funding opportunities the GEF, and other multilateral, regional and lie in projects and programmes aimed at bilateral mechanisms. A comprehensive list- addressing particular sectors. ing of sources of biodiversity-related fund- This section of the Guide provides an ing is available on the CBD website122. overview of the main sources of funding for the GTI, and then gives examples of projects 5.1.1 National support to taxonomy that have been funded. Finally, some key points that need to be considered in mobiliz- National budgetary supports to taxonomy ing funding for the GTI are reviewed. may take varied forms depending on the administrative tradition and culture, and the level of available funding may also differ 5.1 Sources of funding for the GTI according to national circumstances and financial capabilities. In many countries, The Convention commits each country Party taxonomic funding is organized as bud- to provide financial incentives and resources getary support to such taxonomic institu- for national biodiversity activities, and tions as museums, universities, libraries, requires developed country Parties to pro- herbaria, arboreta, zoos, botanical gardens, vide financial resources including new and culture collection and seed bank. additional financial resources to enable In some countries, a significant portion developing country Parties to meet the costs of available funding is channelled through of implementing measures which fulfil the particular agencies or foundations. In the

122http://www.biodiv.org/financial/sources.shtml

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United States, for example, the National organic pollutants. Although being adminis- Science Foundation accounts for about one- tratively linked to the World Bank, the fourth of federal support to academic insti- Global Environment Facility has its own tutions for basic research, and thus is the independent organizational identity, includ- nation’s principal support of fundamental ing its own Assembly, Council, Secretariat, academic research on plant biology, envi- three Implementing Agencies (United ronmental biology and biodiversity. Its sys- Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), tematic biology and biodiversity inventories United Nations Development Programme cluster seeks to discover, describe and (UNDP) and the World Bank) and seven inventory global species diversity, to ana- Executing Agencies (Food and Agricultural lyze and synthesize the information derived Organization of the United Nations (FAO), from this global discovery effort into pre- United Nations Industrial Development dictive classification systems that reflect the Organization (UNIDO), African Develop- history of life, and to organize the informa- ment Bank (ADB), Asian Development Bank tion derived from this global program in (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction efficiently retrievable forms that best meet and Development (EBRD), Inter-American the needs of science and society. Development Bank (IDB), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)), as well as Scientific and Technical Advisory 5.1.2 The Global Environment Facility Panel (STAP)). When the Convention on Biological While designating the Global Environ- Diversity was negotiated, governments real- ment Facility to operate the financial mech- ized that substantial investments would be anism of the Convention, the Conference of required to conserve biological diversity, the Parties established a memorandum of and agreed that the extent to which develop- understanding with the GEF Council providing country Parties will effectively imple- ing that the GEF financing in the focal areas ment their commitments under this will be in full conformity with guidance Convention will depend on the effective from the Conference of the Parties and its implementation by developed country effectiveness will be reviewed periodically. Parties of their commitments under this Thus the GEF operational policy to finance Convention related to financial resources taxonomy needs to be based on guidance and transfer of technology. A special finan- from the Conference of the Parties. The cial mechanism was thus created to facili- Conference of the Parties has so far identi- tate flow of new and additional financial fied the following priority taxonomic areas resources from developed countries to for financial support by the GEF: developing countries, and the Global Environment Facility was officially desig- (i) Identification and monitoring of nated as the institutional structure to operate wild and domesticated biodiversity the financial mechanism. components, in particular those The Global Environment Facility operates under threat; as the financial mechanism for several global (ii) Capacity-building, including tax- environmental treaties, in particular those onomy, to enable developing coun- that combat climate change, land degrada- tries to develop and carry out an tion, loss of biodiversity and persistent initial assessment for designing,

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implementing and monitoring projects with a taxonomic focus or programmes in accordance with clearly identified taxonomic com- Article 7, taking into account the ponents, and regional activities on special need of small island States; taxonomic capacity development (iii) Country-driven activities within and access to technology; and the context of its operation pro- (viii) Projects which help to establish grammes to participate in the and operationalize their national Global Taxonomy Initiative which focal points for the Global take into account as appropriate, Taxonomy Initiative and capacity- elements of the Suggestions for building activities such as, inter Action contained in the annex to alia, taxonomic training related decision IV/1 D; to specific taxa and information (iv) Promotion of awareness of the technologies. Global Taxonomy Initiative in the relevant activities of the Global It is expected that GEF support to taxonomy Environment Facility, such as will be centered on the above priority areas the Country Dialogue Workshops, identified by the Conference of the Parties, and facilitation capacity-building but the extent to which the GEF will be able in taxonomy, including in its to implement the guidance depends on a Capacity Development Initiative; variety of factors, including project propo- (v) National and regional taxonomic nents, project-hosting countries, project capacity-building, as a basis for managers at both country offices and head- implementing the programme of quarters of Implementing/Executing Agencies work for the Global Taxonomy and of course the GEF Secretariat and Initiative, with particular attention Council. to funding country-driven pilot In principle, all project proposals for projects identified under the GEF funding must be initiated or driven by Global Taxonomy Initiative, tak- the project hosting countries. This has ing into consideration the special become all the more apparent under the needs of least developed countries Resource Allocation Framework that was and small island developing States; adopted by the GEF Council in September (vi) Assistance in the implementation of 2005. During the fourth replenishment the Global Taxonomy Initiative, and period of the GEF, eligible countries are integration of taxonomic capacity- allocated ex ante individually or as a group building activities into thematic and with certain amount of resources, and are cross-cutting programmes, including expected to reallocate this funding among supporting activities and projects, nationally prioritized biodiversity projects. such as, where appropriate, stand- GEF project proposals are first considered alone capacity-building projects; by relevant project managers of country/ (vii) Implementation of the planned regional offices or biodiversity desks of an activities contained in the pro- Implementing Agency/Executing Agency, gramme of work on the Global and subsequently submitted for further review Taxonomy Initiative, including at the Headquarters of the Implementing taxonomic needs assessments, Agency/Executing Agency as well as by the

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GEF Secretariat. The GEF Chief Executive taxonomy. The new round of enabling activ- Officer can normally approve enabling activity is guided by the ‘Operational Guidelines ity project proposals and medium-sized pro- for Expedited Funding of National Self ject proposals requesting less than US$1 Assessments of Capacity Building Needs’124. million. Project proposals requiring more The funding ceiling for enabling activity than US$1 million must be included in a under expedited procedures for individual work program for approval by the GEF countries has been raised several times, and Council, and individual project briefs must currently stands at US$450,000 for national be finally endorsed by the GEF Chief strategy and action plan, clearing house Executive Officer. Implementing Agencies mechanism, and capacity-related activities can approve funds for project preparation in of all subject areas of the Convention. The the amount of US$25,000. GEF has approved over 300 enabling activ- Project proposals for GEF funding are ity projects for biodiversity, and only a considered mainly through three windows - limited number of countries have utilized enabling activity, operational programs, and this funding window to address national short-term response measures, based on the capacity needs of taxonomy and the Global GEF operational strategy. A Small Grants Taxonomy Initiative. Programme has evolved into a standing Medium-sized projects (MSPs) – global project whose resources have been Medium-sized project proposals, limited to replenished on a regular basis, and a special a maximum of US$1 million, may be sub- simplified procedure aiming at faster mitted on a rolling basis throughout the approval has also been developed for year, and may be approved by the GEF medium-sized projects. Chief Executive Officer. Preparation guide- Enabling activity (EA) – Grants for lines and templates125 have been suggested enabling activities were initially designed to by the GEF Secretariat for easy use by pro- help countries to prepare national strategies ponents when submitting new proposals. and action plans, and to assess needs, iden- MSPs are required to satisfy the require- tify priorities and build consensus on partic- ments of a GEF operational program or ular issues, and are now also used to support short-term response measure together with a capacity-building activities. Since 1997, the strategic priority. Several species-based GEF has issued several guidelines for conservation projects have been financed as enabling activities including expedited medium-sized projects, but taxonomy- approval procedures, and the need for oriented activities in general do not feature addressing taxonomy has been included in prominently in this window of funding. these guidelines. For instance, the ‘Revised Full projects (FPs) – Full project propos- Guidelines for Additional Funding of als are normally included in a work program Biodiversity Enabling Activities (Expedited coordinated by the GEF Secretariat for Procedures)’123 provided for assessing approval of the GEF Council at a meeting or capacity-building needs and defining intersessionally. Most full projects also use country-specific priorities for initial assess- project development facility (PDF) funds to ment and monitoring programs, including cover project preparatory expenses. GEF

123 http://www.gefweb.org/Documents/enabling_activity_projects/enabling_activity_projects.html 124 Ibid 125 http://www.gefweb.org/Documents/Medium-Sized_Project_Proposals/MSP_Guidelines/msp_guidelines.html

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accepts full project proposals based on the Programme127. The Programme has increas- requirements of its operational programs, and ingly applied the requirements of the GEF the GEF operational programs126 have been operational programs to guide its opera- developed on arid and semi-arid zone tions, and a number of projects financed ecosystems (OP1), coastal, marine, and under the Programme involve taxonomic freshwater ecosystems (OP2), forest ecosys- field work. tems (OP3), mountain ecosystems (OP4), conservation and sustainable use of biologi- 5.1.3 Other multilateral sources cal diversity important to agriculture (OP13), integrated ecosystem management (OP12), Multilateral institutions, including the and sustainable land management (OP15). United Nations system entities and regional These operational programs do not make cooperation organizations, may make con- specific reference to the Global Taxonomy tributions to implementation of the Global Initiative, but allow for identification activi- Taxonomy Initiative activities. The United ties and monitoring components. Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Short-term response measures – this and the Food and Agriculture Organisation modality of funding considers proposed of the United Nations (FAO) have occasion- activities that are not an integral part of an ally been involved in several global and operational program, such as those with a regional taxonomic projects. The World focus on threatened or endangered species Bank sponsored the Global Invasive or ecosystems, actions to reduce immediate Species Programme through the Bank threats to migratory species, and programs Netherlands Partnership Programme and the to facilitate implementation of unforeseen Development Grant Facility. opportunities for national action and inter- Governing bodies of multilateral institu- national cooperation to reduce specific risks tions have a general preference for develop- of biodiversity loss. Proposals approved ment-oriented projects, in particular those under short-term response measures include related to the Millennium Development the popular taxonomy project entitled as Goals, and thus convincing utilitarian evi- “Inventory, Evaluation and Monitoring of dence needs to be built for further taxonomic Botanical Diversity in Southern Africa: A initiatives. The United Nations Development Regional Capacity and Institution Building Programme and regional development banks Network” (SABONET). can also be tapped for purposes of the Global Small Grants Programme (SGP) – this Taxonomy Initiative. global project can offer individual grants of 5.1.4 Bilateral sources up to US$50,000 to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based According to pledges made by donor coun- organizations (CBOs). Coordinated by tries, official development assistance is UNDP, participating countries have their expected to increase significantly in the com- own national coordinator and national steering years, and thus offers opportunities for ing committee to review and approve pro- increasing financial support to taxonomy and ject proposals under the Small Grants the Global Taxonomy Initiative activities.

126 http://www.gefweb.org/Operational_Policies/Operational_Programs/operational_programs.html 127 http://sgp.undp.org/

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Many donor governments are already active taxonomic projects. Bilateral assistance often in taxonomy-related projects and activities. seeks to promote scientific and technical Switzerland through the Swiss Agency linkages between target countries and donor for Development and Cooperation has con- countries, and thus the extent to which bilat- tributed to the BioNET–International Fund eral assistance can support taxonomic activi- since 1996. ties very much depends upon efforts of The Darwin Initiative128 is a bilateral partner scientific organizations or institutions programme that seeks to make UK expertise of donor countries. Successfully financed available to biodiversity-rich developing taxonomic projects normally involve initia- countries. Its focus is supporting implemen- tives of taxonomic personnel and institutions tation of the CBD, and in the process has in a developed country and effective involve- supported a number of projects that are very ment of taxonomic personnel and institutions much aligned with the GTI. It has supported in a developing country and strong endorse- more than 400 projects covering a wide ment of the latter’s government. range of subjects related to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in over 5.1.5 Nongovernmental sources 80 countries around the world. More than 50 of these projects have had a major taxo- There are a variety of funding sources out- nomic focus, aligned with the GTI. side the governmental sector, such as rev- The Belgian Development Corporation enues generated by taxonomic institutions and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural and conservation organizations, grant- Sciences have carried out a number of GTI- making foundations and corporate charities. related projects129. The focus of this support Major taxonomic institutions are often in a from Belgium is for institutions or individu- position to attract financial flows from als from developing countries in need of donor governments, businesses and individ- taxonomic and curatorial training. Such uals, and may channel portion of such flows training should invariably have a clearly to their partner institutions in the develop- identified output in terms of increased taxo- ing world. For instance, the Missouri nomic and/or curatorial capacity for the Botanic Gardens supported the develop- developing country or its region. ment and testing of taxonomic tools and In Sweden, the International Foundation contributed towards red listing initiatives. for Science (IFS) carries out the mission to The Royal Botanic Gardens KEW has been build the scientific capacity of developing a long-term partner in botanical research countries in sciences related to the sustain- and conservation to many botanical institu- able management of biological and water tions worldwide. resources. Since 1974, the Foundation has Conservation organizations, particularly provided support to more than 3500 initiated in major donor countries and with a grantees in some 100 developing countries worldwide network, have emerged as a sig- in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin nificant and stable source of global support to America and the Caribbean. biodiversity activities in the developing These four countries are examples but nations. In 2004, five major international there are many others who also support conservation organizations attracted US$773

128 http://www.darwin.gov.uk/ 129 http://bch-cbd.naturalsciences.be/belgium/cooperation/aa-temp/gti/call.htm

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million from individuals, US$96 million up a special fund for the GTI, and to report from corporations and US$270 million from to COP-9 on progress. Within one week of foundations. These organizations have COP-8 there was already one inquiry from a proven to be not only an effective tool for country about how to make use of the fund. tapping dispersed private donations from the The modalities of the operation of the fund developed countries, but they also contribute are expected to be established soon, and it is to sensitization of biodiversity concerns and hoped that donors will contribute gener- galvanization of political support for biodi- ously to the fund. Donors that already sup- versity action in both developing countries port GTI-related activities may use the fund and developed countries. Unlike develop- as a means to channel some of their support. ment agencies with ever changing priorities, many of these organizations have sole agenda on biodiversity and related areas, and 5.2 Examples of GTI projects also have professional tendency towards new discovery and fundamental research. This section provides some examples of Private grant-making foundations are taxonomic projects financed by various another source of funding for taxonomic sources of funding, including through activities. The Rufford Maurice Laing national, multilateral and non-governmental Foundation, the Moore Family Foundation; sources. The projects may not have been the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; the explicitly conceptualized under the Global MAVA Foundation for Nature Conservation Taxonomy Initiative, but they do make clear (MAVA Stiftung für Naturschutz) are major contributions to the implementation of donors for the IUCN Red List Programme. the activities envisaged by the Global The MacArthur Foundation sponsored the Taxonomy Initiative. African Biodiversity Training Program - a collaborative project between the Field 5.2.1 National Project – Partnerships Museum of Natural History Chicago and for Enhancing Expertise in Makerere University to train graduate students Taxonomy (US) studying birds, amphibians, small mammals The US National Science Foundation (NSF) and fungi. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has established a special competition, supported the creation of the Consortium for Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in the Barcode of Life (CBOL) which is hosted Taxonomy (PEET)130, to support competi- by the Smithsonian Institution’s National tively reviewed research projects that target Museum of Natural History. groups of poorly known organisms. Projects financed by the program must train new tax- 5.1.6 Special fund for the GTI onomists and must translate current exper- under BioNET-International tise into electronic databases and other and other organizations products with broad accessibility to the The COP, at its eighth meeting in 2006, scientific community. Many U.S. academic invited BioNET-International and other rel- institutions and non-academic not-for-profit evant organizations, in consultation with the organizations including academic institu- Coordination Mechanism for the GTI, to set tions, botanical gardens, freshwater and

130 http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5451&org=BIO&from=fund

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marine institutes, and natural history muse- • Scientific Collaboration and Services ums, have been involved in the partnerships (interns from Indonesian universities, program, and collaborating scientists in for- mentors for specialist assistance in eign countries can be accommodated certain taxa, degree-and non-degree through consultant mechanisms adminis- training, and publications). tered by the submitting U.S. organization. Some eighty taxonomic projects have been In the Bogor Zoology Museum all speci- since 1994 financed by this program in the mens have been rehabilitated, moved and amount of over US$46 million. re-housed in a new 8,000 m², two-storey, Application for this program follows the purpose-built museum, donated by the general guidelines contained in the NSF Government of Japan. The new collection Grant Proposal Guide (GPG). Project pro- halls have state-of-the-art environmental posals (maximum 15 pages) generally need control systems, with air conditioning sys- to address five themes: taxonomic focus, tem, dehumidifiers, hygroscopic wall pan- methods of study, training, conceptual els, and all-new storage systems such as issues and dissemination of results. There is metal cabinets, drawers, unit trays and no co-financing requirement for proposals compactors. In the Bogor Herbarium nearly under this program. 200,000 specimens have so far been remounted on acid-free archival materials 5.2.2 GEF Project – The Indonesian and re-stored in insect-proof metal cabinets. Biodiversity Collection Project Air-conditioned rooms are provided for The Indonesian Biodiversity Collection biosystematic studies. Type specimens are Project received a $7 million grant over six segregated and housed in a separate air- years from the GEF through the World conditioned room. Nearly 1000 full-size, Bank131. The aim of the project was to insect-proof metal cabinets have replaced strengthen institutional capacity of the the old metal boxes. The use of toxic chem- Research and Development Center for icals for preservation has been stopped and Biology in Indonesia. The project had four replaced with drying and freezing technol- components: ogy in both institutes. Eighteen staff members, including ten • Project Management and Coordination new recruits, are pursuing higher degrees (5 (staffing, management, institutional PhDs and 13 masters) in taxonomy. In both and sustainability issues); institutes all collection managers have been • Systematic Collections and Research trained in collection management in leading (storage, restoration, stabilization, and institutes abroad. Specialists from around the organization); world are coming to Bogor as ‘mentors’ to • Collections Information Systems help organize parts of the collection and to Management (operation of the share their experience with staff. Interns Indonesian Biodiversity Information from university herbaria across Indonesia System and development of IT have been hosted in the Herbarium and skills); and Museum for 3-6 months to expand the

131 http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000009265_3961219143409

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benefits and experience gained beyond the Africa’s National Botanical Institute (NBI) central facilities. This has stimulated interest was the Executing Agency, responsible for in, and attention to, the roles of collections in the overall management and administration biodiversity conservation and established of the project. In addition to the GEF/UNDP firm relationships among national specialists. funding, the project was co-funded by the The specimen-based Indonesian Bio- USAID/IUCN ROSA through the NETCAB diversity Information System has been (Regional Networking and Capacity developed. It consists of two databases Building Initiative) Programme. SABONET (plants and animals), containing about ran from 1996 to 2005. 240,000 plant and 80,000 animal specimen Southern Africa, as defined within the records respectively. The project has also project, has a flora of over 30,000 species of facilitated a publication program, mainly of flowering plants and ferns, including the Indonesian-language field-guides to pro- whole of one of the world’s six floristic mote biodiversity awareness. Nineteen titles kingdoms (the Cape Floristic Region, have been produced. known locally as ‘fynbos’). The region also includes seventeen centres of plant diversity as identified by the IUCN/WWF: 5.2.3 GEF Project – SABONET (the Southern African Botany • Arid and semi-arid ecosystems (with Diversity Network) roughly half of the world’s known The Southern African Botanical Diversity succulents); Network (SABONET) is a capacity-build- • Coastal, marine and freshwater ing network of southern African herbaria ecosystems (including several RAM- and botanic gardens, with the objective of SAR and World Heritage Sites); developing local botanical expertise. The • Forest ecosystems (most of which are ten countries participating in SABONET under some form of threat); and were Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, • Mountain ecosystems. Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Despite this great botanical diversity, the SABONET’s aims were to develop a strong countries of the region are poorly equipped core of professional botanists, taxonomists, in both infrastructure and human resources horticulturists, and plant diversity special- to inventory, monitor, and evaluate this her- ists within the ten countries of southern itage. Over the last few decades, support for Africa, competent to inventory, monitor, the national herbaria and botanic gardens of evaluate and conserve the botanical diver- southern Africa has been intermittent and sity of the region in the face of specific sub-critical. In addition, many plant species development challenges, and to respond to are threatened with extinction, mainly the technical and scientific needs of the through agricultural, mining, industrial, and Convention on Biological Diversity. urban activities. The 1997 IUCN Red List Although SABONET was not set up as a of Threatened Plants listed 2,652 plant GTI project and, indeed, antedates the GTI, species as threatened in the ten countries of it meets a number of GTI objectives and can southern Africa. be used as a model. SABONET was a GEF The outputs of SABONET included a Project implemented by the UNDP. South project newsletter, occasional report series,

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trained southern African plant taxonomists, of Costa Rica’s species, testing methodolo- horticulturists and plant diversity special- gies for undertaking a cost effective ists, electronic information systems on the inventory, and maximizing the value of those region’s plant diversity (including maps and species and the social return to the invest- relational databases), regional human and ment in knowledge through conservation and infrastructural inventories, regional and sustainable use. The project’s four compo- national plant checklists and Red Data lists, nents were: and a Regional Botanic Gardens Conserva- tion Strategy. • Develop a framework for undertaking Additional information on SABONET a biodiversity inventory of priority can be found on the internet132. sub-groups within four major taxonomic groups at selected sites within 5.2.4 GEF Project – Botanical five conservation areas; and Zoological Taxonomic Networks • Undertake collection and cataloguing in Eastern Africa (BOZONET): activities related to the inventory; Linking Conservation to Taxonomy • Develop and test potential applications based on the inventory; and This UNDP project will support the coun- • Strengthen the institutional capacity at tries of East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, the National Biodiversity Institute Tanzania, and Uganda) to remove barriers (INBio). to the flow of relevant taxonomic information, from networked centres of expertise, The project built on work previously carried to the range of end-users of such informa- out by INBio134. The taxonomic groups tion, and to assist those end-users in the included in this project are Hymenoptera, use of this information for the sustainable Coleoptera, Diptera, and fungi. These four conservation of biodiversity, through groups were chosen because, together, they inventory, description, monitoring, and cover a wide spectrum of species richness dissemination. and a broad range of niches and habitats. They also cover a range of collecting and 5.2.5 GEF Project – Biodiversity cataloguing logistical challenges and repre- Resources Development Project sent a range of prior taxonomic knowledge for Costa Rica and difficulty. Species from each group are The Biodiversity Resources Development represented at the national and international Project for Costa Rica133 was funded by the level, and can provide experience relevant GEF through the World Bank and ran from to other countries. These four taxonomic 1998 to 2005. Its objective was to demon- groups are expected to generate a large strate that increased knowledge and informa- number of potential applications and poten- tion about particular species enhance their tial uses. value and increase the marketability of biodi- Five conservation areas were chosen as versity services, by enhancing the knowledge sites for collection activities, selected

132 http://www.sabonet.org.za/index.htm 133 http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000009265_3980312102353 134 http://www.inbio.ac.cr/en/default.html

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because of their high coverage of Costa 5.2.7 Bilateral – Example projects Rican biodiversity, significant endemism, supported by the Belgian Development and outstanding biological importance for Corporation and the Royal Belgian Costa Rica and Meso-America, as well as Institute of Natural Sciences their human, financial, and infrastructure The projects funded in 2004, the first year resources. of the seed money availability, were: Training of parataxonomists was undertaken by international specialists and Costa • Herpetological Species Richness and Rican scientists. The project is notable for Community Structure on the Kaieteur the close collaboration between staff of National Park Tepui (Guyana) northern institutes and local personnel. • Biodiversity assessment at three protected areas in northwest Cambodia 5.2.6 Bilateral – Example • Training Program for the Study of projects supported by the Biodiversity and Management of UK Darwin Initiative Rodents and Shrews in Eastern Congo The project “Taxonomic capacity-building (Kisangani) in support of biodiversity conservation in Thailand”135, funded through the UK 5.2.8 Regional European Darwin Initiative, aimed to establish capac- Union Initiatives ity in Thailand for developing and maintain- At European level there are several projects ing national reference collections and that focus on elements of the GTI. One of identification facilities for insects in support these is the European Distributed Institute of of biodiversity conservation and research in Taxonomy (EDIT137), which is a network Thailand. The outputs included keystone sponsored by the European Commission insect reference collections, expandable tax- which aims at starting to overcome the taxo- onomic database, expandable interactive nomic impediment through collaboration and website facility, application of remote sens- joint work programmes, including capacity- ing and GIS techniques, training of Thai building. It has a budget of almost 12 million museum staff and partners. euros for the five year period 2006-2011. A The project “Taxonomic training for a second is the European Network for neglected biodiversity hotspot within Lao Biodiversity Information (ENBI138), which PDR”136 aimed at providing training in focuses on information-sharing. tropical botanical taxonomy to staff in key institutes in Lao PDR, and to establish the 5.2.9 Non-governmental – Investing foundation for National Species Database in Nature: an eco-partnership between and Threatened Plant List. The outputs the HSBC Group, WWF, Botanic included: multilingual botanical dictionary, Gardens Conservation International National Species Database, Threatened and Earthwatch Plant List, plant checklist, incorporation of collections into herbaria, and scientific In 2002, the HSBC Group established, in papers. eco-partnership with WWF, Botanical

135 http://www.darwin.gov.uk/projects/details/13003.html 136 http://www.darwin.gov.uk/projects/details/13007.html 137 http://www.e-taxonomy.eu/index.php 138 http://www.enbi.info/forums/enbi/index.php

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Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) however, there is a need for investment in and Earthwatch, the Investing in Nature basic alpha taxonomy, revisionary work and programme139 with US$50 million to fund cataloguing in the long-term, because the conservation projects around the world over taxonomic impediment is partly attributable five years. Through BGCI, a US$11.6 mil- to the unavailability of names for a vast lion donation from the programme will fund majority of species. Donor agencies will a living gene bank in botanic gardens need to be made aware that in some cases the around the world to protect 20,000 endan- taxonomic work that is more directly aligned gered plan species. It also helps BGCI raise with their priorities rests on basic taxonomic public awareness of the value of plants studies that have not been undertaken. As through its 500 member gardens in 111 such, these form a necessary part of the countries, revitalizing conservation in 16 process of implementation and should be major gardens in Argentina, Brazil, India, considered eligible for funding. In any case, Indonesia, and the Middle East, and funding it is absolutely essential that potential donors education programmes in Canada, China, are convinced of a need, and how that need Japan, the UK and the US. relates to achievement of the CBD’s objectives, otherwise the likelihood of success in mobilizing funding will be lower. 5.3 Mobilizing funding Understanding existing funding – Another key to mobilizing funding is under- Obtaining funds to support GTI activities is standing what other projects and initiatives challenging. The whole purpose of the GTI have been or will be funded. This allows is to remove the taxonomic impediment to proposals to be developed that build on implementation of the CBD by providing existing or past work in a complementary the taxonomic information and skills manner without unnecessary duplication. required in a timely manner. In this context, Governments will need to have a good it is critical that proposals for GTI-related understanding of past and current projects at activities show the linkages between those national level in order to conduct their activities and achievement of the objectives national taxonomic needs assessments. of the CBD. The introduction and rationale External resources may also be available, of the GTI programme of work is a useful including the reports of the GEF and UK starting point in making those linkages. Darwin Initiative on their contributions to Linking projects to identified needs and funding the GTI. In addition, governments priorities – An important first step in attract- recently requested the secretariats of the ing funding is clarifying needs and priorities. Convention and the GEF to conduct a joint Assessment of taxonomic needs and capaci- analysis of funded projects related to the ties is the first objective of the programme of GTI – this analysis should be completed in work for the GTI. Funding should generally the near future and will be made available be allocated primarily to activities that are through the GTI Portal. particularly critical at national or regional Understanding how to prepare funding level. This usually means a focus on the proposals – Taxonomic fund-raising needs of particular users. At the same time, involves expertise in both taxonomy and in

139 http://www.hsbc.com/hsbc/csr/community/investing-in-nature

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fund-raising. In cases where taxonomists been the main sources of international assis- and other biodiversity-specialists are respon- tance. Governments, non-governmental sible for developing projects, they may find organisations, the private sector and fund-raising to be a challenge. Fortunately, research institutions are all active in financ- there are some mechanisms available for ing, or mobilizing finance for, conservation developing fund-raising skills. For example, and sustainable use of biological diversity. the COP has recently proposed a project In spite of this diversity of sources, there are development seminar, focussing on identi- some commonalities between them which fied country-level needs, to promote formu- should be recognized in any effort to mobi- lation of country-driven projects, exploring lize funding (see Text-box 5-1). General development of new projects or enhance- steps in developing an application for fund- ment of existing projects140. This seminar is ing are highlighted in text box 5-2. intended primarily for countries that have Awareness-raising – Funding decisions already identified their needs or have sub- are partly political, requiring a balance mitted proposals for GTI-related projects. among competing national and global prior- Some countries are currently assessing taxo- ities. Consequently, the taxonomic share of nomic needs (see section 3.2.1), and the available finances will depend in part on the seminar will likely be convened once those ability of the taxonomic community to raise assessments are completed. awareness about taxonomic needs and to There are many different sources of lobby governments to factor taxonomy into funding for biodiversity activities including budget allocation decisions. All stakehold- the GTI. Multilateral, regional and bilateral ers should therefore take a long-term inter- financial and development agencies have est in awareness-raising.

Box 5-1 Common requirements of funding bodies that may support the Global Taxonomy Initiative

In considering applications to a funding body to implement the GTI, the following issues should be considered: • Alignment with remit of funding body. All funding bodies, whether national, bilateral or multinational, have their individual remit, limiting what and who they are able to fund. Within this remit they will have priorities. Both the priorities and the remit may or may not be closely aligned to the GTI, and any application for funding must fit the funding body criteria and priorities as well as those of the GTI to be successful. • Clarity on purpose of project in terms of donor priorities. • Explicit linkage to CBD implementation. Taxonomy is unlikely to be supported for its own sake by many donors in the development and implementation sector (funders in more academic sectors may take a different view). However, taxonomy in support of identified needs stands a better chance to be funded (e.g. conservation, sustainable use, quarantine, indicators of environmental damage). Many donors will require an

140 decision VIII/3, paragraph 15

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explicit and demonstrable link between the taxonomic work being proposed and the outcome, in terms of CBD implementation. • Linkage to national and regional priorities: − National biodiversity strategy and action plan; − Capacity Development Initiative; − Country Dialogue Workshops; − National programmes. • Consistency with International Conventions. • Clarity of linkage between activities and outputs (i.e. if we do these activities we will get these outputs, and therefore achieve the desired product). • Financial sustainability: − “A GEF project must be cost-effective, replicable and include an incentive-based design to ensure financial sustainability after the conclusion of GEF support.” − Financial sustainability can be demonstrated through, for example: a. Direct financial commitment from the government; b. Indirect commitment through allocation; c. Stakeholder contribution; d. Trust funds; e. Long-term co-funding. • Technical sustainability: − Data collection and monitoring techniques need to be realistic and within the country’s and institution’s long-term capacity; − Data collection needs to be replicable and standardized (both nationally and regionally); − Technical training needs to be applied, maintained and captured within the relevant agencies. Continuity of human resources is critical. Absence of staff for training and long-term maintenance should not jeopardize project goals; − Technical objectives and relevance needs frequent review by a technically-qualified group. • Socio-political sustainability: − Include all political parties/stakeholders in project design (political cycles rarely conform to project lifetimes); − Identify Focal Points / contacts and discuss aims at an early stage; − Plan for continuous sensitisation and awareness within the project (this helps address changes in political parties, policy amendments and staff movements); − Review the social status and perceptions of the domestic population as it relates to project objectives – the better to realign and improve; − Identify the needs of decision-makers and politicians and try to embrace within project concepts to ensure commitment and sustainability.

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Box 5-2 Steps in developing a project application for funding

1. Become familiar with national policies of the country or countries concerned, including the NBSAPs and the outcomes of any taxonomic needs assessments. 2. Become familiar with the COP decisions on the GTI, and those relevant to any thematic areas or other cross-cutting issues of the Convention to which the proposed project is relevant. 3. Ensure that the project meets needs identified within national policies, or is consistent with them, and is consistent with the CBD Articles and relevant decisions. 4. Consider possible donors, multilateral (e.g. GEF (through UNDP, UNEP, World Bank), or the European Union), bilateral (e g. USAID, CIDA, GTZ, DFID, DANIDA, SIDA) or partnership (e.g. the UK Darwin Initiative, the USA’s NSF). There may also be possibilities through the Development Banks and other UN agencies such as the FAO. It is important to remember that for projects with a stated global benefit (Medium Sized and Full Projects, of <$1,000,000 and >$1,000,000 respectively) the GEF only provides co-financing, not the full amount. 5. Especially if considering a multilateral or bilateral donor make contact with: a. The National GTI Focal Point(s), if appointed b. The National CBD Focal Point c. The National or regional representative of the donor body (this may be at the appropriate embassy or consulate if a bilateral arrangement is being considered) In the case of the GEF: d. The local representative of the appropriate GEF implementing agency (UNEP / UNDP / World Bank). e. The National GEF Operational Focal Point, who will have to endorse the project. And discuss the proposed project with them to establish its suitability and develop the initial funding proposal.

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6. INFORMATION SOURCES AND USEFUL CONTACTS 6.1 Taxonomic tools and information Bacteriology. The International Code of sources Nomenclature of Bacteria (1990 Revision) has been published by the American Society There are a number of tools available to for Microbiology, Washington DC. (Lapage, assist taxonomists and others to meet taxo- et al. (eds), 1992). The ‘List of bacterial nomic needs under the Convention. While names with standing in nomenclature’ an exhaustive list cannot be given here, includes, alphabetically and chronologically, some of the more important and useful tools the nomenclature of bacteria and the nomen- are reviewed, many of which are available clatural changes as cited in the Approved Lists on the internet. of Bacterial Names or validly published in the International Journal of Systematic 6.1.1 Nomenclature references Bacteriology or in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology Stability of scientific nomenclature is impor- is available on line145. tant141. Taxonomists, editors and reviewers Virology. The International Code of need to be aware of the provisions of the var- Virus Classification and Nomenclature is ious Codes of Nomenclature. These codes available on line146 and in Regenmortel can be acquired as hard copy or through the et al. (2000). The International Committee internet. on Taxonomy of Viruses web site147 hosts or Zoology. The International Code of links to a vast amount of information on Zoological Nomenclature (International virus taxonomy, and is a vital resource. Comission on Zoological Nomenclature, 1999, ISBN 0 85301 006 4) is available on the 6.1.2 Other taxonomic tools internet142 or from the Secretariat of the ICZN, c/o The Natural History Museum - Cromwell There are a number of tools for analysis and Road - London SW7 5BD – UK. In addition, compiling specialist databases that are avail- Thompson BIOSIS maintains a nomenclatural able for use by those studying and analysing glossary for zoology on the internet143. biodiversity from the taxonomic perspec- Botany. The International Code of tive. The list given below is by no means Botanical Nomenclature (currently the ‘St exhaustive, and only serves to exemplify Loius Code’, to replace the earlier ‘Tokyo what is available. There is no uniformity in Code’) is available on line144. The printed and the descriptions of the packages, since these only currently official version of the Code has are based on information provided on the been published as ‘International Code of web sites explaining or promoting the prod- Botanical Nomenclature (St Louis Code)’. ucts. The ‘Phylogeny Programs’ web site148 Regnum Vegetabile 138. Koeltz Scientific lists additional phylogenetic analysis pro- Books, Königstein. ISBN 3-904144-22-7. grammes, and also provides links to servers

141 see decision IV/1.D in annex 8 to this Guide 142 http://www.iczn.org/iczn/index.jsp 143 http://www.biosis.org/support/glossary/ 144 http://www.bgbm.fu-berlin.de/iapt/nomenclature/code/SaintLouis/0000St.Luistitle.htm 145 http://www.bacterio.cict.fr/index.html 146 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTV/rules.html 147 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTV/ 148 http://evolution.genetics.washington.edu/phylip/software.html

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providing phylogenetic analyses on line collection and locality records. It also without charge. includes a Web server offering query-based ArcView149 is a desktop geographic infor- access to data and images. mation system. With ArcView one can create The DELTA153 format (DEscription intelligent, dynamic maps using data from Language for TAxonomy) is a flexible virtually any source and across most popular method for encoding taxonomic descriptions computing platforms. ArcView provides the for computer processing. It has been adopted tools to allow one to work with maps, data- by the International Taxonomic Databases base tables, charts, and graphics simultane- Working Group (TDWG) as a standard for ously. One can also use multimedia links to data exchange. DELTA-format data can be add pictures, sound, and video to maps. used to produce natural-language descrip- Biótica©150 is designed to handle curator- tions, interactive or conventional keys, ial, nomenclatural, geographical, biblio- cladistic or phenetic classifications, and graphical and ecological data. Its purpose is information-retrieval systems. to assist the capture and updating of such DiGIR154 is a protocol and a set of tools data. for linking a community of independent BioLink151 is designed for those working databases into a single, searchable “virtual” with taxon- and specimen-based informa- collection. The DiGIR protocol was devel- tion, particularly taxonomists, ecologists, oped by the University of Kansas collection managers and biogeographers. It Biodiversity Research Center Informatics is suitable for use by individual researchers, group in collaboration with the Museum of large collection-holding institutions, or Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkeley and the global collaborations. The programme man- California Academy of Sciences. DiGIR is ages taxon-based information such as currently a public open source project with nomenclature, distribution, classification, an international team of contributors, includ- ecology, morphology, illustrations, multi- ing Centro de Referência em Informação media and literature. Specimen-based infor- Ambiental (CRIA), Brazil. It, along with mation includes collection sites, collectors BioCASE, is used to link many of the data and collection dates, museum storage loca- providers to GBIF. tions, loans and accession and catalogue GARP155 (Genetic Algorithm for Rule- numbers. BioLink also records information set Production) is an algorithm that deter- on ecological characteristics, traps and bulk mines characteristics of a species native samples. habitat based on environmental data Biota 2152 manages specimen-based biodi- observed at known collection points. A versity and collections data for ecologists, GARP analysis looks for similarities in the biodiversity inventories, and collections man- environmental profiles of the collection agers. It can manage images and literature locations and forms conclusions about the citation records linked to species, specimen, range of the species based on factors such as

149 http://www.esri.com/software/arcview/ 150 http://www.conabio.gob.mx/informacion/biotica_ingles/doctos/acerca_biotica.html 151 http://www.biolink.csiro.au/index.html 152 http://viceroy.eeb.uconn.edu/biota 153 http://biodiversity.uno.edu/delta/ 154 http://www.specifysoftware.org/Informatics/informaticsdigir/ 155 http://www.specifysoftware.org/Informatics/informaticsdesktopgarp/

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temperature, precipitation, elevation, and industry standards, including DiGIR, soil type. Darwin Core, XML and Dublin Core, KE ITIS Taxonomic Workbench156 - The EMu is used by the world’s largest natural ITIS Taxonomic Workbench is a Windows- history museums. based software tool used for editing and Linnaeus II158 facilitates biodiversity doc- manipulating taxonomic data for submis- umentation and species identification. It is sion into the ITIS online system. It covers devised for systematists and biodiversity names relationships, references, and distrib- researchers. It supports the creation of taxo- utional data. nomic databases, the construction of easy-to- KE EMu157 provides collections man- use identification keys, and allows the display agement facilities for museums, art gal- and comparison of distribution patterns. leries, herbaria and botanic gardens. KE LUCID159 is a set of programmes that EMu is a feature rich museum management can be used for creating and editing identi- system designed to provide comprehensive fication keys. It also handles with images management and access to very large and and taxonomic descriptions. diverse collections. Unlike other museum MacClade160 provides theory and tools software, KE EMu integrates an extensible for the graphic and interactive analysis of multi-discipline catalogue with interpreta- molecular and morphological data, phy- tive information and multimedia resources. logeny, and character evolution. The Natural history support includes taxonomic program includes many tools for data manip- definitions, specimen identification, type ulation, including molecular sequence align- status, field trips and a gazetteer. KE EMu ment. MacClade reconstructs and displays supports multi-discipline querying with character evolution on the phylogenetic tree, automatic adjustment of display based on and, as the user manipulates the tree on the object’s type. EMu supports all museum screen, the program gives feedback via tree management functions, including acces- graphics, statistics, and charts. Systematists sioning, deaccessioning, program and exhi- and other evolutionary biologists can use its bition development and general event flexible tools to analyze phylogeny and char- management, loans and external move- acter evolution, and its ease of use allows ments, internal locations and internal move- beginning students to grasp phylogenetic ment histories, conservation and condition principles in an interactive environment. checks, insurance, indemnity, valuation. All Mantis161 is a biological database man- management modules conform to the ager that can store taxonomic and specimen ‘SPECTRUM’ standard for museum docu- data, images and sounds. It includes manage- mentation. EMu allows association of spec- ment tools for citations, specimen loans, and imen data, names, images, documentation addresses. It can generate publication-ready and other information. It is used by many “Material examined” lists and publication- major museums. Supporting a range of ready “Specimen measurements” tables. It

156 http://www.itis.usda.gov/twb.html 157 http://www.kesoftware.com/emu/ 158 http://www.eti.uva.nl/Products/Linnaeus.html 159 http://www.lucidcentral.com/ 160 http://www.sinauer.com/detail.php?id=4707 161 http://140.247.119.145/Mantis/

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can store information about parasites, host parsimonious trees, calculate consensus plants etc. and includes label design tools. trees, etc. It is extremely fast, in general MEKA162 is a programme to enable rapid MUCH faster than competing software. identification of biological specimens. The Winclada165 is written to utilize NONA user picks character states present in speci- either directly as a search engine for phylo- mens from a list of possibilities. As the char- genetic analysis, or the two programs may acter states are scored by user selection, be used separately. MEKA eliminates taxa that no longer match PAUP166 (‘Phylogenetic Analysis Using the list of scored character states. Windows Parsimony’) is a widely-used program used display different aspects of the underlying for cladistic analysis based on the input of a database. As the identification progresses the character matrix. It can analyse both mor- windows are updated automatically. An index phological and molecular data, and includes screen makes it easy to find and score partic- parsimony, distance matrix, invariants, and ular classes of character states. MEKA allows maximum likelihood methods as well as the user to perform identifications by scoring many indices and statistical tests. character states in any order, making it Platypus167 - Platypus is a relational possible to identify fragmentary Specimens. database program developed by the ABRS Mesquite163 is software for evolutionary Fauna Online project that is used to auto- biology, designed to help biologists analyze matically compile and generate the web comparative data about organisms. Its empha- files for the Australian Faunal Directory. It sis is on phylogenetic analysis, but some of its manages taxonomic, geographic, ecologi- modules concern population genetics, while cal, host-taxon, palaeontological, biblio- others do non-phylogenetic multivariate graphic and graphic information, as well as analysis. Because it is modular, the analyses botanical names and specimen collection available depend on the modules installed. data Data compiled in Platypus can readily Analyses include, reconstruction of ancestral be made available to GBIF. The expected states (parsimony, likelihood), tests of process users are taxonomists, collection managers, of character evolution, including correlation, ecologists; and compilers of checklists, cat- Simulation of character evolution (categori- alogues, bibliographies, graphics and biodi- cal, DNA, continuous), parametric bootstrap- versity information. ping (integration with programs such as Specify168 is a research application, a PAUP and NONA), morphometrics (PCA, database, and network interface for biologi- CVA, geometric morphometrics), and coales- cal collections information. It manages cence (simulations, other calculations), tree specimen data such as descriptions of col- comparisons and simulations (tree similarity, lecting locations, participants and determi- Markov speciation models). nation histories as well as information about NONA164 is a Windows command collections transactions such as loans, line/text program used to search for most exchanges, accessions and gifts. It is

162 http://www.mip.berkeley.edu/meka/ 163 http://mesquiteproject.org/mesquite/mesquite.html 164 http://www.cladistics.com/about_nona.htm 165 http://www.cladistics.com/ 166 http://paup.csit.fsu.edu/ 167 http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/software/platypus/index.html 168 htttp://www.specifysoftware.org/Specify

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designed to facilitate accurate, consistent initiative for capacity-building in taxonomy and efficient data entry. For example, a user in developing countries. It is comprised of only has to enter information about a loca- sub-regional LOOPs (Locally Organised and tion once and that description then applies Operated Partnerships) of developing to all events and specimens that reference it. country institutions, supported by a con Similarly, information about a person only sortium of developed country institutions, has to be entered once, and that person can and managed by the BioNET-INTERNA- then be associated with specimens as a col- TIONAL Technical Secretariat. Its purpose is lector, donor, determiner, borrower or loan to enable developing countries to achieve provider. Specify can serve XML-structured realistic self-reliance in taxonomy to support specimen records using the DiGIR protocol, regional and national programmes for eradi- now used for many collections. cation of poverty, via sustainable use of TreeBASE169 is a relational database of natural resources and agricultural develop- phylogenetic information hosted by the ment, and conservation of biodiversity University at Buffalo. TreeBASE stores phylo- (including implementation of the Convention genetic trees and the data matrices used to gen- on Biological Diversity). BioNET-INTER- erate them from published research papers. NATIONAL and its LOOPs have been active TreeBASE accepts all types of phylogenetic in developing and implementing the GTI. data (e.g., trees of species, trees of populations, Building on past collaboration, the BioNET trees of genes) representing all biotic taxa. and CBD Secretariats have agreed to strengthen cooperation at the LOOP and global levels, with efforts particularly 6.2 Key partners focussed on the 2010 biodiversity target. Areas identified for joint work include tax- There are an increasing number of national onomy-related aspects of the clearing-house and international initiatives with objectives mechanism, biosafety, technology transfer supporting or congruent with those of the and, via the Global Taxonomy Initiative, GTI. Annex 7 provides contact information other areas of the Convention. Established for some of the key bodies and organiza- LOOPs exist in the Caribbean (CARINET), tions that contribute to the GTI. This section Northern, East, West and southern Africa provides details on two key institutions that (NAFRINET, EAFRINET, WAFRINET play leading roles in the implementation of and SAFRINET respectively), South East the GTI programme of work, namely Asia (ASEANET), East Asia (EASIANET), BioNET-INTERNATIONAL (with a focus the Andean Countries (ANDINONET), the on capacity-building) and the Global South Pacific (PACINET) and Europe Biodiversity Information Facility (with a (EuroLOOP). Proposed LOOPs awaiting focus on information-sharing). There is also government endorsements are South Asia a short explanation about the CBD’s clear- (SACNET), North Eurasia (NEURA- ing-house mechanism. SIANET) the South America Southern Cone BioNET-INTERNATIONAL170, the (LATINET), Mesoamerica (MESOAMER- Global Network for Taxonomy, is a global INET).

169 http://www.treebase.org/treebase/ 170 http://www.bionet-intl.org/

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The Global Biodiversity Information ecosystem level databases can be linked to Facility (GBIF)171 The mission of GBIF is to the system. These will facilitate and enable make the world’s primary data on biodiver- data mining of unprecedented utility and sci- sity freely and universally available via the entific merit. As its work programs progress, Internet. The GBIF vision is that it will con- GBIF will enable users to navigate and put tribute to economic growth, ecological sus- to use the world’s vast quantities of biodi- tainability, social outcomes and scientific versity information. This information is vital research by increasing the utility, availability to generating economic, environmental, and completeness of primary scientific bio- social and scientific benefits from the sus- diversity information available on the tainable use, conservation and study of bio- Internet. GBIF works cooperatively with diversity resources. and in support of several other international The clearing-house mechanism (CHM)173 organizations concerned with biodiversity. of the Convention on Biological Diversity These include (but are not limited to) the seeks to support the Convention’s thematic CHM and the GTI of the CBD , and regional and cross-cutting programmes of work by biodiversity information networks, such as promoting cooperation in six key areas: tools the European Network for Biodiversity for decision-making, training and capacity- Information (ENBI)172, which may also pro- building, research, funding, technology vide tools and training. Functionally, GBIF transfer, and the repatriation of information. encourages, coordinates and supports the Its aims are to: promote and facilitate techni- development of worldwide capacity to cal and scientific cooperation, within and access the vast amount of biodiversity data between countries; develop a global mecha- held in natural history museum collections, nism for exchanging and integrating infor- libraries and databanks. Near term GBIF mation on biodiversity and; develop the developments will focus on species and necessary human and technological network. specimen- and observation-level data. The clearing-house mechanism is coordi- Technically, GBIF is evolving to be an inter- nated by the Executive Secretary and over- operable network of biodiversity databases seen and guided by an Informal Advisory and information technology tools using web Committee (IAC) set up by the Parties to the services and Grid technologies. In the near Convention. In addition, a network of term, GBIF will provide a global metadata National Focal Points for the mechanism registry of the available biodiversity data addresses matters relating to technical and with open interfaces. Anyone can then use it scientific cooperation. The GTI portal is the to construct thematic portals and specialised part of the CHM dedicated to the GTI. search facilities. Building on the contents of this registry, GBIF will provide its own central portal that enables simultaneous queries 6.3 Further information against biodiversity databases held by distributed, worldwide sources. In the long Further information on the GTI is available term, molecular, genetic, ecological and through the GTI Portal. In addition, the

171 http://www.gbif.org 172 http://www.enbi.info/forums/enbi/index.php 173 http://www.biodiv.org/chm/default.aspx

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annexes to this Guide are also intended to context of other work programmes. Annex 5 provide additional information. Annex 1 is a contains the strategy for taxonomic capac- list of acronyms used in this guide and, in ity-building developed at the Third Global cases of organizations, associated web links. Taxonomy Workshop, held in Pretoria in A list of references and other publications 2002, and a workshop in Paris, held in 2003. for further reading is compiled in Annex 2 to Annex 6 gives a sample questionnaire that this Guide. Annex 3 lists documents specific can be adapted for use in national taxonomic to taxonomy and the GTI which have been needs assessments. Annex 7 provides con- produced under the auspices of the CBD. tact information for key partners and organi- Annex 4 summarizes excerpts from COP zations. Annexes 8 through 13 contain decisions which are not specific to the GTI decisions on the GTI from the third to the but which cross-reference the GTI in the eighth meetings of the COP.

92 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/ http://www.bionet-intl.org/andinonet/ http://www.biocase.org/ ANNEX 1. is a Program within Parks will establish a web-based ACRONYMS USED IN TEXT ACRONYMS USED IN ABRS The Australia Division of the Department the Environment and Heritage. Its aim is to provide, through strategic partnerships, the underlying taxonomic knowledge necessary for the conservation and biodiversity. Australia’s sustainable use of Group of experts set up by the CBD to advise on any particular issue. Members are drawn from the CBD Roster of Experts A Cooperation Network to Technical Taxonomy support capacity building in Andean for the Countries of Community (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela) Peru and A Cooperation Network to Technical Taxonomy support capacity building in ASEAN region. for the Countries of BioCASE information service providing researchers with unified access to biological collections in Europe while leaving control of the information with The aim is to enhance collection holders. Australian Biological Resources Study Ad-Hoc Technical Expert Group Biological Collections Access Service for Europe ACRONYM / NAME OF TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ABRS AHTEG ANDINONET ASEANET BioCASE

93 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.cabi.org/ http://www.biodiv.org the over-all value of biological collections the over-all as an essential, but presently fragmented European research and under-exploited infrastructure for environmental sciences, systematics, and life sciences in general, by means of implementing a sustainable and expandable information service, which provides researchers with unified access to all European collections, while leaving the control over information supply in the hands of information providers. BioCASE, along with DiGIR, are used by GBIF to link many of its data providers. See text CAB International is a not-for-profit Its purpose is the generation, organisation. dissemination and use of knowledge in the applied biosciences to enhance development, human welfare and the environment. Botanical and Zoological Taxonomic Networks in Eastern Africa CAB International Convention on Biological Diversity TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF BOZONET CABI CBD

94 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.coralcay.org/index.php http://www.unccd.int/main.php http://www.cetaf.org/ http://www.coml.org/coml.htm http://www.cites.org/ http://www.wcmc.org.uk/cms/ http://www.conabio.gob.mx/ It is a not-for-profit organisation at the organisation It is a not-for-profit “cutting edge of ecotourism”. It sends teams of volunteers to survey some the most endangered coral reefs and world’s tropical forests. Its mission is to protect these crucial environments by working closely with the local communities who depend on them for food and livelihood. See text A Commission Mexican Inter-Ministerial mainly dedicated to: conform and keep updated the National System of Biodiversity Information (SNIB); support projects and studies focused on the knowledge and sustainable use of Coral Cay Conservation United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities Census of Marine Life Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Flora and Wild of Fauna. United Nations Convention on Migratory Species National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of the Biodiversity TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF CCC CCD CETAF CoML CITES CMS CONABIO

95 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/ http://www.nhm.ac.uk/science/rco/enhsin/ http://www.enbi.info/forums/enbi/index.php biodiversity; advise governmental institutions and other sectors; undertake special projects; share the knowledge of biological diversity; follow up of international agreements related to biodiversity; and provide services to the public. The COP is the governing body of and Convention on Biological Diversity, advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings. Some other UN Converntions also have a COP. For using, monitoring and understanding biodiversity it is necessary to the world’s utilize the existing biodiversity information to its full potential. Primary biodiversity data will therefore have to be digitised and made accessible through an integrated shared information Conference of the Parties UN Commission on Sustainable Development European Natural History Specimen Information Network European Network for Biodiversity Information TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF COP CSD ENHSIN ENBI

96 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.eti.uva.nl/ http://www.fao.org/ http://www.gbif.org http://www.gefweb.org/ http://invasivespecies.nbii.gov/as/gisin.htm (moving to: http://www.gisinetwork.org) infrastructure. The major objective of infrastructure. ENBI is to establish a strong European network for this purpose. The ETI is a non-governmental in operational relations with organization UNESCO. It stated mission is to develop and produce scientific educational information systems, to computer-aided improve the general access to and promote the broad use of taxonomic and biodiversity knowledge worldwide. It maintains on its web site a list of taxonomists with a global basis. See section 6 Financial mechanism for the Convention See text for more on Biological Diversity. details. Expert Center for Taxonomic Identification Food and Agriculture of the Organization United Nations Global Biodiversity Information Facility Global Environment Facility Global Invasive Species Information Network TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF ETI FAO GBIF GEF GISIN

97 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.unibas.ch/gmba/ http://www.biodiv.org/programmes/ cross-cutting/plant/default.asp http://www.icimod.org/ http://ioc.unesco.org/iocweb/index.php See text for details CBD strategy linked to the GTI – see text IOC provides member states of the United Nations with an essential mechanism for global co-operation in the study of The IOC assists governments to ocean. address their individual and collective ocean and coastal problems through the sharing of knowledge, information and technology and through the coordination of national programs. Global Invasive Species Programme. Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment for Global Strategy Plant Conservation Global Taxonomy Initiative Invasive Alien Species International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO) TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF GISP GMBA GSPC GTI IAS ICIMOD IOC

98 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.biodiv.org/programmes/areas/ agro/pollinators.asp http://www.ipni.org/index.html http://www.itis.usda.gov/index.html. Programme set up within the Agricultural Programme set up within the Area of the CBD Biodiversity thematic The International Plant Names Index (IPNI) is a database of the names and associated basic bibliographical details of all seed plants. Its goal is to eliminate the need for repeated reference to primary sources for basic bibliographic The data information about plant names. are freely available and gradually being standardized and checked. IPNI will be a dynamic resource, depending on direct contributions by all members of the botanical community. A source of taxonomic information for some groups of plants, animals, and America and the microbes of North world. ITIS is a partnership of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican agencies; other and taxonomic specialists. organizations; ITIS is also a partner of Species 2000 and the GBIF. The International Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators International Plant Names Index Integrated Taxonomic Information System TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF IOS IPI IPNI ITIS

99 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.millenniumassessment.org/ en/index.aspx http://www.nhm.ac.uk Regional Technical Cooperation Regional Technical set up as part of Taxonomy Networks in BioNET-INTERNATIONAL Assessment The Millennium Ecosystem (MA) is an international work program designed to meet the needs of decision makers and the public for scientific information concerning the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and options for responding to those The MAchanges. was launched by U.N. Annan in June 2001 Secretary-General Kofi and it will help to meet assessment needs of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention to Combat Desertification, the and the Wetlands, Ramsar Convention on Convention on Migratory Species, as well as needs of other users in the private sector If the MAand civil society. proves to be useful to its stakeholders, it is anticipated that an assessment process modeled on the MA will be repeated every 5–10 years and that ecosystem assessments will be regularly conducted at national or subnational scales. Globally-significant collections, library and source of taxonomic expertise. Locally Owned and Operated Partnership of BioNET- INTERNATIONAL The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment The Natural History Museum, London TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF LOOP MEA NHM

100 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.icipe.org/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTV/ https://www.ippc.int/IPP/En/default.jsp http://www.itis.usda.gov/ http://www.iucn.org/ ICIPE’s mandate is to conduct research, ICIPE’s train, and develop methods for managing pests and disease vectors in environmentally friendly ways and of arthropods. enhance the useful effects This mandate is reflected in the operative 4-H paradigm, of improving human, animal, plant and environmental health. See text The IPPC is an international treaty to secure action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests plants and plant products, and to promote appropriate measures for their control. It is governed by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (ICPM) See text Has members from some 140 countries government 114 include 77 States, agencies, and 800-plus NGOs. More than National Biodiversity and Action Plan International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology The International Committee on taxonomy of Viruses International Plant Protection Convention International Taxonomic information System The World Conservation Union TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF NSBAP ICIPE ICTV IPPC ITIS IUCN

101 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.rrz.uni-hamburg.de/OASIS/ Pages/page1.html http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ http://www.biodiversityasia.org/sacnet/ 10,000 internationally-recognised scientists and experts from more than 180 countries volunteer their services to its six global commissions. Its 1000 staff around the world are members in offices working on some 500 projects. For more Web’than 50 years this ‘Green of partnerships has generated environmental conventions, global standards, scientific knowledge and innovative leadership. See text SACNET is a regional loop of BioNET- It will function as INTERNATIONAL. the node for exchange of information and in the region; Taxonomy expertise in capacity building activities; organise liaise with other such Networks globally and support implementation of the work Oceanic seamounts: an integrated study Programme of in (generally, Work the Guide, of GTI) Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew African The South Botanical Network Southern Asian network for taxonomic capacity-building TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF OASIS PoW RBGK SABONET SACNET

102 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.si.edu/ modus which can be found in Annex 1 which can be found in programme of the Convention on Biological Diversity through the Global Asia. Initiative (GTI) in South Taxonomy Its functions include: providing assessments of the status biological diversity; assessments of the types measures taken in accordance with the provisions of the Convention; and responding to questions that the COP may How SBSTTAput to the body. carries out its work is described in operandi, of decision IV/16 (as amended by decision V/20). Globally-significant collections, library and source of taxonomic expertise. A long term project aiming to record essential taxonomic information on vascular plants on a world basis. It may Flora. It is expected World be likened to a that it will include accepted names and synonyms with places of publication and types, short descriptions of all taxa from family to infraspecific rank, keys, distributions, references to literature Subsidiary Body on Scientific, and Technical Technological Advice Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity Smithsonian Institution Species Plantarum Project TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF SBSTTA SCBD SI SPP

103 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.sp2000.org/ http://www.ubio.org/ http://www.unesco.org/science/index.shtml http://www.wfcc.info/ comments, etc. It will be linked to the Global Plant Checklist. See text uBio is an initiative within the science library community to join international to create and utilize a efforts comprehensive and collaborative catalog of names all living (and once-living) Name Server The Taxonomic organisms. (TNS) catalogs names and classifications to enable tools that can help users find information on living things using any of the names that may be related to an organism. Acts as an implementing agency for the GEF. Acts as an implementing agency for the GEF. WFCC is a Multidisciplinary The Commission of the International Union Biological Sciences (IUBS) and a Species 2000 Universal Biological Indexer and Organizer United Nations Development Programme United Nations Environment Programme United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Federation World of Culture Collections TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF SP2000 uBio UNDP UNEP UNESCO WFCC

104 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/ http://www.panda.org/ Federation within the International Union The of Microbiological Societies (IUMS). WFCC is concerned with the collection, authentication, maintenance and distribution of cultures microorganisms and cultured cells. Its aim is to promote and support the establishment of culture collections and related services, to provide liaison and set up an information network between the collections and their workshops and users, to organise conferences, publications and newsletters and work to ensure the long term perpetuation of important collections. 1992 Summit in Johannesburg acting WWF is a global organization locally through a network of family do all they can All these offices offices. to halt the accelerating destruction of our natural world. World Summit on World Sustainable Development Fund Wide World for Nature TERM INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION URL IF APPROPRIATE ACRONYM / NAME OF WSSD WWF

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ANNEX 2.

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

(n.b., see also many CBD documents listed in annex 3, and other documents referenced in footnotes throughout the text of this guide)

Andelman, S.J. & Fagan, W.F., 2000, St., New York, NT 10024, USA, and Umbrellas and flagships: Efficient conser- at the URL: http://www.biodiv.org/ vation surrogates or expensive mistakes? doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-04/informa- Proceedings of the National Academy of tion/sbstta-04-inf-07-en.pdf Sciences, 97(11), 5954–5959 Anon, 1999, Implementing the GTI: Anon, 1998, The Darwin Declaration, Recommendations from DIVERSITAS Environment Australia, Canberra. ISBN: element 3, including an assessment of 0 642 21413 1. Available in printed form present knowledge of key species groups. from: Australian Biological Resources Available at the URL: http://wwwbio- Study, Environment Australia, Department div.org/doc/ref/gti-diversitas.pdf of the Environment, GPO Box 636, Anon, 1999a, Report of the STAP brainstorm- Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia, and at ing on the use of taxonomic information. the URLs: http://www.biodiv.org/cross- Key outcomes and suggestions. GEF/C.14/ cutting/taxonomy/darwin-declaration.asp Inf.13. www.gefweb.org/COUNCIL/GEF and http://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/flora/ _C14/gef_c14_inf13.doc webpubl/darwinw.htm Anon, 2000, Mechanisms for management Anon, 1998b, The Global Taxonomy Initiative: of the GTI, with a consideration on inclu- Shortening the Distance between Discovery sion of traditional and indigenous knowl- and Delivery, Environment Australia, edge perspectives on current taxonomic Canberra. ISBN: 0 642 56803 0. Available systems. Available at the URL: http:// in printed form from: Australian Biological www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/ Resources Study, Environment Australia, sbstta-05/information/sbstta-05-inf- Department of the Environment, GPO Box gti-en.pdf 636, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia, and at Blackmore, S., 2002, Biodiversity update – the URLs: http://www.biodiv.org/cross-cut- progress in taxonomy. Science 298, 365. ting/taxonomy/short-dist.asp and http:// Canhos, V.P., Souza, S., Giovanni, R. & www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/flora/web Canhos, D.A.L., 2004, Global biodiver- publ/london.htm sity informatics: setting the scene for Anon, 1998c, The Global Taxonomy a “new world’ of ecological modeling. Initiative: Using Systematic Inventories Biodiversity Informatics, 1, 1-13. [http:// to meet Country and Regional Needs, jbi.nhm.ku.edu/ - accessed 1/12/2004] DIVERSITAS, Systematics Agenda Caro, T.M. & O’Doherty, G., 1999, On the 2000, New York. Available in printed use of surrogate species in conservation form from the American Museum of biology. Conservation Biology, 13(4), Natural History, Central Park West at 79th 805-814.

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Chavan, V. & Krishnan, S., 2003, Natural at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical history collections: a call for national Garden, Cape Town, South Africa, 27 information infrastructure. Current February to 1 March 2001. Strelitzia, 12, Science, 84(1), 34-42. 202 (English) + 204 (French) pages. Cresswell, I & Bridgewater, P., 2000, The Klopper, R.R., Smith, G.F. & Chikuni, A.C., Global Taxonomy Initiative – Quo 2002, The Global Taxonomy Initiative in vadis? Biology International, 38, 12-16. Africa. Taxon 51, 159-165. Evans, G., Lum, K.Y. & Muroch, L., 2002, Kottelat, M., 2001, Freshwater fishes of Needs assessment in taxonomy and Northern Vietnam. A preliminary check- biosystematics for plant pathogenetic list of fishes known or expected to occur organisms in countries of South East Asia. in northern Vietnam with comments Unpublished report to AusAID, 67 pp. on systematics and nomenclature. The Golding, J.S. & Timberlake, 2004, How World Bank. http://lnweb18.worlbank. taxonomists can bridge the gap between org/ESSD/envext.nsf/48ByDocName/To taxonomy and conservation science. olsFreshwaterFishesofNorthernVietnam Conservation Biology, 17, 1177-1178. 2001 (URL accessed 27.Nov.2004) Groombridge, B. (Ed.), 1992, Global Lapage, S.P. et al. (Eds), 1992. Biodiversity. Status of the Earth’s living International Code of Nomenclature of resources. Chapman and Hall, London, Bacteria (1990 Revision). Bacteri- 585pp. ological Code. American Society for Hopkins, G.W. & Freckleton, R.P., 2002. Microbiology, Washington DC. Declines in the numbers of amateur and Lyal, C.H.C., 2001, The Global Taxonomy professional taxonomists: implications Initiative. NSC Alliance News, 29(6), 4, 10. for conservation. Animal Conservation, Lyal, C.H.C., 2004, Strategy and symbioses: 5, 245-249. Building capacity for the GTI in Asia. pp Iguchi, K., K. Matsuura, K. McNyset, A. T. 80-88 in Shimura, J., Ed., Building Peterson, R. Scachetti-Pereira, K. A. Capacity in Biodiversity Information Powers, D. A. Vieglais, E. O. Wiley, & T. Sharing 2003, NIES, Japan, 254pp. Yodo. 2004. Predicting invasions of Lyal, C.H.C., 2004a, The GTI Programme of North American basses in Japan using Work. pp 1-7 in Shimura, J., Ed., Building native range data and a genetic algo- Capacity in Biodiversity Information rithm. Transactions of the American Sharing 2003, NIES, Japan, 254pp. Fisheries Society, 133:845-854. Lyal, C.H.C. & Weitzman, A.L., 2004, King, N. & Lyal, C.H.C., 2003, Meeting the Taxonomy: Exploring the Impediment, gaps in protected area management – Science, 305, 1106. overcoming the taxonomic impediment. Lindenmayer, D.B., Manning, A.D., Smith, Paper presented to the Vth World Parks P.L., Possingham, H.P., Fischer, J., Congress, Durban. Oliver, I & McCarthy, M.A., 2002, The Klopper, R.R., Smith, G.F. & Chikuni, A.C. focal-species approach and landscape (Eds), 2001, The Global Taxonomy restoration: a critique. Conservation Initiative: documenting the biodiversity Biology, 16(2), 338-345. of Africa / L’Initiative Taxonomique Lowry, P.P. & Smith, P.P., 2003, Closing the Mondiale: documenter la biodiversité en gulf between botanists and conservation- Afrique. Proceedings of a workshop held ists. Conservation Biology, 17, 1175-1176.

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Navarro S., A.G., Peterson, A.T. & Gordillo- known and unknown reptile species in Martinez, A., 2003, Museums working Madagascar. Nature, 462, 837-841. together: The atlas of the birds of Mexico. M.H.V. van Regenmortel, C.M. Fauquet, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ D.H.L. Bishop, E.B. Carstens, M.K. Estes, Club, 123A:207-225 S.M. Lemon, J. Maniloff, M.A. Mayo, D.J. McNeely, J.A., 2002, The role of taxonomy McGeoch, C.R. Pringle, & R.B. Wickner in conserving biodiversity. Journal for (2000). Virus Taxonomy: The Classification Nature Conservation, 10, 145-153. and Nomenclature of Viruses. The Seventh McNeely, J.A., Mooney, H.A., Neville, L.E., Report of the International Committee on Schei, P. & Waage, J.K., (Eds), 2001, A Taxonomy of Viruses. Virus Taxonomy, Global Strategy on Invasive Alien VIIth report of the ICTV. Academic Press, Species. IUCN Gland, Switzerland, and SanDiego, 1167pp. Cambridge, U.K., in collaboration with Ruiz, M. & Pooma, R., 2000, Going Home. the Global Invasive Species Programme. A manual on the repatriation of infor- X + 50pp. mation from ex-situ conservation and MEA (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment). research institutions to countries of 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well- origin. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. being: Biodiversity Synthesis. World pp 28. Resources Institute, Washington, D.C. Samper, C., 2004, Taxonomy and environ- Novotny, V., Basset, Y., Bremer, B., Cizek, mental policy. Philosophical transac- L., Drozd, P., Miller, S. & Weiblen, G., tions of the Royal Society. Biological 2002, Low host specificity of herbivo- Sciences. 359(1444), 721-728. rous insects in a tropical forest. Nature, SCBD, 2001, Global Biodiversity Outlook. 416, 841-844. Montreal, 282pp. Naumann, I.D. & Jisoh, M. Md., 2002, SCBD, 2002, Scientific And Technical Needs assessment in taxonomy of arthro- Cooperation And The Clearing-House pod pests of plants in countries of South Mechanism. Report of the Joint East Asia: biosystematics, collection and Convention on Biological Diversity/ information management. Unpublished Global Invasive Species Programme report to AusAID, 118 pp. Informal Meeting on Formats, Protocols Petersen, F.T., Meier, R. & Larsen, M. N., and Standards for Improved Exchange 2003, Testing species richness estimation of Biodiversity-related Information. methods using museum label data on the Note by the Executive Secretary. UNEP\ Danish Asilidae. Biodiversity and CBD/COP/6/INF/18. URL: http://www. Conservation, 12: 687-701. biodiv.org/doc/meetings/cop/cop-06/ Pfeiffer, J. & Uril, Y., 2003, The role of information/cop-06-inf-18-en.doc indigenous parataxonomists in botanical Shimura, J., (Ed.), 2003, Global Taxonomy inventory: from Herbarium Amboinense Initiative in Asia. Report and Proceedings to Herbarium Floresense. Telopea 10(1), of the 1st GTI Regional Workshop in Asia. 61-72. Putrajaya, Malaysia, September 2002. Raxworthy, C.J., Martinez-Meyer, E., NIES, Japan, 314 pp. Horning, N., Nussbaum, R.A., Schneider, Shimura, J. (Ed), 2004, Building capacity in G.E., Ortega-Huerta, M.A. & Peterson, biodiversity information sharing, 2003. A.T., 2003, Predicting distributions of NIES, Japan. 254 pp.

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Smith, T., 2004, [response to Golding & Term Evaluation (MTE): Final Report, Timberlake], Conservation Biology, 18, 31 March 2003. IMO London. 7-8. Wemmer, C., Rudran, R., Dallmeier, F. & Smith, P.P., Lowry, P.P., Timberlake, J. & Wilson, D.E., 1993, Training develop- Golding, J.S., 2004, The work of taxon- ing-country nationals is the critical ingre- omy [letter in response], Conservation dient to conserving global diversity. Biology, 18, 8-9. BioScience, 43, 762-767. Steenkamp, Y. & Smith, G.F., 2002, Wilson, K., Shimura, J., Lyal, C.H.C. & Addressing the needs of the users of botan- Cresswell, I. (Eds.), 2003, Building ical information. South African Botanical Capacity: Bangladesh to Bali and Diversity Network Report 15: 52pp. Beyond. Report of First Global Taxonomy Suarez, A.V. & Tsutsui, N.D., 2004, The Initiative Workshop in Asia. 75pp NIES, value of museum collections for research Japan. and society. BioScience, 54 (1): 66-74. Yahner, R.H., 2004, The work of taxonomy, Vousden, D. & Okamura, B., 2003, Conservation Biology, 18, 6-7. GloBallast Project Independent Mid

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ANNEX 3.

CONVENTION DOCUMENTS SPECIFICALLY ON TAXONOMY AND THE GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE

This annex lists documents prepared for SBSTTA, recommendations of SBSTTA, documents prepared for COP, COP decisions, and other documents.

Documents submitted to SBSTTA UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/INF/6 The Global Taxonomy Initiative: UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/5 recommendations from DIVERSITAS Practical approaches for capacity-building Element 3, including an assessment of for taxonomy. http://www.biodiv.org/doc/ present knowledge of key species groups meetings/sbstta/sbstta-02/official/sbstta- http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/s 02-05-en.pdf bstta-04/information/sbstta-04-inf-06-en.pdf UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/3/Inf.32/ UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/INF/7 GEF Workshop: Removing the taxonomic The Global Taxonomy Initiative: Using impediment. http://www.biodiv.org/doc/ Systematic Inventories to Meet Country meetings/sbstta/sbstta-03/information/ and Regional Needs. http://www.biodiv. sbstta-03-inf-32-en.pdf org/doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-04/ UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/6/ information/sbstta-04-inf-07-en.pdf Further advancement of the Global UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/5/4 Taxonomy Initiative. Item 3.3 of the Provisional Agenda Review http://www.biodiv.org/ of the Global Taxonomy Initiative. doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-04/official/ http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/ sbstta-04-06-en.pdf sbstta-05/official/sbstta-05-04-en.pdf UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/6/CORR.1 SBSTTA/5 inf GTI. Further advancement of the Global Mechanisms for management of the GTI, Taxonomy Initiative. (corrigendum) with a consideration of traditional and http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/ indigenous knowledge perspectived on sbstta-04/official/sbstta-04-06-corr1-en.pd current taxonomic systems. Report of a UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/INF/1 meeting held 20 December 1999 at The Global Taxonomy Initiative: UNESCO, Paris. http://www.biodiv.org/ Shortening the Distance Between doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta-05/ Discovery and Delivery. Report of a information/sbstta-05-inf-gti-en.pdf meeting held at Linnean Society, London, UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/6/10 UK on September 10-11 1998 http://www. The Global Taxonomy Initiative. Draft biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/ work programme. sbstta-04/information/sbstta- http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/ 04-inf-01-en.pdf sbstta-06/official/sbstta-06-10-en.pdf

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UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/6/INF/4 UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/10/3 Global Taxonomy Initiative. Progress Progress report on the implementation of report on the Global Taxonomy Initiative the programmes of work on relevant cross- http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/ cutting issues [includes a component on sbstta/sbstta-06/information/ the GTI] http://www.biodiv.org/doc/ sbstta-06-inf-04-en.pdf meetings/sbstta/sbstta-10/official/ sbstta-10-03-en.pdf UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/6/INF/4/ADD1 Global Taxonomy Initiative. Progress UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/10/16 report on the Global Taxonomy Initiative The Global Taxonomy Initiative: Regional Meeting of Scientists in Central Development of the process and the America, Costa Rica, 6-9 February 2001 guidelines for the in-depth review of the http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/ programme of work http://www. sbstta-06/information/sbstta-06-inf-04- biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/ add1-en.pdf sbstta-10/official/sbstta-10-16-en.pdf UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/8/3 UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/10/17 Progress in the implementation of the Outline of the Global Taxonomy Initiative programmes of work on cross-cutting guide. http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/ issues [includes a component on the GTI] sbstta/sbstta-10/official/sbstta-10-17-en.pdf http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/ UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/11/5 sbstta-08/official/sbstta-08-03-en.pdf In-depth review of the implementation of UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/9/3 the programme of work for the Global Progress in the implementation of the work Taxonomy Initiative. http://www.biodiv. on cross-cutting issues [includes a org/doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta- component on the GTI] http://www. 11/official/sbstta-11-05-en.pdf biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/sbstta- UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/11/5/Add.1 09/official/sbstta-09-03-en.pdf In-depth Review of the Implementation of UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/9/INF/16 the Programme of Work for the Global Global Taxonomy Initiative: Progress and Taxonomy Initiative: Elements of Planned implementation of the programme of work Activities for the New Programmes of http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/s Work http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/ bstta-09/information/sbstta-09-inf-16-en.pdf sbstta/sbstta-11/official/ sbstta-11-05-add1-en.pdf UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/9/INF/17 Preliminary report of first Global Taxonomy Initiative workshop in Asia Recommendations of SBSTTA http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/sbstta/s SBSTTA Recommendation II/2: bstta-09/information/sbstta-09-inf-17-en.pdf Practical approaches for capacity-building UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/9/INF/30 for taxonomy. (This was endorsed by COP Draft guide to the Global Taxonomy III/10, and thus forms part of that Initiative. http://www.biodiv.org/doc/ decision.) http://www.biodiv.org/ meetings/sbstta/sbstta-09/ recommendations/?m=SBSTTA- information/sbstta-09-inf-30-en.pdf 02&id=6993&lg=0

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SBSTTA Recommendation IV/2. UNEP/CBD/COP/6/INF/23 Further advancement of a Global The Global Taxonomy Initiative. Report on Taxonomy Initiative. http://www. progress and status http://www.biodiv. biodiv.org/recommendations/?m=SBSTTA- org/doc/meetings/cop/cop- 04&id=7012&lg=0 06/information/cop-06-inf-23-en.pdf SBSTTA Reccomendation V/3. UNEP/CBD/COP/8/17/ADD1 Review of the Global Taxonomy Initiative. Elaboration of Relative Roles of the CHM http://www.biodiv.org/recommendations/? in Dealing with Taxonomic Databases m=SBSTTA-05&id=7020&lg=0 Including: The Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network, SBSTTA Reccomendation VI/6 BioNET, the Global Biodiversity The Global Taxonomy Initiative; Information Facility, Species 2000, the programme of work. http://www. Integrated Taxonomic Information biodiv.org/recommendations/?m=SBSTTA- System and Natureserve. http://www. 06&id=7037&lg=0 biodiv.org/doc/meetings/cop/cop- SBSTTA Recommendation IX/3. 08/official/cop-08-17-add1-en.pdf Global Taxonomy Initiative. UNEP/CBD/COP/8/INF/46 http://www.biodiv.org/recommendations/? Outcomes and Recommendations of the m=SBSTTA-09&id=7459&lg=0 Meeting on “Biodiversity – the SBSTTA Recommendation X/12 megascience in focus”. Global Taxonomy Initiative: development http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/cop/co of the process and the guidelines for the in- p-08/information/cop-08-inf-46-en.pdf depth review of the programme of work and outline of the Global Taxonomy COP decisions Initiative guide. http://www.biodiv.org/ recommendations/default.aspx?m=SBSTT COP decision IV/1: A-10&id=10693&lg=0 Report and recommendations of the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, SBSTTA Recommendation XI/2 Technical and Technological Advice, and In-depth review of the implementation of instructions by the Conference of the Parties the programme of work for the Global to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Taxonomy Initiative. http://www.biodiv. Technical and Technological Advice. D. org/recommendations/default.aspx?m=SBS Global Taxonomy Initiative. http://www. TTA-11&id=10960&lg=0. biodiv.org/decisions/default.aspx?m=COP- 04&id=7124&lg=0 Documents submitted to COP COP decision V/9: UNEP/CBD/COP/4/INF/28 Global Taxonomy Initiative: The Darwin Declaration. Submission by Implementation and further advance for the the Government of Australia http://www. Suggestions for Action. http://www.biodiv. biodiv.org/doc/meetings/cop/cop- org/decisions/default.aspx?m=COP- 04/information/cop-04-inf-28-en.pdf 05&id=7151&lg=0

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COP decision VI/8: Reports of the GTI Coordination Global Taxonomy Initiative. Mechanism http://www.biodiv.org/decisions/ Reports of the meetings of the GTI default.aspx?m=COP-06& Coordination Mechanism are available id=7182&lg=0 through the GTI Portal. COP decision VII/9: Global Taxonomy Initiative. Other documents http://www.biodiv.org/decisions/ default.aspx?m=COP-07&id=7746&lg=0 UNEP/CBD/WG-ABS/1/INF/2 Access and benefit-sharing and the Global COP decision VIII/3: Taxonomy Initiative. Document submitted Global Taxonomy Initiative: in-depth to First meeting of the Ad-Hoc Open-ended review of the implementation of the Working Group on Access and Benefit- programme of work for the Global Sharing (Bonn, Germany, 22 - 26 October Taxonomy Initiative. 2001) http://www.biodiv.org/doc/ http://www.biodiv.org/decisions/default.asp meetings/abs/abswg-01/information/ x?m=COP-08&id=11015&lg=0 abswg-01-inf-02-en.pdf

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ANNEX 4.

KEY ELEMENTS OF COP DECISIONS RELEVANT TO THE GTI

The text below is simply extracted from the decisions cited, and in each case refers to the GTI. The relevant decisions should be consulted to ensure that the text is seen in full context. Moreover, there are many other aspects of the decisions which will depend on the involvement of the GTI for implementation, although this is not made explicit. Text from supporting documents (SBSTTA documentation, information documents etc) is generally not included here, although it provides a very valuable additional source of information and more detail on where taxonomic information is required.

COP Decision Text Island biological diversity VIII/1 Annex (programme of work) Priority action 3.2. Compile detailed inventories of island species, assess their conservation status, including the main threat criteria, and develop the taxonomic expertise necessary to facilitate this. Supporting action 3.2.4: Undertake taxonomic studies or revisions of important island taxa, including marine, freshwater and terrestrial species. Supporting action 3.2.11: Provide taxonomic training and prepare guides to enable researchers to identify poorly known biological groups, coral species and other associated island species. Forest biological diversity

V/4 Noting the importance of supporting work on taxonomic, ecological and socioeconomic issues for the restoration of forest ecosystems and conservation and sustainable use of forest biological diversity

VIII/15 Decision on the framework for monitoring implementation of the achievement of the 2010 target and integration of targets into the thematic programmes of work: 22. Emphasizes the need for taxonomic studies in forest biodiversity, taking into account the relevant activities in the programme of work for the Global Taxonomy Initiative

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COP Decision Text Marine and coastal biological diversity V/3 Section I. Coral reefs 6. Urges Parties, other Governments and relevant bodies to implement response measures to the phenomenon of coral bleaching by: (e) Supporting capacity-building measures, including training of and career opportunities for marine taxonomists, ecologists and members of other relevant disciplines, particularly at the national level; Annex – Priority areas for action on coral bleaching A. Information-gathering: Issue: Our ability to adequately project, and thus mitigate, the impacts of global warming on coral-reef ecosystems and the human communities which depend upon coral-reef services is limited by the paucity of information on: (a) The taxonomic, genetic, physiological, spatial, and temporal factors governing the response of corals, zooxanthellae, the coral-zooxanthellae system, and other coral-reef-associated species to increases in sea-surface temperature; Response: (b) Implement and coordinate baseline assessments, long-term monitoring, and rapid response teams to measure the biological and meteorological variables relevant to coral bleaching, mortality and recovery, as well as the socio-economic parameters associated with coral-reef services. To this end, support and expand the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and regional networks, and data-repository and dissemination systems including Reef Base - the Global Coral Reef Database. Also, the current combined Sida-SAREC and World Bank programme on coral-reef degradation in the Indian Ocean, as a response to the 1998 coral-bleaching event, could be used as an example; B Capacity-building Issue: There is a substantial lack of trained personnel to investigate the causes and consequences of coral bleaching events. Response: Support the training of and career opportunities for marine taxonomists, ecologists, and members of other relevant disciplines, particularly at the national and regional level.

VI/3 The Conference of the Parties: 3. Invites the Executive Secretary to continue developing further the work plan on physical degradation and destruction of coral reefs as contained in annex I to recommendation VI/2 of the

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COP Decision Text Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice; Annex II to SBSTTA recommendation VI/2 – Specific work plan on coral bleaching, activity 2(f): Support the training of and career opportunities for marine taxonomists, ecologists, and members of other relevant disciplines, particularly at the national and regional level.

VII/5 Annex I – Elaborated programme of work, operational objective 2.1, suggested activities: (j) To promote, in collaboration with the Global Taxonomy Initiative, the strengthening of taxonomic expertise at regional and national levels. Appendix 1 to annex I – Specific work plan on coral bleaching, section 3 on capacity-building: (b) Support the training of and career opportunities for relevant marine taxonomists, ecologists and members of other relevant disciplines, particularly at the national and regional level. Appendix 5 to annex I - Research and monitoring priorities associated with Programme Element 4 on Mariculture: (c) (i) Support for basic global-scale taxonomic studies, possibly in conjunction with the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI); (f) (iii) Update of taxonomic databases including genetic diversity at the intra- specific level.

VIII/21 Conservation and sustainable use of deep seabed genetic resources beyond the limits of national jurisdiction: 9. Emphasizes the urgent need, especially in developing countries, to build capacities relating to deep seabed biodiversity, including taxonomic capacity; to promote scientific and technical cooperation and technology transfer; and to exchange information regarding activities undertaken within the deep seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.

Biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands

VII/4 4. Requests the Executive Secretary, in consultation with Parties, to develop targets for the implementation of the programme of work, taking into account especially national action programmes to combat desertification, the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, the Global Taxonomy Initiative, the Strategic

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COP Decision Text Plan of the Convention, as well as the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, for consideration by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice. Such a process could follow the approach taken in the development of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (decision VI/9, annex) and be in line with decision VII/8, on monitoring and indicators; VIII/15 Decision on the framework for monitoring implementation of the achievement of the 2010 target and integration of targets into the thematic programmes of work: 17. Emphasizes the need for taxonomic studies in the implementation of the programme of work on the biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands, taking into account the relevant activities in the programme of work for the Global Taxonomy Initiative; Biological diversity of inland waters VI/2 3. Emphasizes the importance of review and elaboration of the programme of work on biological diversity of inland water ecosystems, as outlined in the progress report of the Executive Secretary on thematic programmes of work, and of the implementation of activity 11 of the programme of work on the Global Taxonomy Initiative;

VII/4 17. Encourages Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations to improve national, regional and global data on inland water ecosystem goods and services, their uses and related socio-economic variables; on species and all taxonomic levels; on basic hydrological aspects and water supply; and on the threats to which inland water ecosystems are subjected; 19. Recognizes the usefulness of these guidelines to create baseline or reference data sets for inland water ecosystems of different types and to address the serious gaps that exist in knowledge of taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of freshwater species;

VII/4 Annex – Programme of Work Activities of the Parties 3.1.1. Encourage, and where possible support, applied research to gain an improved understanding of the status, trends, taxonomy and uses of biological diversity in inland water ecosystems, including transboundary systems where applicable. 3.1.3. In line with the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) encourage studies aimed at improving the understanding of the taxonomy of the biological diversity of inland water ecosystems.

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COP Decision Text 3.1.4. Support efforts to achieve international consistency and interoperability of taxonomic nomenclature, databases and metadata standards, as well as data-sharing policies. Supporting activities of the Executive Secretary 3.1.7. As part of the agreed programme of work for the GTI, support and assist, in collaboration with suitable partners, the development of the series of regional guides to the taxonomy of freshwater fish and invertebrates (including adult terrestrial forms where appropriate) as an input to ecosystem monitoring for river and lake health (as specified by decision of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity). Activities of the Parties 3.2.3. (b) (ii) The taxonomy of the group should be reasonably well understood; 3.2.3. (c) In view of the great economic importance of some groups (e.g. inland water fish species and aquatic macro-invertebrates), and of the large gaps in taxonomic knowledge for many species, capacity-building in taxonomy should focus on inland water biodiversity of economic as well as ecological importance.

Agricultural biological diversity

V/5 ‘II. International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators’ The Conference of the Parties 15. Decides to establish an International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators as a cross-cutting initiative within the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity to promote coordinated action worldwide to: (b) Address the lack of taxonomic information on pollinators; V/5 Annex – Programme of work on agricultural biodiversity, section A: 3. The proposed elements of the programme of work have been developed bearing in mind the need: (c) To ensure harmony with the other relevant programmes of work under the Convention on Biological Diversity, including those relating to forest biological diversity, inland water biological diversity, marine and coastal biological diversity, and dry and subhumid lands, as well as with cross-cutting issues such as access and benefit-sharing, sustainable use, indicators, alien species, the Global Taxonomy Initiative, and issues related to Article 8 (j);

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COP Decision Text VI/5 Annex II – Plan of action for the International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable use of Pollinators: 6. The aim of the International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators is to promote coordinated action worldwide to: (b) Address the lack of taxonomic information on pollinators; 7. The Initiative is to be implemented as a cross-cutting initiative within the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity, with appropriate links to other thematic programmes of work, particularly those on forest biological diversity and the biodiversity of dry and sub-humid lands, and with relevant cross-cutting issues, particularly the Global Taxonomy Initiative and work on invasive alien species. The Initiative provides an opportunity to apply the ecosystem approach. Section III. Elements of the Plan. Element 1. Assessment. Rationale: In addition to the “taxonomic impediment” (see element 3), there is also a global “taxonomic deficit,” that is, the unacceptably high numbers of bee genera for which identification keys are not available Activities: 1.3 Assess the state of scientific and indigenous knowledge on pollinator conservation, in order to identify gaps in knowledge and opportunities for application of knowledge; including: (a) Taxonomic knowledge 1.4 Promote the development of identification keys for bee genera Element 3. Capacity-building. Rationale: One major area which needs addressing is the capacity of countries to address the taxonomic impediment, which derives from serious shortfalls in investment in training, research and collections management. It seriously limits our capability to assess and monitor pollinator decline globally, in order to conserve pollinator diversity and to manage it sustainably. The global taxonomic impediment is costly, especially when expressed in terms of those research initiatives in pollination and conservation ecology which are wholly dependent on access to sound bee taxonomy and are rendered wholly non-viable in its absence. There is also a global taxonomic deficit, that is, the unacceptably high numbers of bee genera for which identification keys are not available. Activities 3.4. Build taxonomic capacity to carry out inventories of the pollinator diversity and distribution in order to optimise their management, through,

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COP Decision Text inter alia, the training of taxonomists and parataxonomists of bees and other pollinators. Ways and means: The taxonomic elements would also be promoted through the Global Taxonomy Initiative. Element 4. Mainstreaming. Activities: 4.3. Strengthen national institutions to support taxonomy of bees and other pollinators, through, inter alia: (a) Assessing national taxonomic needs (this would contribute to activity 1.3); (b) Maintaining continuity of taxonomic and reference collections of bees and other pollinators; (c) Recognition of centres of excellence in bee taxonomy and establishment of centres of excellence as appropriate; (d) Repatriation of data through capacity-building and benefit-sharing. Ways and means The taxonomic elements would also be promoted through the Global Taxonomy Initiative. Timing of expected outputs Progressively increased capacity at national level for taxonomy, information management, assessment and communication. Consideration of pollinators and related dimensions of agricultural biodiversity incorporated into national biodiversity and/or agricultural sector plans in 50 countries by 2010.

VIII/23 B. International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable use of Soil Biodiversity, Annex on the Framework for Action 2. The Initiative is to be implemented as a cross-cutting initiative within the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity, through the coordination, and with the technical and policy support of FAO, with appropriate links to other thematic programmes of work of the Convention, particularly those on the biodiversity of dry and sub-humid lands, mountain and forest biological diversity, and with relevant cross-cutting issues, particularly the Global Taxonomy Initiative and work on technology transfer and cooperation.

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COP Decision Text Mountain biological diversity VII/27 10. Requests the Executive Secretary: (f) With the assistance of the Global Taxonomy Initiative Co-ordination Mechanism to develop and incorporate activities and targets appropriate to mountain ecosystems within the GTI programme of work for consideration at SBSTTA-11, taking into account the COP-7 decision on targets. Programme of work: Action 1.5.3. Develop, validate and implement sustainable use practices for plants, animals and microorganisms at the genetic, species, population, community and ecosystem levels. Goal 3.1. To develop work on identification, monitoring and assessment of mountain biological diversity Action 3.1.2. Conduct mountain surveys in priority areas, for conservation and sustainable use of mountain biological diversity. These surveys should consider inventories at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Action 3.1.3. Apply, whenever appropriate, the programmes of work of the global initiatives such as the Global Taxonomy Initiative, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Global Invasive Species Programme.

Access and benefit-sharing VI/24 Section A, Annex – Bonn guidelines on access to genetic resources and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of their utilization. 11. The objectives of the Guidelines are the following: (l) Taxonomic research, as specified in the Global Taxonomy Initiative, should not be prevented, and providers should facilitate acquisition of material for systematic use and users should make available all information associated with the specimens thus obtained. 16. Recognizing that Parties and stakeholders may be both users and providers, the following balanced list of roles and responsibilities provides key elements to be acted upon: (b) In the implementation of mutually agreed terms, users should: (viii) When supplying genetic resources to third parties, honour any terms and conditions regarding the acquired material. They should provide this third party with relevant data on their acquisition, including prior informed consent and conditions of use and record and maintain data on their supply to third parties. Special terms and conditions should be established under

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COP Decision Text mutually agreed terms to facilitate taxonomic research for non-commercial purposes; 34. Prior informed consent should be based on the specific uses for which consent has been granted. While prior informed consent may be granted initially for specific use(s), any change of use including transfer to third parties may require a new application for prior informed consent. Permitted uses should be clearly stipulated and further prior informed consent for changes or unforeseen uses should be required. Specific needs of taxonomic and systematic research as specified by the Global Taxonomy Initiative should be taken into consideration. 36. An application for access could require the following information to be provided, in order for the competent authority to determine whether or not access to a genetic resource should be granted. This list is indicative and should be adapted to national circumstances: (f) Accurate information regarding intended use (e.g.: taxonomy, collection, research, commercialization); 42. The following principles or basic requirements could be considered for the development of mutually agreed terms: (e) Different uses may include, inter alia, taxonomy, collection, research, commercialization; 44. The following provides an indicative list of typical mutually agreed terms: (f) Whether the genetic resources can be transferred to third parties and conditions to be imposed in such cases, e.g. whether or not to pass genetic resources to third parties without ensuring that the third parties enter into similar agreements except for taxonomic and systematic research that is not related to commercialization; Appendix II: Monetary and non- monetary benefits 2. Non-monetary benefits may include, but not be limited to: (k) Access to scientific information relevant to conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, including biological inventories and taxonomic studies;

VI/24 Section B. Other approaches, including the development of an action plan for capacity-building – Annex: Draft elements for an Action Plan for capacity-building for access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing 3. The following key areas, which require capacity-building initiatives, should be considered in a flexible and transparent manner, based on a demand-driven approach, taking into account the different situations, needs, capabilities and

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COP Decision Text stages of development of each country and should avoid duplication of efforts between various capacity building initiatives: (b) Assessment, inventory and monitoring of biological resources, and traditional knowledge including taxonomic capacity, within the context of the Global Taxonomy Initiative; 5. The following mechanisms could be used for the implementation of capacity-building measures for access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing: (l) The Global Taxonomy Initiative;

VII/19 F. Needs for capacity-building identified by countries to implement the Bonn Guidelines – Annex: Action plan on capacity-building for access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing: 5. Capacities should be strengthened at the systemic, institutional and individual levels in the following key areas: (b) Assessment, inventory and monitoring of genetic resources, and traditional knowledge including taxonomic capacity, inter alia, within the context of the Global Taxonomy Initiative, and of in situ and ex situ conservation activities; (c) The capacity of indigenous and local communities to assess, inventory and monitor genetic resources and related traditional knowledge, with their approval and consent, using the Global Taxonomy Initiative and other relevant initiatives; 9. Actions at the regional and subregional levels and at the international levels: (h) The Global Taxonomy Initiative;

VIII/4 Section A, Annex. Potential elements for inclusion in the international regime on ABS: Environmentally sound research utilizing genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge is promoted, and commercial and non-commercial scientific research, including taxonomic research, are distinguished.

Alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species

V/8 The Conference of the Parties 14. Requests the Executive Secretary to collaborate with the Global Invasive Species Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization, the World Health Organization and other relevant organizations, and other relevant

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COP Decision Text internationally and regionally binding and nonbonding instruments to assist the Parties to the Convention in: (g) Assessing priorities for taxonomic work; Annex II – Outline for case-studies on alien species To the extent possible, case-studies should be short and succinct summaries of experience on alien species at the country and regional levels. A case-study should focus on the prevention of introduction, control, and eradication of alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. Case-studies should include the following sections (a summary of the information may be provided under each heading, and a more detailed paper may be attached; if the information were not available, this should be indicated in the appropriate section): 1. Description of the problem (c) Description of the alien species concerned: biology of the alien species (the scientific name of species should be indicated if possible) and ecology of the invasion(s) (type of and potential or actual impacts on biological diversity and ecosystem(s) invaded or threatened, and stakeholders involved) (e) Assessment and monitoring activities conducted and methods applied, including difficulties encountered (e.g. uncertainties due to missing taxonomic knowledge) VI/23 24. Urges Parties, Governments and relevant organizations, at the appropriate level, with the support of relevant international organizations to promote and carry out, as appropriate, research and assessments on: (h) Priorities for taxonomic work through, inter alia, the Global Taxonomy Initiative; Annex: Guiding principle 5: Research and monitoring In order to develop an adequate knowledge base to address the problem, it is important that States undertake research on and monitoring of invasive alien species, as appropriate. These efforts should attempt to include a baseline taxonomic study of biodiversity. In addition to these data, monitoring is the key to early detection of new invasive alien species. Monitoring should include both targeted and general surveys, and benefit from the involvement of other sectors, including local communities. Research on an invasive alien species should include a thorough identification of the invasive species and should document: (a) the history and ecology of invasion (origin, pathways and time-period); (b) the biological characteristics of the invasive alien

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COP Decision Text species; and (c) the associated impacts at the ecosystem, species and genetic level and also social and economic impacts, and how they change over time. Guiding principle 8: Exchange of information 1. States should assist in the development of an inventory and synthesis of relevant databases, including taxonomic and specimen databases, and the development of information systems and an interoperable distributed network of databases for compilation and dissemination of information on alien species for use in the context of any prevention, introduction, monitoring and mitigation activities. This information should include incident lists, potential threats to neighbouring countries, information on taxonomy, ecology and genetics of invasive alien species and on control methods, whenever available. The wide dissemination of this information, as well as national, regional and international guidelines, procedures and recommendations such as those being compiled by the Global Invasive Species Programme should also be facilitated through, inter alia, the clearing-house mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity. VIII/27 50. Emphasizes the need for taxonomic studies to deal with invasive alien species, and encourages implementation of the planned activity on invasive alien species within the programme of work of the Global Taxonomy Initiative

Article 8(j) and related provisions V/16 Annex – Programme of work on the implementation of Article 8 (j) and related provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity Task 13. The Ad Hoc Working Group to develop a set of guiding principles and standards to strengthen the use of traditional knowledge and other forms of knowledge for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into account the role that traditional knowledge can play with respect to the ecosystem approach, in situ conservation, taxonomy, biodiversity monitoring and environmental impact assessments in all biodiversity sectors.

Identification, monitoring and assessment III/10 The Conference of the Parties Reaffirming the central importance of the implementation of Article 7 in ensuring that the objectives of the Convention are met, Stressing the fundamental role of taxonomy in identifying the components of biological diversity,

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COP Decision Text Recognizing the lack of taxonomic capacity in many countries, Recognizing also the necessity of capacity-building to enable Parties to carry out identification, monitoring and assessment within the remit of the Convention, Noting the review of methodologies for assessment of biological diversity contained in annex I of document UNEP/CBD/COP/3/13 and the discussion of indicators contained in annex II of that document, 1. Urges Parties to identify indicators of biological diversity and to develop innovative methods of implementing Article 7 as a high priority, in particular commending the value of rapid biological diversity assessment approaches as an efficient and cost-effective way of assessing biological diversity and identifying priorities for action, and recognizing also the role of remote sensing as a useful tool for monitoring; 2. Endorses the recommendation II/1 of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice concerning indicators, monitoring and assessment of biological diversity; 3. Endorses the recommendation II/2 of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice concerning capacity-building for taxonomy; 8. Recommends to Parties that they explore ways to make taxonomic information housed in collections world-wide readily available, in particular to countries of origin; 10. Requests the institutional structure of the interim financial mechanism of the Convention to provide financial resources to developing countries in order to address the need for capacity-building, including taxonomy, to enable them to develop and carry out an initial assessment for designing, implementing and monitoring programmes in accordance with Article 7, taking into account the special need of small island States. Annex: SBSTTA Recommendation II/1: 4. It was noted that improvement of taxonomic knowledge was fundamental to the development of indicators and assessments. Annex: SBSTTA Recommendation II/2: Agenda item 3.4: Practical approaches for capacity-building for taxonomy [the text is reproduced in full in a separate annex to this Guide)]

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COP Decision Text VI/7 Annex: Guidelines for incorporating biodiversity-related issues into environmental impact assessment legislation and/or process and in strategic environmental assessment 36. Any activity aimed at the incorporation of biodiversity considerations into national environmental impact assessment systems should be accompanied by appropriate capacity development activities. Expertise in taxonomy, conservation biology, ecology, and traditional knowledge is required as well as local expertise in methodologies, techniques and procedures. Environmental impact assessments should involve ecologists with extensive knowledge on the relevant ecosystem(s) in the assessment team.

Protected areas VII/28 Annex - Programme of Work on Protected Areas 4. The present programme of work on protected areas features goals and activities that are specific to protected areas. Some elements of existing programmes of work on forests, inland waters, dry and subhumid lands, coastal and marine and mountain biological diversity as well as the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and the Global Taxonomy Initiative also apply to protected areas. The goals and activities contained in these existing programmes of work should also be applied and implemented, as and whenever appropriate for their respective protected areas. Other relevant guidelines developed under cross-cutting issues of the CBD should also be taken into account when implementing the programme of work. Suggested activities of the Parties 4.4.3. Encourage studies to improve the knowledge of the distribution, status and trends of biological diversity.

VIII/24 7. Recognizes the importance of linkages to avoid overlap with relevant activities in thematic programmes of work (such as the programmes of work on forest, inland water, dry and sub-humid lands, marine and coastal, and mountain biodiversity) and under other cross-cutting issues (such as Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and Global Taxonomy Initiative) where these programmes of work contribute to the implementation of the programme of work on protected areas;

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COP Decision Text Global Strategy for Plant Conservation VI/9 Annex: Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 5. Within the ultimate and long-term objective, a number of sub-objectives can be identified as follows: (a) Understanding and documenting plant diversity: (iv) Promote research on the genetic diversity, systematics, taxonomy, ecology and conservation biology of plants and plant communities, and associated habitats and ecosystems, and on social, cultural and economic factors that impact biodiversity, so that plant diversity, both in the wild and in the context of human activities, can be well understood and utilized to support conservation action; 14. The Strategy is not intended to be a “programme of work” analogous to existing thematic and cross-cutting programmes of work under the Convention. It does not, therefore, contain detailed activities, expected outputs, etc. Rather, the Strategy provides a framework by means of setting outcome-orientated targets (these differ from the “process” targets used so far under the Convention). It is envisaged that the activities necessary to reach those targets could be developed within this framework. In many cases, activities are already under way, or envisaged in existing initiatives. These include: (c) Relevant activities under the programmes of work of the Convention on Biological Diversity, including those relating to agricultural biodiversity, forest biological diversity, inland water biological diversity, marine and coastal biological diversity, and dry and sub-humid lands, as well as activities involving cross-cutting issues such as access and benefit-sharing, sustainable use, indicators, alien species, the Global Taxonomy Initiative, and issues related to Article 8(j).

Guidance to the financial mechanism

III/5 The Conference of the Parties, 2. Decides to provide the following additional guidance to the Global Environment Facility in the provision of financial resources in conformity with decisions I/2 and II/6 of the first and second meetings of the Conference of the Parties. In this regard, the Global Environment Facility shall provide financial resources to developing countries for country- driven activities and programmes, consistent with national priorities and objectives, recognizing that economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of developing countries:

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COP Decision Text b) For capacity-building, including taxonomy, to enable developing countries to develop and carry out an initial assessment for designing, implementing and monitoring programmes in accordance with Article 7, taking into account the special need of small island States (Note: The Conference of the Parties endorsed recommendation II/2 of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, concerning capacity-building for taxonomy); IV/1.D The Conference of the Parties: 9. Stresses the urgent need for adequate financial resources to implement a Global Taxonomy Initiative and requests the institutional structure of the financial mechanism of the Convention to provide financial resources, particularly to assist in implementing, through country-driven activities within the context of the operational programmes of the Global Environment Facility, the Suggestions for Action annexed to the present decision. IV/13 The Global Environment Facility should: 4. In accordance with decision IV/7 and with Article 7 of the Convention and also within the context of implementing national biological diversity strategies and plans, provide adequate and timely financial support to Parties for projects and capacity-building activities for implementing the programme of work of forest biological diversity at the national, regional and subregional levels and the use of the clearinghouse mechanism to include activities that contribute to halting and addressing deforestation, basic assessments and monitoring of forest biological diversity, including taxonomic studies and inventories, focusing on forest species, other important components of forest biological diversity and ecosystems under threat; V/9 The Conference of the Parties: 6. Urges eligible Parties and consortia of eligible Parties to seek resources for above priority actions through the financial mechanism, and requests the financial mechanism to continue promoting awareness of the Global Taxonomy Initiative in its outreach activities, such as the Capacity Development Initiative and the Country Dialogue Workshops, and to investigate ways both within and outside its operational programme structure to facilitate capacity-building in taxonomy, and the implementation of the short-term activities referred to in the annex to the present decision. V/13 The Conference of the Parties, 2. Decides to provide the following additional guidance to the Global Environment Facility in the provision of financial resources, in conformity with

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COP Decision Text V/13 decisions I/1, II/6, III/5 and IV/13 of the Conference of the Parties. In this regard, the Global Environment Facility shall provide financial resources to developing country Parties for country-driven activities and programmes, consistent with national priorities and objectives, recognizing that economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of developing countries. The Global Environment Facility, as the institutional structure operating the financial mechanism, should provide support: k) To continue promoting awareness of the Global Taxonomy Initiative in the relevant activities of the Global Environment Facility, such as the Country Dialogue Workshops, and to facilitate capacity-building in taxonomy, including in its Capacity Development Initiative; VI/17 10. The Global Environment Facility as the institutional structure operating the financial mechanism should provide financial resources: (f) For national and regional taxonomic capacity-building, as a basis for implementing the programme of work for the Global Taxonomy Initiative, with particular attention to funding country-driven pilot projects identified under the Global Taxonomy Initiative, taking into consideration the special needs of least developed countries and small island developing States; VII/20 7. Invites Parties, other Governments, regional and international organizations to take full account of the importance of taxonomic capacities in achieving the goals of the Convention, to support taxonomic activities to attain the 2010 target, and to provide all necessary support to national, and where appropriate regional, taxonomic centres of research and expertise; and urges the Parties, other Governments and the Global Environment Facility, in accordance with its mandate, and other relevant funding organizations to provide adequate and timely support to developing countries to assist in the implementation of the Global Taxonomy Initiative, and for integrating taxonomic capacity-building activities into thematic and cross-cutting programmes, including supporting activities and projects, such as, where appropriate, stand-alone capacity-building projects; VIII/15 Paragraphs 24 to 26 are copies of paragraphs 12 to 14 of decision VIII/3 on the GTI which is reproduced in different annex to this guide.

Other references to GTI VIII/6 Global Initiative on Communication, Education and Public Awareness, annex I on the short-list of priority activities, under Priority activity 3: Develop messages to overcome these gaps and to provide information on the following, inter alia… The relevance of taxonomy for nature conservation supporting sustainable development.

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COP Decision Text VIII/15 Framework for monitoring implementation of the achievement of the 2010 target and integration of targets into the thematic programmes of work: 12. Emphasizes the need for capacity-building, access to and transfer of technology in accordance inter alia with Article 16.2 of the Convention and adequate financial resources, especially for developing countries, particularly the least developed and small island developing States amongst them, and countries with economies in transition, in order to enable them to develop knowledge, including taxonomic knowledge, to gain access to relevant information on their biodiversity, and to better implement activities to achieve and monitor progress towards the goals and targets; VII/23 Scientific and technical cooperation and the clearing-house mechanism 6. Requests the Executive Secretary to use the clearing-house mechanism, in collaboration with the informal advisory committee, to continue to strengthen collaboration with international partners and organizations for review at the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and to report on that collaboration, including an elaboration of the relative roles of the clearing- house mechanism and information facilities dealing in particular with taxonomic databases including, IABIN (Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network) hubs, BioNet LOOPs (Locally Owned and Operated Partnerships), NatureServe CDCs (Centres for Data Conservation), nodes of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and Species 2000 and the Integrated Taxonomic Information System’s Catalogue of Life; [note: this report was made to COP 8 in document UNEP/CBD/COP/8/17/Add.1] III/4 Clearing-house mechanism to promote and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation The Conference of the Parties, Noting also: (a) The crucial part played by technical and scientific cooperation on all aspects of biological diversity, including taxonomy and transfer of technology, in ensuring the capacity of the clearing-house mechanism to play an important role in the implementation of the Convention; V/21 Cooperation with other bodies The Conference of the Parties, 7. Requests the Executive Secretary to take the study into consideration and, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species, to develop a proposal on how migratory species could be integrated into the

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COP Decision Text work programme of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the role the Convention on Migratory Species could play in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity with regard to, inter alia, the ecosystem approach, the Global Taxonomy Initiative, indicators, assessments and monitoring, protected areas, public education and awareness, and sustainable use, including tourism;

132 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative in to a strategy for delivering 175 UNESCO, WFCC − IPPC, ITIS, IUCN, RBGK, SP2000, UNESCO SP2000 SP2000 ITIS, RBGK, SPP, WFCC 1. ICIPE, NHM, GISP, GBIF, 2. 3. IUCN GBIF, 4. ICIPE, GISP, CCC, GBIF, 5. BioNET LOOPs 6. ITIS, NHM, RBGK, GBIF, 7. RBGK GBIF, 8. CCC, ENBI, NHM, RBGK 9. ICIPE, GISP, ABRS, GBIF, 10. UNESCO, SPP, ABRS, GISP, 11. IUCN GISP, GBIF, A sample of partner commitments 174 ANNEX 5. range of stakeholders and users; holder needs, including methods of ensuring stakeholder take-up of taxonomic products; classifications; between different new species described; users; issues; learned’ in projects. OUTLINE STRATEGY CAPACITY-BUILDING TAXONOMIC FOR 1. Carry out needs assessments, including identifying full 2. Incorporate market research techniques in assessing stake- 3. Establish discussion fora; 4. Form partnerships with users; 5. Establish regional coordination; 6. Improve stabilisation of names and develop concordances 7. Increase the rate at which specimens are identified and 8. Sharing of biodiversity data with developing country end- 9. Make taxonomic products more relevant to non-taxonomic 10. Assist with delivery of products; 11. Include feedback on products from users and ‘lessons Meet stakeholder needs. UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/9/INF/16 http://www.bionet-intl.org/3gtw/paris/commitments.htm 1. End-user focus: Strategy elementStrategy Actions identified by Partners at the workshops Partners committed to date This table arose from the Third Global Taxonomy Workshop, held in Pretoria 2002, and a workshop Paris, 2003. It Workshop, Taxonomy Third Global This table arose from the was submitted to SBSTTA 9 as part of an information document 174 175 most if not all areas; although only the largest components of their undertaking are listed most if not all areas; although only the largest taxonomic capacity and products needed by users including those in the following sectors: agriculture; forestry; environment managers; conservationists; policy and decision makers; indigenous local communities; private sector (national multinational); publicly-owned companies; ecotourism; biosecurity; biosafety; access and benefit-sharing; bioindicators; diseases). Many of the partners listed will be taking action at some level biotechnology and health issues (including emerging

133 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative IUCN, SPP, UNESCO IUCN, SPP, ICIPE, IUCN, RBGK IUCN, NHM, RBGK, SPP, WFCC SP2000, UNESCO, ICIPE, IUCN, RBGK, UNESCO UNESCO NHM, SPP, UNESCO SPP, 1. BioNET LOOPs 2. GISP, ABRS, CCC, GBIF, 3. UNESCO 4. IPPC 5. GISP, ABRS, CCC, GBIF, 6. ICIPE, GISP, ABRS, GBIF, 7. GISP, ABRS, CCC, GBIF, 8. GBIF 9. NHM, UNESCO CCC, GBIF, 1. NHM GBIF, 2. IUCN, ABRS, CCC, GBIF, 3.WFCC IUCN, RGBK, GBIF, 4. IUCN, NHM, GBIF, CETAF, 5. UNESCO, WFCC 6. IPPC, GISP, 7. BioNET LOOPs bodies; tion, education and public awareness (CEPA); Phytosanitary Measures regarding need for support to taxonomy; biodiversity issues; including policy and decision-makers champion taxonomy nationally and regionally; ing together; inclusiveness of all; countries; LOOPs; 1. Establish regional coordination; 2. with CBD and other conventions related UN Work 3. Participate in global initiative on biodiversity communica- 4. Raise awareness through Interim Commission on 5. Participate in bodies reporting to government on 6. Raise profile of taxonomy with key sectors society, 7. Engage decision makers; 8. Conduct media campaigns; 9. Develop education programmes. 1. of National Focal Points; Improve effectiveness 2. Drive pro-activity of groups, networks and societies in link- 3. Promote access and benefit-sharing for 4. networking between institutes, individuals and Strengthen 5. Increase collaboration with BioNET-INTERNATIONAL 6. Build on the collaboration of CBD and IPPC; 7. Establish regional coordination. partnership: Generate effective political and multi-sectoral commitment to fulfil national and international obligations partnership: Enhance collaboration, cooperation and partnerships, building to global scales. 2. Political 3. Global Strategy elementStrategy Actions identified by Partners at the workshops Partners committed to date

134 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative RBGK, WFCC RBGK, UNESCO UNESCO, IUCN, NHM, SPP, WFCC 1.WFCC IUCN, ABRS, GISP, 2. IUCN, WFCC 3. NHM, IUCN, ABRS, GISP, 4.WFCC IUCN, GISP, 5.WFCC IUCN, GISP, 6. IUCN 7. IPPC ABRS, GISP, 8. IPPC 9. BioNET LOOPs 1. IUCN, GISP, CCC, GBIF, 2. GISP, ABRS, CABI, GBIF, 3. UNESCO GISP, GBIF, 4. RBGK GISP, GBIF, 5. GISP GBIF, 6. UNESCO 7. ABRS, UNESCO 8. IPPC 10. BioNET LOOPs gramme processes and objectives; COP decisions, including on thematic areas, cross-cutting issues as well the GTI; backgrounds; to development objectives; under various conventions; issues of National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs); (in future); Plant Protection organisations; processes; taxonomy and parataxonomy using “Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation” 1. Develop and sustain awareness of development pro- 2. Develop and sustain awareness of NBSAPs; 3. Develop and sustain awareness of relevant Convention 4. Develop and sustain awareness of donor policy 5. Analyze information obtained to relate taxonomic output 6. Contribute to harmonising the format of national reports 7. Promote support to taxonomy as it relates phytosanitary 8. Liase through International Phytosanitary Portal 9. Build awareness of taxonomic networks among Regional 1. Develop long-term strategy for sustaining capacity 2. Develop capacity within current structures and processes; 3. Identify and include new elements, structures 4. Improve access to new information technologies 5. Access and mobilise resources 6. Assist in development of curricula tertiary institutions 7. Pursue current activities in relation to training 8. Help assess taxonomic needs assessments for NPPOs 10. Establish regional coordination action: Improve access to and analysis of policy-level information within the taxonomic community. building: Build human and infrastructural capacity to meet sustainable development needs. 4. and Awareness 5. Capacity- Strategy elementStrategy Actions identified by Partners at the workshops Partners committed to date

135 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative Amsterdam, National Herbarium (Netherlands), WFCC RBGK, UNESCO, UNESCO, WFCC UNESCO, WFCC WFCC SP2000 SPP, NHM, RBGK, SI GBIF, ITIS, of Names, GBIF, IUCN-SIS, NHM, NSF, RBGK, SP2000 WFCC IUCN, NHM, RBGK, IUCN, NHM, RBGK, SP2000, WFCC 9. CABI, University of 1. NHM, ABRS, CCC, GBIF, 2. IUCN, NHM, RBGK, 3. NHM, GISP, CCC, GBIF, 4. IUCN, RBGK, GISP, GBIF, 5. ICIPE, RBGK, ABRS, GBIF, 6. RBGK GBIF, 7. BioNET LOOPs 1. UNESCO SPP, ABRS, GBIF, 2. ABRS, CCC, Fauna Europea, 3. ABRS, European Catalogue 4. ITIS, ABRS, ENBI, GBIF, 5. ITIS, ENBI, ETI, GBIF, 10.WFCC CABI, ICIPE, 11. BioNET LOOPs other relevant disciplines infrastructure and networks; people to join discipline; find mechanisms and incentives for employing taxonomists; from providers to users; 9. curation and Support advanced training in taxonomy, 1. Support and strengthen existing collections, institutions 2. Generate interest in taxonomy as a science and encourage 3. Develop and improve training programmes curricula; 4. Develop mechanisms for linking taxonomists to end users; 5. Complete the Catalogue of Life; 6. Adopt new technologies and techniques; 7. Establish regional coordination. 1. Decrease publication time for taxonomic works; 2. Improve accessibility of publications; 3. Develop and link databases of taxonomic information; 4. Improve access to specimens and data; 5. Exploit appropriate information technology; 6. Improve access and communication among experts; 7. Improve transfer and interpretation of taxonomic products 8. Establish regional coordination. 10. Establish Regional Biodiversity Centres based on existing 11. Establish regional coordination Sustainably maintain and enhance taxonomic science skills and knowledge base to enable responsiveness to emerging needs. information: Improve access to and exchange of taxonomic information and products. [This is one of major GBIF’s goals] 6. Science: 7. Taxonomic Strategy elementStrategy Actions identified by Partners at the workshops Partners committed to date

136 Guide To The Global Taxonomy Initiative SP2000, WFCC RBGK, SP2000, UNESCO, WFCC WFCC WFCC WFCC RBGK, SPP, 6. IUCN, GISP, ETI, GBIF, 7. ITIS, GISP, CCC, ETI, GBIF, 8. BioNET LOOPs 1. NHM, RBGK, ETI, GBIF, 2. NHM, SPP, ABRS, ETI, GBIF, 3.WFCC ABRS, UNESCO, 4. BioNET LOOPs 1. CCC 2. NHM CCC, GISP, 3. - 4. NHM 5. NHM, GISP, ABRS, GBIF, 6.WFCC UNESCO, GISP, 7. BioNET LOOPs taxonomic research; accurate identification and description; cycle and the in total; (e.g. trade; expand ecotourism products to new groups); successful proposals; proposals for funding; 1. Improve and develop new tools technologies in 2. Improve response times - provide quicker and more 3. Examine new approaches to components of the taxonomic 4. Establish regional coordination. 1. Identify new resources via areas of application 2. Enhance skills/institutional capacity in writing/managing 3. Improve communication skills; 4. Improve media relation skills; 5. Develop co-funding partnerships based on end-user needs; 6. Assist with workshops aimed at developing project 7. Establish regional support and coordination. Accelerate the full taxonomic cycle: discovery, description, determination and dissemination. Access and mobilise resources (ensure resources are available for production of appropriate product) 8. Timeliness: 9. Resourcing: Strategy elementStrategy Actions identified by Partners at the workshops Partners committed to date

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ANNEX 6.

SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR A TAXONOMIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT

This questionnaire is based on that developed This information will only be made for the UK taxonomic needs assessment of available with your explicit permission, all conservation bodies, and may not be fully other information will be kept private and appropriate for other purposes. However, it only used for statistical purposes. does give some ideas which could be used. Please tick this box if you are happy for the information outlined above to be IMPORTANT made available The personal details you provide are pro- You may withhold permission for any of tected by the provisions of the Data your details to be published via the internet Protection Act. Under the terms of this at any time. legislation the Board of Trustees of the By submitting the form enclosed you con- NHM, our data controller, is responsible sent to the Museum collecting and process- for processing this information fairly and ing the data you provide within the terms of lawfully. the Data Protection Act and using that data How will my information be used? only for the purposes outlined above. Some of the information on taxonomic You have a right to access or amend needs that is collected will be made avail- these data at any time by contacting the GTI able publicly in the form of a report that focal point at the Natural History Museum. may be published on the World Wide Web. This will include the names of the organisa- N.B. This component was incorporated tions consulted and key needs identified by into the UK needs assessment in order to particular groups of organisations. comply with UK and EU law.

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Part 1 – About your organisation

Details of Organisation Name and Address of organisation

Homepage (URL)

Name of person who has filled in questionnaire Name

Position in organisation

Phone/Fax

Is your organisation (please tick one or several) A statutory agency A private company A government department A research institution A national non-governmental organisation An amateur society A regional non-governmental organisation A university or other educational body An environmental management body A small business Other (please specify);

Please Provide a brief statement of the role and interests of your organisation

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Please indicate the Ecosystem(s) to which your activities relate. Write ‘1’for most and ‘2’for some. Agricultural biodiversity Forest biodiversity Dry and sub-humid lands biodiversity Inland waters biodiversity Marine and coastal biodiversity Island biodiversity Mountain biodiversity More detailed term (one-4 words only)

Please indicate the CBD Cross-Cutting Issue to which your activities relate. Write ‘1’ for most and ‘2’ for some.

Access to genetic resources and Invasive alien species benefit-sharing Traditional knowledge, innovations, Biodiversity and tourism and practices Climate change and biodiversity Economics, trade and incentive measures 2010 biodiversity target Global Taxonomy Initiative Ecosystem approach Global Strategy for Plant Conservation Impact assessment Indicators Liability and redress Protected areas Public education and awareness Sustainable use of biodiversity Technology transfer and cooperation

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With which of the following groups of species is the work of your organisation most con cerned (please tick one or several and if appropriate specify species) Terrestrial Species Birds Insects and spiders Mammals Microorganisms Plants (Cryptogamic) Plants (Vascular) Reptiles and amphibians Invasive alien species Marine Species Birds Fish Invertebrates Mammals Microorganisms Plants Invasive alien species Freshwater Fish Invertebrates Micro-organisms Plants Invasive alien species Other (please specify);

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Which of the following activities is your organisation involved in: (please tick one or several)

Identification, assessment Conservation and monitoring

Legal and policy Capacity-building

Developing reference collections Assessment of phylogenetic diversity

Molecular assessment methods Producing identification aids/tools

Developing ecological indicators Indicator species taxonomy

Compiling biodiversity inventories Environmental impact assessment

Climate change monitoring Developing rapid assessment techniques

Environmental monitoring Environmental research

Environmental consulting Analysing species distribution

Managing protected areas Selecting/designating protected areas

Habitat restoration Species reintroductions

Identifying wild relatives Natural resources exploitation

Disease control Ecotourism

Basic taxonomic training Professional/accredited training

Publishing educational materials Providing information to inform Government

Enforcing Government policy CITES

Legislation and species protection

Other (please specify)

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6. Additional Comments 5.Sustainable (y/n/?) 5.Sustainable

4. Source

3. Available (y/n) Available 3. 2. Importance 2. plants (e.g. neighbours, sources of pests) Other (please specify) Lists of scientific names animals/ Lists of common names animals/plants Information on name changes Lists of invasive alien species Lists of protected animals/plants Lists of species in other countries • 1. Taxonomic information and services you Taxonomic 1. use, or would use if they were available Species Lists • • • • • • Part 2 – About yourPart 2 – use of taxonomic information organisation’s Please read through the following list of information and services. identify which these services are most important and in column 2 rank them according to importance from 1 (very important) 5 (unimportant). In the work of your organisation column 3 state whether the resources are available or unavailable. In 4 please identify source of (e.g in-country professionals, amateurs, local library), and in column 5 indicate whether the source is your view sustainable. Column 6 is for your comments.

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6. Additional Comments 5.Sustainable (y/n/?) 5.Sustainable

4. Source

3. Available (y/n) Available 3. 2. Importance 2. services (taxonomic) Formal (taxonomic) plant/animal descriptions Field guides (paper) Identification keys (paper) Identification tools (CD-ROM) Identification tools (web based) Images/Photographs of animals/plants Specialised identification Access to specimens of animals/plants Other (please specify) • 1. Taxonomic information and services you Taxonomic 1. use, or would use if they were available Identification Tools • • • • • • • •

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6. Additional Comments 5.Sustainable (y/n/?) 5.Sustainable

4. Source

3. Available (y/n) Available 3. 2. Importance 2. (relevant data can sometimes be obtained from taxonomic institutions, although this is generally not status of species Habitat requirements of animals/plants Phenological information Information on the conservation Information on animal/plant interactions Other (please specify) Point data from specimens (via the web) Point data from specimens (other source) Information on local species distributions Information on national species distributions 1. Taxonomic information and services you Taxonomic 1. use, or would use if they were available Eclogical Information the primary source of information) • • • • • Species Distributional Information • • • •

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6. Additional Comments 5.Sustainable (y/n/?) 5.Sustainable

4. Source

3. Available (y/n) Available 3. 2. Importance 2. distributions Information on regional species Distribution maps GIS data Other (please specify) Public education materials Information on literature courses/materials Training Specimens for student examination Other (please specify) 1. Taxonomic information and services you Taxonomic 1. use, or would use if they were available • • • • Educational Information • • • • •

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Please use the following page to provide more detailed information on the taxonomic information or services you require for biodiversity conservation which are currently unavailable (e.g. specific species/areas, or other types of information not included in the above list)

Many thanks for your time

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ANNEX 7.

USEFUL CONTACT ADDRESSES

(n.b., internet links for these and many other relevant organizations are provided throughout the text of this guide)

BioNET-INTERNATIONAL PACINET (South Pacific) The Global Network for Taxonomy [email protected] Technical Secretariat, WAFRINET (West Africa) Bakeham Lane, [email protected] Egham, Surrey, TW20 9TY, LATINET (South America Southern United Kingdom. Cone) Telephone: + 44 (0) 1491 829036/7/8 [email protected] + Facsimile: 44 (0) 1491 829082 MesoAmeriNET (Mesoamerica) E-mail: [email protected]. [email protected] URL: http://www.bionet-intl.org/ NEURASIANET (North Eurasia) BioNET Regional Networks (LOOPs – [email protected]; [email protected] Locally Organized and Operated SACNET (South Asia) Partnerships): http://www.biodiversityasia.org/sacnet ANDINONET (Andean countries) http://www.andinonet.org.ve CABI Publishing: North American office CARINET (Caribbean) CAB International http://carinet.ecoport.org 10 East 40th Street Suite 3203 EAFRINET (East Africa) New York, NY10016 http://eafrinet.ecoport.org USA Tel: +1 212 481 7018 NAFRINET (North Africa) Toll Free: +1 800 528 4841 [email protected] Fax: +1 212 686 7993 SAFRINET (Southern Africa) E-mail: [email protected] http://safrinet.ecoport.org CABI Publishing: European office ASEANET (South-east Asia) CAB International, http://aseanet.org Wallingford, Oxfordshire, EASIANET (East Asia) OX10 8DE http://www.easianet.nies.go.jp/hk UK Tel: +44 1491 832111 EuroLOOP (Europe) Fax: +44 1491 829292 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

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Clearing-House Mechanism, Global Invasive Species Programme Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Claremont 7735, Diversity, Cape Town, 413 Saint-Jacques, Suite 800, South Africa Montréal, Québec, Telephone: +27 21 799 8800 Canada H2Y 1N9, Fax: + 27 21 797 1561 Telephone: +1 514 288 2220, URL: http://www.gisp.org Fax: +1 514 288 6588, E-mail: [email protected] IUCN – The World Conservation Union URL: Rue Mauverney 28 http://www.biodiv.org/chm/default.aspx Gland 1196 Switzerland EDIT – European Distributed Institute Phone: +41 (22) 999-0000 of Taxonomy. Fax: +41 (22) 999-0002 http://www.e-taxonomy.eu/index.php [email protected]

Food and Agriculture Organization of The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands the United Nations Rue Mauverney 28 Viale delle Terme di Caracalla CH-1196 Gland 00100 Rome, Italy Switzerland Telephone: (+39) 06 57051 Tel: 41 22 999 0170 Cable address: FOODAGRI ROME Fax: 41 22 999 0169 Telex: 625852/610181 FAO I [email protected] Fax: (+39) 06 570 53152 Email: [email protected] Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB Global Biodiversity Information Facility UK GBIF Secretariat, Tel: 44 (0)20 8332 5000 Universitetsparken 15, Fax: 44 (0)20 8332 5197 DK-2100 Copenhagen, http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ Denmark Tel: +45 35 32 14 70 Smithsonian Institution Fax: +45 35 32 14 80 National Museum of Natural History E-mail: [email protected] 10th Street and Constitution Ave. NW URL: www.gbif.org Washington, D.C. 20560 Tel: 202.633.1000 Global Environment Facility [email protected] 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C., 20433, Species 2000 USA. School of Plant Sciences, Tel: (+1) 202-473-0508. The University of Reading Fax: (+1) 202-522-3240. Reading, RG6 6AS URL: http://www.gefweb.org United Kingdom

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tel: +44 (0)118 931 6466 UNEP – World Conservation Monitoring fax: +44 (0)118 975 3676 Centre e-mail: [email protected] 219 Huntingdon Road URL: www.sp2000.org Cambridge CB3 0DL, UK Tel: +44 (0)1223 277314 United Nations Development Fax: +44 (0)1223 277136 Programme email: [email protected] Global Environment Facility Unit (UNDP- GEF) 304 East 45th Street 9th Floor New The World Bank York, NY 10017 U.S.A. Global Environment Division, URL: http://www.undp.org/gef/. 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC, United Nations Educational, Scientific USA. and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Tel. (+1) 202-473-1816. UNESCO – MAB, Fax: (+1) 202-522-3256. Division of Ecological Sciences 1, rue URL: http://www.worldbank.org Miollis Paris 75732 Cedex 15 France Tel: +33 1 45 68 40 67 Fax: +33 1 45 68 58 04 E-MAIL: [email protected]

United Nations Environment Programme United Nations Avenue, Gigiri PO Box 30552, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254-20) 621234 Fax: (254-20) 624489/90 URL: http://www.unep.org

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ANNEX 8.

COP DECISION III/10 ENDORSING SBSTTA RECOMMENDATION II/2 ON PRACTICAL APPROACHES FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING FOR TAXONOMY

The SBSTTA, to the information needs for bio-prospecting, Recalling paragraph 7 of decision II/8, habitat conservation, sustainable agriculture which requested the second meeting of the and the sustainable utilization of biological SBSTTA to address the issue of the lack of resources. taxonomists that are required for Parties to 2. Capacity-building for taxonomy implement the Convention and to advise the should be linked to the effective implemen- Conference of the Parties at its third meet- tation of the Convention on Biological ing on ways and means to overcome this Diversity, particularly the national identifi- problem, taking into account existing stud- cation of areas of high diversity to threat- ies and ongoing initiatives while adopting ened taxa, taxa that are or may be of value more practical direction of taxonomy linked to humanity, and those with potential use as to bio-prospecting and ecological research biological indicators for conservation and on conservation and sustainable use of bio- sustainable use of biological diversity. logical diversity and its components; 3. Development of guidelines and pro- Recognizing that biological collections gramme priorities for funding, including are the basis of taxonomy and are also for the financial mechanism under the sources of genetic resources; Convention, should take account of the spe- Having examined the note by the cific needs for capacity-building in taxon- Secretariat (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/5) and omy to serve areas such as bio-prospecting, finding an extraordinary level of agreement habitat conservation and the sustainable use that enhanced taxonomic capacity is a sine qua of biological diversity. Such support should non for the implementation of the Convention; recognize the need for adequate, long-term Recommends that the Conference of the housing of collections and records and long- Parties consider the following: term research. 1. There is a scarcity of taxonomists, 4. For new taxonomists to be recruited, taxonomic collections, and institutional facil- there is a need to provide employment ities, and there is a need to take measures to opportunities. It is urgent that Parties take alleviate this situation worldwide, to facili- this need into consideration and integrate it tate and assist countries in implementing the into the programme of capacity-building. Convention on Biological Diversity. In par- 5. Where appropriate, national taxo- ticular, national institutions and regional and nomic needs assessment and action plans subregional networks should be established should be developed by setting national or strengthened and linkages enhanced with priorities, mobilizing available institutional taxonomic institutions in developing and resources, and identifying available funds. developed countries. In strengthening the Countries could benefit from regional and taxonomic base, consideration must be given subregional collaboration.

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6. The importance of establishing concerned should consider the adoption of regional and subregional training pro- mutually agreed upon material transfer grammes was recognized. Attention should agreements or equivalent instruments in also be given to the training of specialists, accordance with the provisions of the parataxonomists, and technicians in this Convention on Biological Diversity for field. The field of taxonomy must be inte- exchange of biological specimens and infor- grated with training activitie such as biologi- mation relating to them. cal monitoring and assessments. Maximum 10. The Conference of the Parties use should be made of existing institutions should consider instructing the Global and those organizations active in these fields. Environment Facility to support a Global 7. There is an urgent need to make the Taxonomy Initiative, providing the neces- information on existing taxonomic knowl- sary funds for the following actions related edge, including information about the taxa to capacity-building in taxonomy: in worldwide collections, available to coun- (a) developing national, regional and tries of origin. subregional training programmes; 8. Taxonomic information to assist (b) strengthening reference collections capacity-building in taxonomy should be in countries or origin including, included within the clearing-house mecha- where appropriate, the exchange of nism. The taxonomic work embodied in exist- paratypes on mutually agreed upon ing archives and inventories, field guides and terms; publications needs to be updated and readily (c) making information housed in col- accessible through worldwide services and the lections worldwide and the taxon- duplication of work already conducted should omy based on them available to be avoided. The dissemination of information the countries of origin; should further the objectives of the (d) producing and distributing regional Convention and be linked to user needs. This taxonomic guides; sharing of information will require greater (e) strengthening infrastructure for international collaboration. It should also be biological collections in countries recognized that traditional taxonomic systems of origin, and the transfer of mod- offer a valuable perspective on biological ern technologies for taxonomic diversity and should be considered part of the research and capacity-building; total taxonomic knowledge base at national, and regional and subregional levels. (f) disseminating taxonomic infor- 9. Since taxonomy generally involves mation worldwide, inter alia, by the use of biological collections, those the clearing-house mechanism.

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ANNEX 9.

COP DECISION IV/1

Report and recommendations of the third these experiences at the fifth meeting of the meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Conference of the Parties; Technical and Technological Advice, and 2. Stresses the urgent need for the fur- instructions by the Conference of the Parties ther implementation of recommendation to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, II/2 of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice Technical and Technological Advice concerning capacity-building in all fields of D. Global Taxonomy Initiative taxonomy to assist in the implementation of Note: paragraphs 1 and 3 have been retired the Convention, through the incorporation by the COP. of targeted actions in its workplan, including promoting regional activities to set The Conference of the Parties, regional agendas; Noting decision III/10, supporting a 3. Endorses, as initial advice, the Global Taxonomy Initiative, and the activi- Suggestions for Action in the annex to the ties being supported by the financial mech- present decision to develop and implement a anism on taxonomy, Global Taxonomy Initiative, and requests Recognizing the need for taxonomic the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical input in many activities aimed at the conser- and Technological Advice to examine and vation and sustainable use of biological provide advice on the further advancement diversity and the lack of taxonomic capacity of a Global Taxonomy Initiative; in a majority of countries, 4. Recognizes that the implementation Recalling that paragraph 3 of decision of a Global Taxonomy Initiative should III/10, in which the Conference of the occur on the basis of country-driven pro- Parties endorsed the recommendation II/2 jects at the national, regional and subre- of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, gional levels; Technical and Technological Advice con- 5. Invites the United Nations cerning capacity-building for taxonomy Environment Programme to assist in the through a Global Taxonomy Initiative, global implementation of a Global Taxonomy Taking into account the urgency for the Initiative, as offered by the Executive availability of taxonomic information to Director in his address to the Conference of countries of origin, and the need of devel- the Parties at its fourth meeting; oping countries to develop national collec- 6. Encourages Governments to make tions and human and institutional capacities available appropriate resources to enhance in taxonomy, the availability of taxonomic information; 1. Acknowledges the work already 7. Encourages Governments to under way by the financial mechanism develop bilateral and multilateral training in response to decision III/10 of the and employment opportunities for taxono- Conference of the Parties, and requests the mists, particularly for those dealing with Global Environment Facility to report on poorly known organisms;

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8. Stresses the need to consider indige- donors, both bilateral and multilateral, in nous and traditional knowledge as an impor- their commitment to the conservation and tant existing information source that should sustainable use of biological diversity in be taken into account, and made available countries where they provide investment through appropriate mechanisms; support, should support infrastructural 9. Stresses the urgent need for adequate needs of collection-holding institutions. financial resources to implement a Global 3. Parties and international donors Taxonomy Initiative and requests the insti- should encourage partnerships between tutional structure of the financial mecha- institutions in developed and developing nism of the Convention to provide financial countries so as to promote scientific collab- resources, particularly to assist in imple- oration and infrastructure rationalization. menting, through country-driven activities Such collaboration should include the within the context of the operational pro- development of national, subregional, grammes of the Global Environment regional and global training initiatives. Facility, the Suggestions for Action annexed Taxonomic institutions in each nation, both to the present decision. individually and regionally, should develop national priorities in taxonomic training, Annex infrastructure, new technology, capacity- building and market needs. SUGGESTIONS FOR ACTION 4. Parties and authorities should adopt 1. The Executive Secretary should, as a internationally agreed levels of collection matter of urgency, seek means outside of housing (climate control, fire protection sys- core funding of the Convention, to appoint a tems, pest control, acceptable levels of work- Programme Officer with appropriate opera- place health and safety) that ensure protection tional resources to have responsibility for of collections and the well-being of all people the further development of a Global working on and accessing collections. Taxonomy Initiative, through the network 5. Parties and international donors of existing global, regional and national rel- should provide training programmes at dif- evant institutions and organizations. The ferent educational levels, relevant to the officer should especially coordinate actions needs of individual countries, including to meet the need, recognized by the meet- vocational, technical and academic training. ing, for each country to conduct a national Parties should also recognize that ongoing taxonomic needs assessment, and to link to employment for trainees is part of an effec- national reporting under the Convention on tive training scheme. Biological Diversity and immediately coor- 6. Parties and authorities should utilize dinate a global directory of taxonomic information systems to maximum effect in expertise and biological collections. This taxonomic institutions. In developing prior- information resource should be made avail- ity-setting criteria for information products, able in both electronic and paper form. taxonomic institutions should consider the 2. Parties and authorities responsible for needs of the wide range of users of that museums and herbaria should invest, on a information, including biological diversity long-term basis, in the development of managers. In particular, taxonomic informa- appropriate infrastructure for their national tion, literature and checklists should be put collections. As part of that investment, into electronic form.

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7. Parties to the Convention on (b) Assist institutions to establish Biological Diversity should report on mea- consortia to conduct regional sures adopted to strengthen national capacity projects; in taxonomy, to designate national reference (c) Select or use centres of exper- centres, and to make information housed in tise at different geographical collections available to countries of origin. levels, capable of offering train- 8. Institutions, supported by Parties ing programmes individually or and international donors, should coordinate in combination, where such their efforts to establish and maintain effec- centres include universities, tive mechanisms for the stable naming of museums, herbaria, botanical biological taxa. and zoological gardens, 9. Governments members of the research institutes and interna- Organization for Economic Cooperation tional or regional organizations; and Development (OECD) should endorse (d) Give special attention to interna- and support the recommendations from the tional funding of fellowships for OECD Megascience Forum’s Biodiversity specialist training abroad or for Informatics Subgroup, regarding the devel- attracting international experts opment of a Global Biodiversity Informatics to national or regional courses. Facility (GBIF) to allow people in all coun- Appropriate areas for funding tries to share biological diversity informa- should include conventional acad- tion and to provide access to critical emic courses, expeditions, collab- authority files. orative research projects, secondments, institutional partner- Implementing the actions ships, regional flora and fauna, 10. The Executive Secretary should internships and tutorial guidance; ensure that the clearing-house mechanism (in (e) Provide programmes for re-train- collaboration with the OECD Megascience ing of qualified professionals Forum’s Biodiversity Informatics Subgroup moving into taxonomy-related Initiative) develop protocols and strategies fields; for coordinating access to and distribution of (f) Adapt training methods to the taxonomic information contained in collec- particular technical or academic tions. In addition, the clearing-house mecha- backgrounds and experience of nism, through its national focal points, candidates. Content of courses should establish and update directories of should respond to external user taxonomists and their research and identifi- demands and modern needs, tak- cation expertise. ing into account cost-effective- 11. In addition, Parties should: ness in their delivery; (a) Ensure that institutions responsi- (g) Ensure training programmes ble for biological diversity inven- address gaps in knowledge and tories and taxonomic activities are the need for specialists in given financially and administratively taxonomic groups, and offer a stable, so as to have potential for comprehensive view of biological- continued and growing training diversity issues, including new sci- and employment opportunities; entific/technological approaches

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to taxonomy (e.g. molecular other means, which should be biology/informatics); available on the Internet; (h) Provide business management (j) Hold workshops to determine training, of the nature commonly national taxonomic priorities, in offered to private-sector execu- the context of national biological- tives, for managers of biological- diversity studies and action plans. diversity institutions, as part of Once national priorities have been other efforts to strengthen those identified, support development organizations; of regional taxonomic priorities, (i) Develop and maintain a register of including plans to database collec- practising taxonomists, areas of tions using mutually agreed soft- expertise and description of col- ware, quality control and core-data lections through electronic and requirements.

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ANNEX 10.

COP DECISION V/9: GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE: IMPLEMENTATION AND FURTHER ADVANCE OF THE SUGGESTIONS FOR ACTION

The Conference of the Parties, (e) Communication to the Executive Secretary and Global Taxonomy 1. Establishes a Global Taxonomy Initiative Coordination Mechanism, Initiative Coordination Mechanism to assist by 31 December 2001, of suitable the Executive Secretary to facilitate interna- programmes, projects and initia- tional cooperation and coordinate activities tives for consideration as pilot pro- under the Global Taxonomy Initiative in jects under the Global Taxonomy accordance with the terms of reference con- Initiative; tained in the annex to this decision; 3. Requests that the Executive Secretary, 2. Urges Parties, Governments and rel- with the assistance of the Global Taxonomy evant organizations to undertake the follow- Initiative Coordination Mechanism: ing priority activities to further the Global (a) Draft as a component of the strate- Taxonomy Initiative: gic plan for the Convention on (a) The identification of national and Biological Diversity a work pro- regional priority taxonomic infor- gramme for the Global Taxonomy mation requirements; Initiative defining timetables, (b) Assessments of national taxonomic goals, products and pilot projects, capacity to identify and, where emphasizing its role in underpin- possible, quantify national and ning conservation, sustainable use regional-level taxonomic impedi- and equitable sharing of benefits, ments and needs, including the for consideration by the Subsidiary identification of taxonomic tools, Body on Scientific, Technical and facilities and services required at all Technological Advice; levels, and mechanisms to estab- (b) Initiate short-term activities, lish, support and maintain such including regional meetings of tools, facilities and services; scientists, managers and policy (c) Establishment or consolidation of makers to prioritize the most regional and national taxonomic urgent global taxonomic needs reference centres; and facilitate the formulation of (d) The building of taxonomic capac- specific regional and national pro- ity, in particular in developing jects to meet the needs identified, countries, including through part- and to report thereon to the nerships between national, regional Conference of the Parties at its and international taxonomic refer- sixth meeting; ence centres, and through informa- (c) Synthesize the findings of previ- tion networks; ous meetings of experts on the

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Global Taxonomy Initiative (as ways both within and outside its opera- contained in the note by the tional programme structure to facilitate Executive Secretary on the review capacity-building in taxonomy, and the of the Global Taxonomy Initiative implementation of the short-term activities (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/5/4)), rele- referred to in the annex to the present vant sections of national reports decision. submitted to the Conference of the Parties and recommendations of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, ANNEX: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR Technical and Technological THE COORDINATION Advice on the Global Taxonomy MECHANISM OF THE GLOBAL Initiative, as advice for the pro- TAXONOMY INITIATIVE posed regional meetings; Mandate (d) Use the Global Taxonomy Building on the guidance contained in rec- Initiative as a forum to promote ommendation V/3 of the Subsidiary Body on the importance of taxonomy and Scientific, Technical and Technological taxonomic tools in the implemen- Advice, the Coordination Mechanism shall tation of the Convention; assist the Executive Secretary to facilitate 4. Requests all Parties and international cooperation and to coordinate Governments to designate a national Global activities on matters pertaining to the imple- Taxonomy Initiative focal point by 31 mentation and development of the Global December 2000, linked to other national Taxonomy Initiative (GTI). The Executive focal points, and participate in the develop- Secretary in carrying out this mandate will ment of regional networks to facilitate infor- work closely with the clearing-house mecha- mation-sharing for the Global Taxonomy nism and report on progress of the Global Initiative; Taxonomy Initiative to every other meeting 5. Invites all interested international of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, and regional conventions, initiatives and Technical and Technological Advice, and, as programmes to indicate their support for the appropriate, to the Conference of the Parties. Global Taxonomy Initiative and its Coordi- The first meeting of the Coordination nation Mechanism, through the Executive Mechanism shall take place no later than 30 Secretary, and in so doing to specify their November 2000. Meetings of the coordina- particular areas of interest and any support tion mechanism can only take place with ade- for the implementation of the Global Tax- quate representation from all regions, and onomy Initiative that could be forthcoming; subject to available resources. 6. Urges eligible Parties and consortia of eligible Parties to seek resources for the Specific short-term activities to be under- above priority actions through the financial taken prior to the sixth meeting of the mechanism, and requests the financial Conference of the Parties mechanism to continue promoting aware- The Executive Secretary with the assis- ness of the Global Taxonomy Initiative in tance of the Coordination Mechanism shall: its outreach activities, such as the Capacity (a) Develop a work programme for the Development Initiative and the Country Global Taxonomy Initiative, consistent with Dialogue Workshops, and to investigate the Convention strategic plan, for considera-

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tion by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Scientific, Technical and Technological Technical and Technological Advice; Advice shall at the earliest opportunity select (b) Convene regional meetings of scien- 10 members of the Coordination Mechanism, tists, managers and policy makers to priori- with due regard to geographical balance to tize the most urgent global taxonomic needs allow two representatives from each region, for consideration by the Subsidiary Body on on a rotational basis. The Executive Secretary Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice shall invite a limited number of leading in finalizing the Global Taxonomy Initiative relevant organizations such as the United work programme; Nations Environment Programme, the United (c) Establish mechanisms to use the Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Global Taxonomy Initiative as a forum to Organization, the Food and Agriculture promote the importance of taxonomy and Organization of the United Nations, the Inter- taxonomic tools in the implementation of national Council of Scientific Unions, the the Convention’s programmes of work. Global Biodiversity Information Facility, the Global Environment Facility, and BioNET- Membership INTERNATIONAL to participate in the work The Executive Secretary, in consultation of the Coordination Mechanism. with the Bureau of the Subsidiary Body on

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ANNEX 11.

COP DECISION VI/8: GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE

The Conference of the Parties, 4. Emphasizes the need to coordinate activities with other existing initiatives, Understanding taxonomy to be a priority in such as the Global Biodiversity Information implementing the Convention on Biological Facility and the clearing-house mechanism Diversity, of the Convention on Biological Diversity; Noting that some groups of organisms 5. Requests the Executive Secretary to provide particular taxonomic difficulties in complete the guide to the Global Taxonomy national and regional monitoring and Initiative, and provide information and clar- assessment work, particularly organisms at ification to Parties and Governments con- the micro level, cerning the Global Taxonomy Initiative, in Recognizing the need for a programme of particular on the process for developing work at the national, regional and global projects aimed at implementing the pro- levels, and the particular value of regional gramme of work, including existing guid- activities, ance from the financial mechanism; 1. Endorses the programme of work 6. Requests all Parties and other for the Global Taxonomy Initiative, as Governments to: annexed to the present decision, and the fur- a. Designate a National Focal Point ther submission and elaboration of potential for the Global Taxonomy Initiative, pilot projects, including those listed in the linked to other National Focal progress report by the Executive Secretary Points, as requested in decision on the Global Taxonomy Initiative and the V/9, paragraph 4; report on progress and status of the Global b. Provide updated information, Taxonomy Initiative; through the clearing-house mech- 2. Urges Parties, Governments, inter- anism, about legal requirements national and regional organizations, and for exchange of biological speci- other relevant organizations to promote, mens and about current legislation and, as appropriate, carry out, the pro- and rules for access and benefit- gramme of work; sharing in terms of the needs of 3. Recognizing the value of supporting the Global Taxonomy Initiative; and building on existing national, regional, c. Initiate the setting up of national subregional and global initiatives, partner- and regional networks to aid the ships and institutions, invites the Executive Parties in their taxonomic needs in Secretary to encourage the involvement implementing the Convention on of such entities to support Parties, Biological Diversity; Governments and relevant organizations in 7. Considers capacity development at carrying out the programme of work, and the national and regional levels as a driving recommends the continuation of the regional force in implementing the programme of work; workshops on the Global Taxonomy 8. Decides that the post of Global Initiative to facilitate this process; Taxonomy Initiative Programme Officer

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within the Secretariat of the Convention on sustainable use of biological diversity and Biological Diversity be made permanent, its components. with funding from the core budget of the 5. Operational objective 5 - Within the Convention, and that adequate operational work on cross-cutting issues of the Conven- funds be provided to enable the occupant of tion include key taxonomic objectives to the post to carry out her or his duties. generate information needed for decision- making in conservation and sustainable use Annex of biological diversity and its components. PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE GLOBAL TAXONOMY INTIATIVE III. MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF THE GTI Contents I. INTRODUCTION I. INTRODUCTION 1. Broadly understood, taxonomy is II. PROGRAMME OF WORK the classification of life, though it is most A. Overall objectives often focused on describing species, their genetic variability, and their relationships to 1. What has the Conference of the one another. For the purposes of the Parties asked the GTI to be? Convention taxonomy is taken in its broad- 2. What should the GTI achieve? est sense and is inclusive of systematics and 3. Operational objectives biosystematics at the genetic, species and B. Taxonomic needs assessments at the ecosystem levels. national, regional and global levels 2. The Global Taxonomy Initiative 1. Operational objective 1 - Assess (GTI) covers the taxonomic work required taxonomic needs and capacities at national, to support the implementation of the regional and global levels for the implemen- Convention at all three levels of biodiver- tation of the Convention sity (genetic, species and ecosystem), and is C. Targeted actions concerned with all organisms, i.e. plants, 2. Operational objective 2 - Provide animals and micro-organisms. focus to help build and maintain the systems 3. The GTI has been established under and infrastructure needed to obtain, collate the Convention on Biological Diversity to and curate the biological specimens that are underpin decision-making in conservation the basis for taxonomic knowledge. of biological diversity, sustainable use of its 3. Operational objective 3 - Facilitate components and equitable sharing of the an improved and effective infrastructure/sys- benefits derived from the utilization of tem for access to taxonomic information; genetic resources, by addressing: with priority on ensuring countries of origin a. The lack of taxonomic information gain access to information concerning ele- on the identity of components of ments of their biodiversity. biological diversity in many parts 4. Operational objective 4 - Within the of the world; and major thematic work programmes of the b. The need to build capacity for tax- Convention include key taxonomic objec- onomic activity in all regions, but tives to generate information needed especially developing countries, for decision-making in conservation and including reference materials,

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databases, and taxonomic exper- set of Suggestions for Action to develop and tise relevant to the objectives implement a Global Taxonomy Initiative. of the Convention on Biological The Conference of the Parties stressed the Diversity. urgent need for the further implementation 4. In its decision V/9, adopted at its of recommendation II/2 of the Subsidiary fifth meeting, the Conference of the Parties Body on Scientific, Technical and Techno- requested the Executive Secretary to draft as logical Advice concerning capacity-building a component of the Strategic Plan for the in all fields of taxonomy to assist in the Convention on Biological Diversity a pro- implementation of the Convention, through gramme of work for the GTI defining timeta- the incorporation of targeted actions in its bles, goals, products and pilot projects. work plan, including promoting regional 5. The Conference of the Parties estab- activities to set regional agendas. lished the GTI specifically to support its work 3. In decision V/9, the Conference of programmes in the thematic areas (marine and the Parties adopted a range of activities for coastal biological diversity, agricultural biodi- the GTI, including the preparation of a pro- versity, dry and sub-humid land biological gramme of work for the GTI defining diversity, inland water biological diversity, timetables, goals, products and pilot pro- forest biological diversity and mountain bio- jects. The format adopted has taken into logical diversity), and in the cross-cutting account that provided in decision V/20, on issues (invasive alien species, access and ben- the operations of the Convention, which efit-sharing, scientific assessments, indicators, specifies the following parameters: traditional knowledge) under the Convention. a. Planned activities; 6. Section II contains a programme of b. The expected products; work for the GTI. It presents successively c. The timing of each of these activi- (i) the overall objectives of the programme ties and products; of work, (ii) activities addressing taxonomic d. The actors carrying out these needs assessments at the global, regional activities and cooperation with rel- and national levels, and (iii) targeted actions evant organizations; within the broader work programmes of the e. The mechanisms used to realize Convention on Biological Diversity. and/or support the goals and activities, or to generate the expected II. PROGRAMME OF WORK products; and A. Overall objectives f. Financial, human-resource and other capacity requirements. 1. What has the Conference of the Parties 4. Also in decision V/9, the asked the GTI to be? Conference of the Parties urged that 1. In its decision III/10, on identifica- “pilot projects” for the GTI be submitted to tion, monitoring and assessment, the the Executive Secretary and the GTI Conference of the Parties established the need Coordination Mechanism by Parties, for specific action under the Convention in Governments and relevant organizations by capacity-building in taxonomy, through its 31 December 2001. endorsement of SBSTTA recommendation II/2. 2. What should the GTI achieve? 2. In decision IV/1 D, the Conference 5. The GTI should seek to provide of the Parties endorsed, as initial advice, a the key information required for the

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implementation of the Convention on individually or collectively, at the Biological Diversity, particularly Article 7, on local, national or international level. identification and monitoring, through increasing the fundamental biological data 3. Operational objectives essential to underpin the conservation, sustain- 9. In considering the following five able use and equitable sharing of the benefits operational objectives, it will be necessary from the utilization of biological diversity. to address capacity-building specifically That is, to address the problems of insufficient with regard to human resources, systems knowledge of all components of biological and infrastructure needs in taxonomy, at diversity (including their classification, the local, national, regional and global description, value and function) and lack of levels. It has been recognized that, for taxonomic capacity, to overcome what has operational objectives 4 and 5, further set- been termed “the taxonomic impediment”. ting of priorities might be required for 6. In formulating the programme of integration within the work plans of the work to achieve this end, the GTI should Convention: provide the global platform to help acceler- Operational objective 1: Assess taxo- ate current taxonomic efforts in areas iden- nomic needs and capacities at national, tified as high priority by countries and regional and global levels for the imple- regional groupings of countries. mentation of the Convention. 7. The GTI programme of work has Operational objective 2: Provide focus been designed to focus on supplying the to help build and maintain the human needed taxonomic information to support resources, systems and infrastructure the major work areas of the Convention, and needed to obtain, collate and curate the the need to support capacity-building to biological specimens that are the basis ensure the ability of countries to undertake for taxonomic knowledge. the priority taxonomic work required to Operational objective 3: Facilitate an implement the Convention. improved and effective infrastructure/ 8. This programme of work is system for access to taxonomic informa- intended to fulfil the following functions: tion; with priority on ensuring that coun- a. To contribute to the implementation tries of origin gain access to information of the Convention’s Strategic Plan concerning elements of their biodiversity. (in preparation). Operational objective 4: Within the b. To set operational objectives with major thematic work programmes of the clear expected outputs and ways Convention include key taxonomic objec- and means through which to tives to generate information needed for achieve the set objectives; decision-making in conservation and c. To provide the rationale for the sustainable use of biological diversity choice of the operational targets, and its components. with indications of opportunities Operational objective 5: Within the work for further elaboration of the pro- on cross-cutting issues of the Convention, gramme of work; and include key taxonomic objectives to gener- d. To serve as a guide to all biodiver- ate information needed for decision- sity stakeholders on specific objec- making in conservation and sustainable use tives to which they can contribute of biological diversity and its components.

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10. Diagram 1 summarizes the ratio- forcing in achieving the overall objective of nale and linkages between the above opera- the GTI, and outputs from one objective will tional objectives. help facilitate greater achievement of the 11. It is important to note that the other activities. Particular stress may be planned activities described in sections B and placed upon the necessity outlined in planned C below are designed to be mutually rein- activity 3 for capacity development at

Overall objective: Implement the Convention on Biological Diversity

Taxonomic information needed for decision making through its thermatic programmes of work and work on cross-cutting issues (Operational objectives 4 and 5)

Development or strengthening of Development or strengthening of human capacity to generate Infrastructure and systems / mechanisms: information (Operational objectives • for generating taxonomic information 2 and 3) Operational objective 2) • for accessing taxonomic information Operational objective 3)

Financial Incentives and resources political will

Taxonomic needs assessments (Operational objective 1)

Awareness of CBD issues

Diagram 1. Rationale and linkages between the five operational objectives of the programme of work

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national, regional and global levels, with guidance to the GEF to provide financial emphasis on facilitating and fostering both resources to developing countries for South-South and South-North partnerships country-driven activities and programmes, and information exchange. Bilateral, multi- targeting capacity-building, including tax- national and regional cooperation and onomy, to enable developing countries to networking will be of importance in imple- develop and carry out an initial assessment menting the programme of work. for designing, implementing and monitoring programmes. Decision V/9 urges eligi- B. Taxonomic needs assessments at the ble Parties and consortia of eligible Parties national, regional and global levels to seek resources for the agreed priority actions, including needs assessments, 1. Operational objective 1 - Assess taxo- through the financial mechanism.) nomic needs and capacities at national, ii. Outputs regional and global levels for the imple- Each country would provide through mentation of the Convention their national biodiversity strategies and 1.1. Planned activity 1: Country-based tax- action plans, as well as through national onomic needs assessments and identifica- reports to the Conference of the Parties, a tion of priorities report on their taxonomic capacity and pri- i. Rationale ority needs, which would then be dissemi- In its decision IV/1 D, the Conference of nated through the Convention’s clearing- the Parties recognized the need for each house mechanism. country to conduct a national taxonomic iii. Timing needs assessment. Furthermore, in decision In its decision V/9, the Conference of the V/9, the Conference of the Parties urged Parties urged Parties, Governments and rel- Parties, Governments and relevant organiza- evant organizations to undertake this prior- tions to undertake as a priority activity, ity activity and, while not setting a specific assessments of national taxonomic capacity timeframe, requested Parties to report on to identify and, where possible, quantify their actions to the Conference of the Parties national and regional-level taxonomic imped- at its sixth meeting (April 2002). As this is a iments and needs. Assessments should be fundamental part of the process of clearly undertaken within the framework of under- identifying solutions to current lack of taking the necessary planning to produce or capacity it is very important for all countries update national biodiversity strategies and to complete their needs assessment as soon action plans under the Convention. To this as possible. Full or preliminary needs end, the needs assessments will be required to assessments should have been reported to clearly articulate how the lack of taxonomic the Executive Secretary by December 2001 information and/or capacity is an impediment for report to the Conference of the Parties at to the implementation of national biodiversity its sixth meeting, and final assessments by strategies and action plans. December 2002. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) iv. Actors has been requested to support developing National Governments, with the support of countries in undertaking the necessary national and international organizations and needs assessments upon which to base institutions as needed, would take primary action. (Decision III/5 provides additional carriage of this activity. The Executive

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Secretary would compile completed assess- to act cooperatively in building taxonomic ments into an information paper for the sev- capacity to support conservation and deci- enth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. sion-making. Regional activities in taxon- v. Mechanisms omy have been supported by the The GEF was requested to provide funds Conference of the Parties in decisions for countries to undertake their needs assess- III/10, IV/1 D and V/9, which all identify ments as part of a broader biodiversity infor- regional level activities as a major activity mation requirements process. An approach for the GTI. Decision III/10 endorsed rec- for the development of a standardized ommendation II/2 of the SBSTTA, which framework and instruments will facilitate sought to prioritize strengthening of compilation and comparison of information regional and subregional networks for tax- for baseline assessments and ongoing moni- onomy, regional collaboration and regional toring. As initial advice, a list of issues to be and subregional training programmes. addressed has been developed by DIVERSI- Decision IV/1 D stressed the urgent need for TAS, and was provided to SBSTTA at its the further implementation of recommenda- fourth meeting176. tion II/2 of the SBSTTA concerning capac- vi. Financial, human resources and other ity-building in all fields of taxonomy to capacity requirements assist in the implementation of the National Governments will be required Convention, through the incorporation of to fund this activity, potentially with addi- targeted actions in its work plan, including tional support from donors. promoting regional activities to set regional vii. Pilot projects agendas. Decision V/9 also called for the The development of guidelines for the identification of national and regional prior- preparation of country-based taxonomic ity taxonomic information requirements. needs assessments, with specific advice on Furthermore, decision V/9 called for short- the integration within the overall implemen- term activities, including regional meetings tation of national biodiversity strategies and of scientists, managers and policy-makers to action plans, is proposed as a pilot project to prioritize the most urgent global taxonomic be undertaken by a relevant international needs and facilitate the formulation of spe- organization or consortium of organiza- cific regional and national projects to meet tions. the needs identified. 1.2. Planned activity 2: Regional taxonomic ii. Outputs needs assessments and identification of Combined with best available informa- priorities tion on national taxonomic needs (if possible i. Rationale national taxonomic needs assessments), Ideally, country-level needs assessments regionally agreed plans of action, that pro- provide the core input into the development vide identified priorities, will provide a clear of an assessment of regional capacity, the focus for activities under the GTI. To gaps in capacity across the region, and develop such plans of action regional work- finally the setting of priority actions to fill shops will be held, under the general guid- the gaps. In many regions of the world it ance of the Executive Secretary and the GTI will be advantageous to pool resources and Coordination Mechanism. The challenge of

176 UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/4/INF/7

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the workshops will be to blend academic but no sources of funding have been agreed advice and perspective with country needs to at this stage for additional workshops. fulfil its obligations under the Convention. vii. Pilot projects iii. Timing Existing or proposed activities (or ele- Two regional workshops, one in Africa ments of activities) in some regions could be and one in Central America, have taken considered as pilot studies in the preparation place in 2001. Planning for a workshop in of regional based taxonomic needs assess- Asia, which will be held in 2002, has begun. ments, such as SABONET and SAFRINET Other meetings, including in South in southern Africa, and BOZONET in America, North America, Europe and a sec- Eastern Africa. However these existing ond one in Africa, are being discussed. activities need to be broadened to include all Ideally the GTI should endeavour to hold taxa, as well as input from the full range of all regional workshops by the end of 2003, biodiversity stakeholders needing taxonomic preferably by December 2003 as input to information. It is intended that the outputs discussions at the seventh meeting of the from each regional workshop will be shared Conference of the Parties. with all future workshops in order to facili- iv. Actors tate clear and unambiguous, readily achiev- National governments, taxonomic insti- able pilot projects. tutions and global, regional and bilateral 1.3. Planned activity 3: Global taxonomic funding agencies are the main actors in the needs assessment development of regional taxonomic needs i. Rationale assessments and priorities. Given the nature of taxonomic activity, v. Mechanisms and the lack of knowledge of key groups of Existing or proposed regional biodiversity organisms with global distributions of impor- projects, as well as national biodiversity tance to humankind and biodiversity con- strategies and action plans, will provide a key cerns, a global dimension is critical. It is mechanism for identification of the most widely recognized that generally there is urgent taxonomic information requirements very little data available on global diversity at the regional level. The development of and distribution patterns, and where it does regional taxonomic needs assessments and exist it is usually in non-standardized formats priorities is best facilitated through regional that may restrict its usefulness. Agreed global workshops supported by prior research into cooperation to finalize taxonomic work on country level capacity, compiled into regional globally important groups should involve syntheses. Active regional networks of taxon- both developed and developing countries, omists would be best placed to facilitate the and will provide a major input into develop- compilation of national needs assessments ment of capacity-building initiatives. The into cohesive regional syntheses. global taxonomic needs assessment can vi. Financial, human resources and other result from a compilation of the regional tax- capacity requirements onomic needs assessments, with activity to The Government of Sweden, through the provide some agreed priority actions that can Swedish International Development Coop- be undertaken at the global level. eration Agency (SIDA), has funded two ii. Outputs regional workshops in 2001. Japan has A concise global plan of action using the agreed to partially fund the Asian workshop, outputs from the regional workshops, with the

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advice and support of international organiza- as ECOPORT, Species 2000, and the devel- tions and the GTI Coordination Mechanism. oping GBIF projects. iii. Timing 1.4. Planned activity 4: Public aware- Progress towards production of a draft ness and education global plan of action on priority groups for i. Rationale study was reported to the Executive The need to raise awareness and to educate Secretary by December 2001, as input to on the importance of taxonomy to underpin discussions at the sixth meeting of the the Convention is critical to the success of the Conference of the Parties. A draft plan Global Taxonomy Initiative, and, within the should be finalized by December 2002. programme of work, it is necessary to identify iv. Actors and target those groups who would benefit National Governments, taxonomic insti- from increased awareness and education. This tutions and global, regional and bilateral will include those working in and associated funding agencies are the main actors in the with work in areas of high biodiversity. In development of global taxonomic needs developing a public awareness and education assessments and priorities. At the global package it will be necessary to balance the level organisations such as, but not limited needs for formal education against the need to, FAO, IUCN, UNEP-WCMC, UNESCO, for wider public awareness-raising. This the Ecosystem Conservation Group (ECG), activity will best be developed in conjunction and programmes such as BioNET-INTER- with the activity under way following deci- NATIONAL, DIVERSITAS, the Global sion V/17 on education and public awareness, Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), being carried out jointly by the Secretariat of Species 2000, and Systematics Agenda the Convention on Biological Diversity and 2000 International among others, will also UNESCO. This joint activity will provide the have key roles to play. focus for public awareness and education on v. Mechanisms taxonomy within the Convention through the A workshop focusing on global level tax- development of a specific module on taxon- onomic priorities should be organized, omy. The module would test out techniques to perhaps through the Ecosystem Conservation develop regionally appropriate public aware- Group and GBIF. The taxonomic require- ness tools to help remove the taxonomic ments of the Millennium Ecosystem impediment, which would be refined in the Assessment should be a significant focus of later stages of the education and public setting global priorities. Such a workshop awareness activity under the Convention, and could be held in a developing country to should focus on educational materials for highlight their special needs. training to facilitate implementation of the vi. Financial, human resources and other Convention. capacity requirements ii. Outputs Funding should be sought for this activ- A package of materials and activities ity from Parties and key intergovernmental aimed at broadening public understanding of and non-governmental science based insti- the importance of taxonomy in achieving the tutions interested in this activity. objectives of the Convention. Examples vii. Pilot projects could include a brochure on the GTI, Some pilot projects already exist that enhancement of Web pages, tutorials for edu- address some elements of this activity, such cation managers, popular scientific films, etc.

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A special focus on using the public aware- C. Targeted actions ness activity to acquire new levels of taxo- 2. Operational objective 2 - Provide focus nomic information, through, inter alia, to help build and maintain the systems and public involvement in parataxonomic activ- infrastructure needed to obtain, collate ity, should form part of these initiatives. and curate the biological specimens that iii. Timing are the basis for taxonomic knowledge. Activities will be planned in 2002, and 2.1 Planned activity 5: Global and regional further developed as appropriate. capacity-building to support access to and iv. Actors generation of taxonomic information At the global level this activity could be i. Rationale jointly executed by the Convention A significant impediment to greatly Secretariat and UNESCO, but with prime increasing the world’s taxonomic base for the carriage for this project by regional networks implementation of the Convention, and in conjunction with key taxonomic institu- indeed more effectively utilizing the current tions that already have considerable experi- taxonomic knowledge, lies in the limited ence in public-awareness programmes, and capacity in many nations, and the decreasing have indicated a willingness to participate in taxonomic capacity world-wide. A key objec- GTI activities. tive of the GTI should thus be to address the v. Mechanisms global and regional capacity-building needs, Toolkits addressing particular taxonomic particularly of developing countries. There issues will be developed by the lead are two main areas of concern that need to be agencies for trial in selected regions of addressed simultaneously: developing and developed countries. A key a. Human capacity-building; and mechanism will involve participatory b. Infrastructure capacity-building. activity by local communities to strengthen Human capacity-building requires major the training and awareness raising for increases in training programmes for taxono- parataxonomists. mists and parataxonomists throughout the vi. Financial, human resources and other world, for it is now well established that the capacity requirements “taxasphere”, the world’s global taxonomic This work element will be undertaken expertise, is currently shrinking just at the under the Global Initiative on Biodiversity time when we need it to advance our knowl- Education and Public Awareness being elab- edge base rapidly. In addition to training, new orated by the Convention Secretariat and employment opportunities should be created. UNESCO, as called for in decision V/17 of Maintaining and improving the existing the fifth meeting of the Conference of the taxonomic infrastructure can be achieved Parties only through adequate funding, and new vii. Pilot projects strategies are required to make optimal use of Pilot projects should be developed within our past investments, while minimizing the the joint public-awareness activity of the costs and maximizing the benefits of future Convention Secretariat and UNESCO. The investments. In its decisions IV/1 D and V/9, recent activities of Systematics Agenda the Conference of the Parties has urged coun- 2000 International and BioNET-INTERNA- tries to establish or consolidate regional and TIONAL in this area could also be national taxonomic reference centres. There expanded into pilot projects under the GTI. is a need to explore globally how the best

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possible outcomes for improving taxonomic to countries of origin, producing and dis- capacity can be achieved. The GTI should tributing taxonomic guides, strengthening address at the global and regional levels the infrastructure and disseminating taxonomic coordination of collections infrastructure information through, inter alia, the clear- within countries and regions leading to ing-house mechanism. improvements of long-term infrastructure vi. Financial, human resources and other regionally. Furthermore, such strategic plan- capacity requirements ning should therefore encourage the creation The financial and human resources or strengthening of national and regional tax- requirements of this activity are substantial. onomic reference centres. Funding needs may extend beyond possible ii. Outputs contributions from individual Parties. Increased human and institutional taxo- However, through national and regional pri- nomic capacity directed at meeting the ority-setting, it will be possible to take a needs of implementing the Convention. staged approach to undertaking the work iii. Timing required. Activities need to begin immediately and vii. Pilot projects be included in all work elements throughout Consortia of major institutions should the programme of work, with priority in participate in the development of pilot pro- covering the major upcoming work areas of jects to identify priority activities including the Convention in a timely manner, such that capacity-building and development of infor- increases in capacity are achieved prior to mation, through facilitating regional confer- the major element of work being undertaken. ences to document existing holdings and by iv. Actors designating lead agencies in a collegiate All Governments, international and process to maximize taxonomic effort across national funding agencies, biosystematic all groups. institutions and taxonomic organizations SABONET and BioNET-INTERNA- have a role to play. Expert institutions in TIONAL are two existing examples of pro- developed and developing countries and jects that could be considered pilots of a their professional staff with expertise in tax- regional and global approach respectively, onomic groups around the world have much that could be strengthened to provide to offer in terms of capacity-building. greater capacity-building activities. The Within planned activities 1 and 2 above, the Smithsonian Institution has submitted a development of national and regional taxo- potential pilot project on neo-tropical moths nomic priorities, detailed regional priorities that could also be considered for regional for capacity-building, both human and insti- capacity-building. tutional, should be addressed. 2.2. Planned activity 6: Strengthening of v. Mechanisms existing networks for regional cooperation In its decision III/10, the Conference of in taxonomy the Parties endorsed SBSTTA recommenda- i. Rationale tion II/2, concerning capacity-building for To facilitate the development of coopera- taxonomy, in which the GEF was requested tive programmes that increase taxonomic to provide funds for training programmes, capacity in developing countries through strengthening reference collections, making fostering North-South and South-South col- information housed in collections available laboration.

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Taxonomic capacity in terms of both donor-funded programme and the rate of human and institutional capacity varies network establishment is dependent on ade- widely between countries and regions. quate continued funding. In establishing sub- Although many developed countries have regional cooperative networks, BioNET- relatively comprehensive reference collec- INTERNATIONAL works through official tions and a number of experts, no single governmental endorsement and comprehen- country has a complete taxonomic inventory sive needs assessment activities to establish of national biodiversity, nor experts in all regional and national priorities. relevant taxonomic groups. In many cases, ii. Outputs developing countries have very little or no A global network, ideally comprised of physical reference collections of local biodi- increasingly self-sufficient subregional net- versity, nor trained personnel. Much of the works, that covers all taxa. While the actual existing reference material from developing capacity-building initiatives should have a countries resides in the expert institutions of finite project-based life, ideally the net- the developed world, as do the experts in works themselves would remain in perpetu- particular taxonomic groups. However, even ity once established and underpinned by in developed countries taxonomy has been member country Governments. under-resourced for many years, leading to a iii. Timing general decline in infrastructure, and a Given that the lack of taxonomic capacity dearth of younger professionals. is a severe impediment to the abilities of In order to facilitate taxonomic capacity- countries to meet their obligations under the building to underpin the Convention on Convention on Biological Diversity, and that Biological Diversity, cooperative pro- most taxonomic capacity can readily be grammes need to be established and/or shared and utilized across institutional and strengthened between the countries with the national boundaries, it follows that building expertise and reference materials and those of taxonomic capacity can best be facilitated without. A number of regional networks that by subregional cooperative networks and facilitate cooperation between countries global partnerships. Therefore plans for in building taxonomic capacity in certain strengthening and/or building of regional taxonomic groups currently exist, e.g., networks should at least be in place by SABONET, a cooperative network between December 2002, particularly ensuring that 10 countries in southern Africa focused on existing relevant networks become fully flowering plants. The most comprehensive operational across the full spectrum of taxo- network currently in existence is that fostered nomic groups. Strategies should be in by BioNET-INTERNATIONAL, the Global place to complete the global coverage by Network for Taxonomy. This initiative cur- December 2002. In addition, over the next rently has seven extant subregional networks five years, taxonomic institutions should covering some 120 countries, with another look for opportunities to build capacity- four under development, and a further five development partnerships, particularly planned. It is envisaged that these 16 net- between institutions in developed and devel- works will provide a global coverage of col- oping countries. laborative North-South and South-South iv. Actors networks for taxonomic capacity-building. Existing regional and subregional net- The Global Network for Taxonomy is a works, with assistance from organizations

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such as BioNet-INTERNATIONAL and reference material itself, particularly type UNESCO, and with regional and extra- specimens and material presently held out- regional partner organizations and net- side countries of origin, is important in works, could be utilized to build a more developing work within the GTI. complete coverage. These networks should vi. Financial, human resources and other play the role of implementing mechanisms, capacity requirements such that the GTI has access to, and interac- Funding will be required to support the tion with all relevant taxonomic institutions work programmes of the individual net- within a subregion. works, but the countries themselves need to To facilitate this development the expert endorse the operations and specifically the institutions of the developed world that human resource and institutional costs of house the relevant subregional taxonomic maintaining, operating and developing such reference materials and information, and the collaborative networks. These costs will professional staff with expertise in taxo- depend on the status of each country’s nomic groups from these subregions, should capacity and the scope of the work be actively involved. programmes. Such collaborative networks v. Mechanisms can be cost-saving mechanisms in certain An agreed strategy on strengthening and taxonomic groups/areas because of the building networks to ensure global coverage ‘economies of scale’ produced by the shar- both geographically and by taxon group is a ing of taxonomic capacity, and reduce the huge undertaking. Different countries and need for each country to attempt to build the regions have different levels of capacity, and needed capacity individually. different taxonomic needs and priorities. Ideally the networks should have a dedi- Existing subregional networks can serve as cated full-time secretariat, but depending on implementing mechanisms for improving needs, they can be operated on a part-time taxonomic capacity in developing countries. basis by staff already employed within rele- These existing networks need to be broad- vant institutions. ened in scope, and the establishment of the Capacity-building in taxonomy necessar- remaining networks currently under devel- ily includes the infrastructure capacity to opment or in the planning stages needs to be house reference material, together with all undertaken as soon as possible. This will of the reference material and equipment to require completion of needs assessments and enable identifications. priority setting for each network, where vii. Pilot projects these do not exist or need updating and/or Three pilot projects can be proposed. The expansion. Regional taxonomic reference first pilot project could work with one of the centres that house network reference materi- existing BioNET-INTERNATIONAL net- als and host the network’s Information and works and evaluate the current structure, Communications System provide a useful mechanisms and operations of the network mechanism to prevent duplication of infra- to assess its ability to expand to fully meet structure, but they require sound means of the objectives of the GTI in underpinning communication to provide all countries the Convention on Biological Diversity. involved with equal access to the informa- Currently, many of the existing BioNET- tion. As part of this, improved access by tax- INTERNATIONAL networks are focused onomists of all Parties to the taxonomic on micro-organisms and invertebrates, often

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with an agricultural orientation, and as such within a five-year framework and reports would need to be expanded to include all provided to SBSTTA as appropriate. taxon groups and relevant institutions. The iv. Actors second pilot project could be undertaken in Actors will include ECOPORT, GBIF, partnership with BioNET-INTERNA- Species 2000, the Integrated Taxonomic TIONAL in the establishment of new net- Information System (ITIS), Tree of Life, works designed to meet the requirements of NABIN, ISIS, BIN21, BCIS, BioNET- the Convention. The third project is cur- INTERNATIONAL, as well as large-scale rently under formulation under the name biosystematics research institutions and BOZONET and is an eastern African taxo- other stakeholders of taxonomic informa- nomic capacity-building project for botany tion, in collaboration with the clearing-house and zoology. mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 3. Operational objective 3 -Facilitate an v. Mechanisms improved and effective infrastructure/ Assessment of the objectives of each sys- system for access to taxonomic informa- tem, and their prospective target audience, tion; with priority on ensuring that coun- as a means to evaluate the fulfilment of the tries of origin gain access to information needs of Parties in accessing taxonomic concerning elements of their biodiversity information required under the Convention 3.1. Planned activity 7: Develop a coordi- on Biological Diversity. The existing nated global taxonomy information system International Plant Names Index (IPNI) and i. Rationale the Global Plant Checklist (IOPI) among Existing taxonomic information is widely others could provide useful models for scattered and not centrally available. This developing a global strategy. activity will firstly identify the current status vi. Financial, human resources and other of major taxonomic information systems in capacity requirements particular their major foci, and plan a coor- Sources of funding need to be identified. dinated approach to the development of a vii. Pilot projects global taxonomic information infrastructure, As a precursor to developing pilot pro- as the major element of the GTI under the jects it is proposed to hold a workshop that Convention’s clearing-house mechanism. brings together stakeholders of all the exist- ii. Outputs ing global and major regional biodiversity An agreed strategy to develop informa- information systems to identify overlaps, tion services that optimizes access to taxo- synergies, and gaps in order to develop a nomic information systems world-wide, in coordinated global strategy for harmonizing appropriate formats. This strategy would the existing systems. also include common standards for Several pilot projects are already under exchange of data and consideration of intel- way including SABONET and Species lectual property rights. Analyst, and several potential projects have iii. Timing been put forward in recent international tax- Work took place in 2001 and information onomic meetings, and submitted to the GTI was provided as an input to discussions by as potential pilot projects, such as GLOBIS, the sixth meeting of the Conference of the a butterfly information system for the Parties; the activity will be further developed world, and the World Termite Database.

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4. Operational objective 4 - Within the biological diversity and may guide in the major thematic work programmes of the selection of sites to be protected and in the Convention include key taxonomic objec- valuation of resources. tives to generate information needed for iii. Timing decision-making in conservation and sus- As this activity is carried out at the tainable use of biological diversity and its national level there will be variable timetables components globally. The second round of national reports It is recognized that taxonomy is funda- for the implementation of the Convention was mental to the thematic areas of the due in May 2001 and provided an opportunity Convention on Biological Diversity through for countries to report on taxonomic studies discovery, identification, and documentation and inventories carried out at the national of biological diversity. Because there are level that provide for a basic assessment of inadequate global taxonomic resources to forest biological diversity. meet all demands, it is important to indicate iv. Actors taxonomic priorities within each of the the- National governments and institutions matic areas of the Convention on Biological will have the main responsibility, with Diversity. Such priorities should recognize possible advice from a collaborative partner- indigenous knowledge systems where ship of forest members on methodologies for appropriate permission has been obtained. the development of appropriate criteria and Within existing thematic work programmes, indicators. The active involvement of inter- workshops should be conducted in appropri- national organizations such as the Center for ate regions, involving taxonomic experts to International Forestry Research (CIFOR), identify key taxa for inventory and monitor- the International Centre for Research in ing programmes. Sufficient flexibility Agroforestry (ICRAF), and the United should be maintained in order to respond to Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) will pro- possible future modifications of priorities. vide useful links between existing initiatives. 4.1. Planned activity 8: Forest biological v. Mechanisms diversity In decision IV/7, the Conference of the i. Rationale Parties agreed that countries would review In the annex to decision IV/7, on forest specific indicators of forest biological biological diversity, containing the work diversity derived by the major international programme on forest biological diversity, processes related to sustainable forest man- under programme element 3 on criteria and agement. Depending on the selection of the indicators for forest biological diversity, the criteria and indicators chosen, additional following activity is identified: Taxonomic taxonomic studies and inventories will then studies and inventories at the national level, be required. which provide for a basic assessment of for- vi. Financial, human resources and other est biological diversity. capacity requirements ii. Outputs These requirements will be country- An increased knowledge of the species dependent, and resource requirements and composition of forests, through national sources will vary. taxonomic studies and inventories. Using vii. Pilot projects this increased knowledge base facilitates To facilitate the implementation of one selection of criteria and indicators for forest element of the programme of work on forest

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biological diversity, a pilot project is pro- iii. Timing posed in the selection of indicators for Within the timeframe of the GloBallast below-ground diversity in forests in each of programme, produce basic guides for the the three forest biomes: tropical, temperate, identification of major organism groups boreal. While there is a need to continue found in ballast water at major sources. developing knowledge in many components Within the next three years, develop tax- of forest ecosystems, the least known, and onomic guides to the identification of man- highest priority, is the below-ground biologi- grove invertebrate fauna that can be used as cal diversity. It is understood that it plays a indicators of habitat change. major role in contributing to the development iv. Actors and the health of the above-ground biological The International Maritime Organization diversity by, for instance, processing nutri- (IMO) should take the lead role in the taxo- ents or minerals that are then made available nomic work in ballast water, under their to, and assimilated by, plant biodiversity. GloBallast work programme, which would 4.2. Planned activity 9: Marine and coastal then be integrated with the activities fore- biological diversity seen under the invasive alien species work i. Rationale of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Two major elements of taxonomic work and the GTI programme of work. within marine and coastal ecosystems can be International conventions, in particular considered as high priority for achieving the the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of Convention’s objectives in marine and International Importance especially as coastal systems, namely ballast water organ- Waterfowl Habitat, and taxonomic institu- isms, and key organisms for monitoring the tions with expertise in coastal invertebrates health of mangrove systems through their should play a key role in conjunction with invertebrate fauna. The ballast water organ- national institutions from Parties with sig- isms sub-element will require, inter alia, a nificant extent of mangrove ecosystems focus on pelagic juvenile stages of benthic under threat, in the implementation of the organisms. The second element focuses on necessary taxonomic work. mangroves, which are among the world’s v. Mechanisms most rapidly changing systems. Within the The IMO GloBallast work programme marine and coastal biodiversity programme could include a taxonomic component for the of work there is a need to develop taxonomic identification of marine pelagic taxa, includ- support for baseline monitoring of inverte- ing those with adult benthic forms, which brate fauna in mangrove systems. will form a key element of the GTI in the ii. Outputs marine environment. The International Identification aids for quarantine and Society for Mangrove Ecology (ISME) could other officials to identify and monitor the facilitate the development of the work ele- introduction of novel marine organisms. ment on mangrove invertebrate fauna, Taxonomic guides to key invertebrate including training workshops of key person- organisms in mangrove systems to aid man- nel from taxonomic institutions in tropical agement of the continuum from natural to areas. Three workshops, one in Africa, one in disturbed mangrove ecosystems. Taxonomic the neotropics and one in Asia have been sug- data will also assist in selecting sites for gested and are in preparation for 2001 with protected areas and for resource valuation. support from UNESCO. The International

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Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) and its network micro-organisms in nutrient cycling, and can assist with regard to coral reefs. increased taxonomic information of pests vi. Financial, human resources and other and diseases. capacity requirements Correct identification of indicator taxa, The IMO GloBallast programme could such as crust-forming lichens, often requires provide the appropriate resources for a pilot special identification aids and techniques, project involving six developing countries. and the development of such tools is neces- Funding support is required for the three sary for increasing the capacity of rangeland capacity-building workshops as well as managers to understand their function in appropriate infrastructure support for the maintaining dryland ecosystems. In many mangrove invertebrate taxonomy and pro- parts of the world, there is a need to increase duction of guides and ICRI work. taxonomic capacity to identify the lichens, vii. Pilot projects and to then develop identification tools. It is The GloBallast programme is a pilot pro- important that such identification tools be ject under the IMO, with direct relevance to designed in such a way that they can be used the invasive alien species and GTI pro- by rangeland managers to help in identifica- grammes of work. tion of key organisms. A pilot project focused in south-east ii. Outputs Asia on mangrove invertebrates, particu- Enhanced understanding among agricul- larly involving Malaysia, Indonesia and tural and rangeland managers of lichens as Philippines, could be developed in conjunc- key indicators warning of the advance of tion with the International Center for Living soil degradation. This will usually take the Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) form of loss of particular species from the and ISME. system. Taxonomic work will need to develop 4.3 Planned activity 10: Dry and sub-humid easy-to-use identikits for key soil lichens, lands biodiversity algae, soil invertebrates, pest insects and i. Rationale other herbivores, and other taxa that will be Decision V/23 on consideration of the harbingers of change. options for conservation and sustainable use iii. Timing of biological diversity in dryland, By the seventh meeting of the Mediterranean, arid, semi-arid, grassland Conference of the Parties, have developed and savannah ecosystems establishes a pro- identification aids in consultation with gramme of work, including, inter alia, appropriate national taxonomy and manage- assessment of the status and trends, identifi- ment agencies. cation of specific areas within dry and sub- iv. Actors humid lands of particular value for The Convention to Combat Desertification biological diversity and/or under particular (CCD) and other environmental conventions threat, and the further development of indi- and their relevant collaborators, international cators. Under each of these activities tar- agencies (including International Agriculture geted actions on furthering the knowledge Research Centres (IARCs)), rangeland man- base on the organisms that maintain the cru- agers and national Governments. cial soil crust should be developed at v. Mechanisms national and regional levels, as well as Cooperation with the CCD and other key the need for greater knowledge of the players among international organizations

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vi. Financial, human resources and other principal role in the implementation of this capacity requirements activity. International support and coordina- To facilitate global and regional cooperation could be provided through the UNESCO tion and synergy in this work, a project key science activity “Water and Ecosystems”. which could attract funding from the IARCs, Parataxonomists, in the form of interested in conjunction with FAO, can be proposed. members of the public and school students in vii. Pilot projects a number of countries, have been using the A pilot project could be developed technique to monitor aquatic health. This is an among CCD, FAO and UNEP to assess dif- area that could be built upon, and maybe also ferent biological and biochemical indicators linked to planned activity 11. of land degradation. This project would v. Mechanisms require input from a range of taxonomic Changes in the species compositions and experts, including algologists and lichenol- abundance of macro-invertebrates in fresh- ogists. Input would also be required from water systems are now being studied world- soil scientists, who can link abiotic informa- wide as part of approaches to monitoring of tion with the taxonomic information ecosystem health. A number of key potential obtained. Results can be distilled to a simple partners are possible for this activity, identikit system that will allow local man- including from developed and developing agers to identify key species and determine country perspectives. The Scientific and the health of their arid/semi-arid system. Technical Review Panel of the Ramsar 4.4 Planned activity 11: Inland waters bio- Convention on Wetlands of International logical diversity Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat i. Rationale should also be involved in this project to As in all other major ecosystems the cur- provide specialist expertise, and a focus on rent status of taxonomic knowledge in the concept of using taxonomy to help inland waters is varied both geographically, understand ecological change. and according to the major taxon groups. vi. Financial, human resources and other For the purposes of the GTI targeted activi- capacity requirements ties in rapidly increasing worldwide knowl- There is opportunity to build on existing edge of freshwater fish and invertebrates are projects here, or assist regional collabora- proposed as high priority. tion between existing projects, which would ii. Outputs contribute to the implementation of the GTI A series of regional guides to freshwater while simultaneously improving monitoring fish and invertebrates (including adult ter- of ecosystem health. restrial forms where appropriate) as an input 4.5 Planned activity 12: Agricultural bio- to ecosystem monitoring for river and lake logical diversity health. i. Rationale iii. Timing Within the programme of work on agri- Produce field-usable regional guides cultural biological diversity, several areas within two years for both professional and require taxonomic capacity in order to public use. deliver fully on their objectives. The need iv. Actors for taxonomy ranges from classical taxon- National agencies and taxonomic institu- omy of the species living in agricultural tions, especially museums, should play a ecosystems, to the taxonomy of wild

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relatives of agriculturally important species, took place at the FAO in late to access to existing taxonomic information 2000. A plan of action was including basic knowledge on the functional adopted at the sixth meeting of relationships between organisms often the Conference of the Parties; recorded by taxonomists. b. Soil biota - Ongoing efforts by The value of training and knowledge- Governments and relevant organi- sharing among researchers, extension work- zations will develop projects with ers, farmers and indigenous peoples is appropriate timing; highlighted in decision V/5 of the Conference c. Pest and disease regulation organ- of the Parties to the Convention on isms - Proposals for activities Biological Diversity. Within the agricultural may be developed by countries biodiversity work programme specific tax- and relevant organizations as onomy-related activities are envisaged in determined in the programme of the following subject areas: pollinators; soil work on agrobiodiversity. and other below-ground biodiversity, to iv. Actors support agricultural production systems, FAO has been invited by the Conference especially in nutrient cycling; and natural of the Parties in decision V/5 to lead the enemies of pests and diseases. International Pollinators Initiative (IPI), and As the agricultural biological diversity will prepare a proposal for the development work programme develops, significant tax- of the IPI for the seventh meeting of onomic activities will need to be integrated SBSTTA. within the proposals for work. Parties should make contributions on soil ii. Outputs biota and organisms involved in pest and Outputs would include: easy-to-use keys disease regulation. In addition, the tropical to families, genera and species of pollinators; soil biology and fertility (TSBF) pro- automated identification systems for pollina- gramme hosted by UNESCO in Nairobi is tors; development of standard methods for the proposed implementing agency for a identification of soil biodiversity to different full-sized GEF project, which includes taxonomic levels; increased knowledge of major taxonomic components for assessing soil biodiversity to aid in the identification of below-ground biodiversity. Also, the Global indicators of the “health” of below-ground Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Facility, biological diversity; and taxonomic training based in Rome, which is a programme co- for farmers and ecosystem managers. sponsored by FAO, UNEP, UNDP and the iii. Timing World Bank, may contribute as an organisa- Within the agricultural biodiversity work tion involved in pest and disease regulation. programme the taxonomy related activities v. Mechanisms are part of the timeframe for the develop- The International Pollinators Initiative ment of the overall activity. Current time- (IPI) will contain a major taxonomic com- frames are as follows: ponent, and the project is currently under a. Pollinators - In order to initiate development. the process of implementation of A major taxonomic element needs to be the International Initiative for the built into all current and proposed projects Conservation and Sustainable Use dealing with the sustainable use or conser- of Pollinators a planning meeting vation of agricultural and non-agricultural

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lands, if we are to advance our knowledge objectives to generate information base on the functional aspects of maintain- needed for decision-making in conserva- ing ecosystem processes. tion and sustainable use of biological As concerns organisms involved in pest diversity and its components. and disease regulation, a scoping exercise 5.1. Planned activity 14: Access and bene- should be undertaken to determine where fit-sharing the limitations exist in terms of taxonomic i. Rationale information, from basic alpha-taxonomy of The Conference of the Parties, in its deci- pests and natural enemies, to how the infor- sion V/26, identified “Assessment and mation is presented and distributed. This inventory of biological resources as well as work can be carried out by farmers’ net- information management” as key capacity- works and research institutions, including building needs with respect to access and the IARC system. benefit-sharing arrangements. Indeed, the vi. Financial, human resources and other inventory of biological resources could pro- capacity requirements vide useful information in view of the elab- All three elements require resources to oration of measures regarding access to be identified within existing and new pro- genetic resources and the equitable sharing jects, as well as additional resources to be of benefits arising from their exploitation. made available to increase technical capac- In order to carry out this inventory, ity in most countries of the world. increased capacity is often needed at the vii. Pilot projects country level. The primary goal of the GTI A major UNEP project entitled is to assist countries in carrying out this “Conservation and sustainable management inventory in a timely and efficient manner. of below-ground biodiversity” in seven coun- A major element in increasing capacity to tries is currently under assessment by UNEP. properly inventory and access biological A Canadian report “Soil biodiversity: issues resource information is effective informa- for Canadian agriculture” is being prepared tion management. Therefore a key element and may be a suitable pilot. A pilot project on of the GTI must be the development of termites submitted by the Smithsonian appropriate information-technology tools to Institution could also be considered. allow access to existing data, as well as to 4.6 Planned activity 13: Mountain biologi- provide efficient entry of new information cal diversity generated from any increased knowledge. Development of this activity will be The more each country can develop its undertaken following discussion of this the- capacity to properly inventory, collect, clas- matic work area at the seventh meeting of sify, and then commercialize its biological the Conference of the Parties. The GTI resources, the greater will be the return of Coordination Mechanism could play an benefits to that country. These four elements important role in proactively defining taxo- (inventory, collection, classification, com- nomic needs related to this planned the- mercialization) can be seen as a hierarchy of matic activity. increasing capacity. The GTI will concentrate on developing capacity in the collection 5. Operational objective 5 - Within the and classification of biodiversity. The GTI work on cross-cutting issues of the should include projects designed to develop Convention include key taxonomic capacity in collecting and maintaining

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biological collections, as well as the proper available taxonomic information. In turn, a classification and knowledge of the biologi- basis for the commercialization of compo- cal resources. Taxonomic information, in nents of that biological diversity would be particular at the genetic level, will be critical provided. in tracing the origin of resources and living iii. Timing modified organisms (LMOs). Progress in global networking between Increasing access by countries of origin countries and taxonomic institutions hold- to existing information on biological ing significant ex situ collections should be resources held elsewhere has also been accelerated within a five-year timeframe. highlighted as a major element of the Development of pilot projects should Global Taxonomy Initiative. In decision occur as soon as possible. V/26, the Conference of the Parties urged iv. Actors countries to adopt measures that are sup- National (and international) culture col- portive of efforts to facilitate access to lections, including microbial collections. The genetic resources for scientific, commercial IARC system, especially the Consultative and other uses, and associated knowledge, Group on International Agricultural Research innovations and practices of indigenous and (CGIAR), should be involved to select pri- local communities embodying traditional orities for needed taxonomic effort. lifestyles relevant to the conservation and Taxonomic institutions in many countries sustainable use of biological diversity. contain significant holdings of ex situ materi- The first step in facilitating access is pro- als from other countries, and in particular vision of information, and the Parties have from developing countries. Botanical gar- agreed in decision IV/1 D to a series of dens hold both dead and live material that actions that would increase access to infor- may be of considerable interest to the country mation world-wide. Operational objective 3 of origin of that material, and may also of the present programme of work sets out a develop new or improved conservation tech- plan to begin to address this issue. niques that could aid countries of origin in ii. Outputs their conservation and sustainable use Interactive catalogues of material avail- efforts. able, linked to taxonomic collections in The FAO Commission on Genetic herbaria and museums. Taxonomic support, Resources for Food and Agriculture could including at the molecular level, to provide play a key partnership role. clear identification of specimens in the ex The Global Biodiversity Information situ collections, especially in developing Facility (GBIF) may be usefully involved in countries, is needed. this activity. A series of country-driven projects could v. Mechanisms be carried out, combining the development of One of the first most important measures basic taxonomic capacity and an improved any country can take to encourage the sus- information base on biological resources. tainable use of its resources and ensure These would assist in developing better proper sharing of benefits derived from linkages between existing initiatives that their exploitation is through developing provide information electronically on knowledge regarding their own biodiversity, genetic resources, as well as new projects to and in particular full cataloguing of its improve the access to, and range of, publicly diversity. Through acknowledging the

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importance of developing taxonomic sustainable use efforts significantly must be capacity and adopting a series of suggested based on those areas where useful outcomes actions and priority activities (in its deci- can be demonstrated in the short to medium sions IV/1 D and V/9), the Conference of term. It is to be hoped that demonstrating the Parties has clearly indicated to Parties, benefit may then lead to further investment Governments and relevant organizations the in infrastructure support and development. major work that needs to be undertaken to New resources are needed to initiate build taxonomic capacity within countries. activities, although existing resources within The basic mechanism for undertaking key organizations may be able to be mobi- these actions and activities is through lized for the development of an action plan. country-driven projects at the national, 5.2 Planned activity 15: Invasive alien regional and subregional levels, which are to species be implemented with the assistance of devel- Development of this activity will be oped and developing country institutions undertaken based on priorities identified that house ex situ collections (i.e. herbaria, through GISP phase I, the review of the botanical gardens, museums and zoos), and status of invasive alien species and of ongo- the financial mechanism. These country-dri- ing measures addressing invasive alien ven projects need to be developed to show species under way within the Convention on clearly how the development of basic taxo- Biological Diversity, and the contents of the nomic capacity leads to an improved knowl- decisions taken by the sixth meeting of the edge base and understanding of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention biological resources held by the country, on Biological Diversity regarding invasive which can then be used to attract the neces- alien species177. sary investment in the full range of commer- 5.3 Planned activity 16: Support in imple- cial uses of components of that biological mentation of Article 8(j) diversity. i. Rationale Achieving tangible results in the short The Conference of the Parties has term will require the promotion of a series of acknowledged that traditional biodiversity- projects that have existing support from related knowledge (TBRK) has the potential within both developing and developed world to inform the activities of the Convention on institutions and that clearly lead to a conser- Biological Diversity. Before it can do so, vation or sustainable use outcome. A major indigenous and local communities require action plan should be developed with FAO, protection of their intellectual property in IARCs (especially CGIAR) and BioNET- any collaborative efforts aimed at meshing INTERNATIONAL as the key intergovern- traditional knowledge and science. Given mental organizations and non-governmental that the GTI has the potential to make tradi- organizations, among others. tional biodiversity-related knowledge more vi. Financial, human resources and other accessible to a wide range of users, due capacity requirements regard must be given to the concerns raised Capacity-building of taxonomic institu- by indigenous and local communities tions is a costly and ongoing matter, and regarding the right to preserve, protect and strategic input to help conservation and manage traditional biodiversity-related

177 See decision VI/23

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knowledge, particularly traditional taxo- with full and effective participation of nomic knowledge. indigenous and local communities. These In its decision V/16, the Conference of guides could highlight the similarities and the Parties endorsed a programme of work to differences between the two taxonomies implement Article 8(j) based on a number of and may be in the form of catalogues and principles, including full and effective partic- species lists, or be more targeted resource ipation of indigenous and local communities, material that provides interpretation infor- the valuing of traditional knowledge, mation for a wide variety of environmental acknowledgment of spiritual and cultural val- managers, in particular protected area and ues and the requirement for prior informed conservation managers. consent from traditional knowledge holders. iii. Timing Paragraph 17 of that decision requests the Preparation of guides to be completed as Parties to support the development of regis- part of implementation activities under ters of traditional knowledge, innovations Article 8(j). and practices of indigenous and local com- iv. Actors munities through participatory programmes National and subnational governments, and consultations with indigenous and local indigenous and local groups, indigenous communities, taking into account strength- research centres and indigenous non-govern- ening legislation, customary practices and mental organizations should take the lead in traditional systems of resources manage- this work element. Potentially the GBIF ment, such as the protection of traditional could play a lead role in providing a global knowledge against unauthorized use. role in information distribution. Some inter- A number of tasks in the programme of national and national institutions already work for the implementation of Article 8(j) hold significant information and have active have a direct bearing on the proposed activ- programs in compiling indigenous and local ities of the GTI, in particular tasks 1, 2 and taxonomies. These institutions, with the full 7 in phase 1 and tasks 6, 10, 13, and 16 in and effective participation of indigenous and phase 2 (decision V/16). local communities, should be encouraged Traditional knowledge systems include through additional “catalytic” funding to taxonomic information, which if used in ensure that their research practices are based combination with Linnaean taxonomies on agreement between parties and the prin- could support the GTI. Access to and use of ciple of prior informed assent. traditional knowledge must have the prior v. Mechanisms informed consent of the holders of that The Convention on Biological Diversity, knowledge and be based on mutually agreed UNESCO, the International Social Science terms. When this has occurred, comparison Council (ISSC) and the International of indigenous taxonomies and Linnaean tax- Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) offer onomies in different regions could be made the appropriate platform to develop with the to provide general principles to assist in the full and effective participation of indige- conservation and sustainable use of elements nous and local communities suitable plans of biodiversity in different ecosystems. of work leading to project development. ii. Outputs The Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Regional and subregional guides based Article 8(j) should play a key role in advis- on ethical research practices and developed ing on the development of projects.

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vi. Financial, human resources and other Convention, especially the key ecosystem capacity requirements themes. Thus the products of the GTI can New resources are required to initiate complement the Millennium Ecosystem this activity. Assessment activity in thematic ecosys- 5.4 Planned activity 17: Support for ecosystems, which in turn may illustrate the extent tem approach and work under the of removal of the taxonomic impediment - Convention on Biological Diversity on providing a positive feedback process. assessment including impact assessments, The GTI also has relevance to the suite monitoring and indicators of environmental conventions associated i. Rationale with the Convention on Biological Diversity Under the ecosystem approach, a key (e.g., the Convention on the Conservation of activity will be the Millennium Ecosystem Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the Assessment. The Millennium Ecosystem Convention on International Trade in Assessment will require considerable scien- Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and tific effort for the characterization of Flora (CITES), and the Convention on ecosystems, including better data on key Desertification), and to the Commission on species that comprise ecosystems and their Sustainable Development, all of which have role in maintaining ecosystem processes. In a direct interest in the outcomes of the many regions taxonomic knowledge needed Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. There to fulfil these efforts is not available, which is scope for linking envisaged work pro- will therefore require specific activities to grammes under the Millennium Ecosystem be undertaken (created under the GTI). The Assessment with the key action areas under Millennium Ecosystem Assessment seeks the GTI. policy-relevant information; the GTI is a ii. Outputs policy response to a recognized impedi- Production of taxonomic overviews to ment, or knowledge block, in our system of help guide the Millennium Ecosystem biodiversity understanding. The GTI seeks Assessment to focus on key areas and issues to facilitate gathering of the pertinent of importance. These overviews can be species information that would be used to compiled from work under the other opera- characterize ecosystems, including those tional objectives, but may need special that help to illustrate the value of goods and focus for the global ecosystem context of services flowing from ecosystems. the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment iii. Timing will be required to report on issues such as To be linked with the Millennium patterns of species and ecosystem diversity Ecosystem Assessment development and - the activities of the GTI in facilitating bet- programme. ter knowledge of the species and their dis- iv. Actors tribution will help provide this information. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment All information fed into the Millennium advisory mechanisms, and the UNEP World Ecosystem Assessment will need appropri- Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) ate geo-referencing - which is a key plank and UNESCO as key synthesizers. for all activities envisaged under the GTI. v. Mechanisms The GTI will also be focusing on taxonomic The Convention’s cross-cutting issue of activity in areas of relevance to the assessments and the programme of work on

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indicators of biological diversity include a The development of financial and human number of programme elements where resource requirements will need to be input from the GTI would be required, undertaken within the development of spe- including the development of a menu of cific Millennium Ecosystem Assessment indicators in thematic areas and develop- project proposals, as well as through agreed ment of methodology sheets, guidelines and activities in indicator development. training for supporting the development of 5.5. Planned activity 18: Protected areas national monitoring and indicator pro- Development of this activity will be under- grammes. Specific input required from the taken following discussion of this cross- GTI would be in the identification, develop- cutting work area. The GTI Coordination ment and testing of suitable indicators, and Mechanism could play an important role in priority taxonomic information required as proactively defining taxonomic needs input to scientific assessments. related to this planned activity for the ninth vi. Financial, human resources and other meeting of SBSTTA, prior to the seventh capacity requirements meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

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ANNEX 12.

COP DECISION VII/9: GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE

The Conference of the Parties, Mechanism of the Global Taxonomy 1. Notes the progress and commitment Initiative; being made in implementing the pro- 6. Requests Parties to report on the gramme of work for the Global Taxonomy status of implementation of the programme Initiative; of work for the Global Taxonomy Initiative 2. Invites Parties, other Governments, and further invites national and interna- regional and international organizations to tional, taxonomic institutions, funding orga- take full account of the importance of taxo- nizations, financial agencies, and the nomic capacities in achieving the goals of financial mechanism of the Convention to the Convention, to support taxonomic activ- contribute information on their relevant ities to attain the 2010 target, and to provide activities to the review of the Global all necessary support to national, and where Taxonomy Initiative for consideration by appropriate regional, taxonomic centres of the Conference of the Parties at its eighth research and expertise; and urges Parties, meeting; other Governments and relevant funding 7. Requests the Executive Secretary, in organizations to provide adequate and collaboration with the Coordination timely support to developing countries to Mechanism for the Global Taxonomy assist in the implementation of the Global Initiative to: Taxonomy Initiative, and for integrating (a) Ensure that appropriate taxonomic taxonomic capacity-building activities into expertise with balanced regional thematic and cross-cutting programmes, representation is included in inter- including supporting activities and projects, sessional meetings and expert such as, where appropriate, stand alone groups convened by the Secretariat capacity-building projects; as appropriate; 3. Invites Parties to appoint National (b) Develop the process and guide- Focal Points for the Global Taxonomy lines for the in-depth review, Initiative as called for in decision V/9, and including mechanisms for moni- urges all Parties to ensure that those focal toring progress in the implementa- points work with their taxonomic communi- tion of the programme of work for ties taking into account the programme of the Global Taxonomy Initiative, to work for the Global Taxonomy Initiative; be finalized during the tenth meet- 4. Requests Parties to appropriately ing of the Subsidiary Body on include and give full support to the taxo- Scientific, Technical and Techno- nomic work needed to accomplish the the- logical Advice for consideration at matic and cross-cutting programmes of the eleventh meeting of the work and activities under the Convention; Subsidiary Body; and 5. Invites developed country Parties to (c) Undertake an analysis of the provide technical and financial support existing thematic programmes of for the operations of the Coordination work and cross-cutting issues with

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respect to taxonomic components, initiatives, including the clearing- in order to more effectively build house mechanism, the Global taxonomy into the work pro- Biodiversity Information Facility, grammes and to develop an and regional and sub-regional tax- understanding of the taxonomic onomic networks in order to capacity necessary to accomplish develop more accessible informa- the targets of these programmes of tion sources for countries on their work. biodiversity; (d) Undertake a gap analysis of miss- (f) Ensure that there are linkages ing elements of the existing pro- between Articles 15 and 8(j) of the gramme of work for the Global Convention, decisions VII/19 A-F Taxonomy Initiative in the light of of the Conference of the Parties, the decisions at the sixth and sev- on access and benefit-sharing, and enth meetings of the Conference taxonomy; of the Parties, considering also the 8. Welcomes the contribution offered result of the regional workshops by the Government of Belgium through the held after the adoption of the pro- Directorate-General for Development gramme of work. Cooperation for training in taxonomy and (e) Further facilitate the synergistic collection management for developing collaboration between existing countries.

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ANNEX 13.

COP DECISION VIII/3: GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE: IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THE IMLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE GLOBAL TAXONOMY INITIATIVE

The Conference of the Parties 6. Recalling target 1 of the Global 1. Welcomes the progress made in the Strategy for Plant Conservation (“A widely implementation of the programme of work accessible working list of known plant for the Global Taxonomy Initiative, as species, as a step towards a complete world reported in the note by the Executive flora”), welcomes the progress made by Secretary (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/11/5) on Species 2000, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the in-depth review of the implementation Kew, and collaborating partners towards the of the programme of work for the Global achievement of this target; Taxonomy Initiative; 7. Adopts as a target under operational 2. Notes with appreciation the contribu- objective 3 of the programme of work for the tions to the Global Taxonomy Initiative made Global Taxonomy Initiative “A widely by BioNET-INTERNATIONAL the Global accessible checklist of known species, as a Biodiversity Information Facility, CABI step towards a global register of plants, ani- International, the Integrated Taxonomic mals, microorganisms and other organisms”, Information System (ITIS) and Species 2000 bearing in mind the urgent need for timely and encourages these organizations and ini- provision of scientific names of organisms to tiatives to continue contributing to the imple- support implementation of work under the mentation of the Convention; Convention on Biological Diversity; 3. Notes that some Parties and other 8. Adopts the planned activities to sup- Governments have made significant port implementation of the programmes of progress in implementing activities pur- work on mountain biological diversity, suant to the programme of work for the invasive alien species, protected areas, and Global Taxonomy Initiative; island biological diversity contained in the 4. Notes that the taxonomic impedi- annex to this recommendation as complement is particularly serious in countries mentary to the programme of work con- with mega-diversity; tained in the annex to decision VI/8; 5. Emphasizes the need to build and 9. Urges Parties and other Governments retain capacity to address the taxonomic that have not done so to: impediment, and in this context, explore a. Establish National Focal Points for options to ensure the long-term sustainability the Global Taxonomy Initiative so of the necessary financial support, and invites that they can contribute to imple- BioNET-INTERNATIONAL and other rele- mentation of the programme of vant organizations, in consultation with the work at national level; Coordination Mechanism for the Global b. Undertake or complete or update, Taxonomy Initiative, to establish a special as a matter of priority, national tax- fund for the Global Taxonomy Initiative, and onomic needs assessments, includ- to report on progress to the Conference of the ing related technical, technological Parties at its ninth meeting; and capacity needs, and establish

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priorities for taxonomic work that necessary to implement the take into account country-specific Convention; circumstances. These assessments d. Collect and disseminate informa- should take into account ongoing tion on the availability of taxo- national biodiversity strategies and nomic resources with a view to action plans as well as regional maximising the use of relevant strategies and initiatives under existing resources for the effective development, with particular regard implementation of the Global to user needs and priorities; Taxonomy Initiative; c. Contribute, as appropriate, to e. Develop and implement capacity- regional and global taxonomic building activities related to the needs assessments; Global Taxonomy Initiative, such d. Contribute, where possible, to the as training in the areas of identifica- implementation of the planned tion of taxa, information exchange activities contained in the pro- and database management, taking gramme of work for the Global into account national and region- Taxonomy Initiative; specific needs; e. Contribute, as appropriate, to ini- f. Mobilize financial and technical tiatives facilitating the digitization resources to assist developing coun- of information on specimens of tries, in particular least developed natural history collections, noting and small island developing States, the importance of accessible data and countries with economies in to support actions under the transition, including those with high Convention; levels of biodiversity, to build and 10. Invites Parties, other Governments, maintain systems and significant and relevant organizations and institutions to: institutional infrastructure in order to a. Use and support existing mecha- adequately obtain, collate and curate nisms for strengthening collabora- biological specimens as well as to tion and communication among facilitate information exchange, government agencies, the scientific including repatriation of informa- community, research institutions, tion, on their biodiversity; universities, collection holders, the g. Promote cooperation and network- private sector and stakeholders in ing at national, regional, sub order to improve the response to tax- regional and global levels in support onomic needs for decision-making; of capacity-building activities related b. Promote taxonomy and taxonomic to the Global Taxonomy Initiative, products and related research as a in accordance with Articles 18 and cornerstone for inventory and 15 of the Convention, by, inter alia, monitoring of biological diversity making information available in the framework of the implemen- through the clearing-house mecha- tation of the Convention and to nism and other means; achieve its objectives; h. Provide, within the framework of c. Develop and implement strategies the terms of reference contained in to support the taxonomic research decision V/9, clear guidance to

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National Focal Points for the Global Names of Known Organisms and Taxonomy Initiative on duties and the Catalogue of Life; specific tasks to better communicate d. Continue collaborating with exist- and promote the objectives of the ing initiatives, including those of Initiative, working in collaboration BioNET-INTERNATIONAL, the with other stakeholders and in accor- Global Biodiversity Information dance with country needs; Facility, IUCN, and CAB Inter- i. Facilitate, as appropriate, the inte- national, to develop the human gration of taxonomic information capacities, tools and infrastructure on nationally held collections in needed to support implementation regional and global databases and of the programme of work on the information systems; Global Taxonomy Initiative; 11. Requests the Executive Secretary to: e. Undertake, as part of the Global a. Consult with relevant organizations Initiative on Communication, and funding agencies regarding the Education and Public Awareness global taxonomic needs assessment programme and in collaboration called for in planned activity 3 of with relevant partners, activities the programme of work for Global demonstrating the importance of Taxonomy Initiative, in order to taxonomy for the general public, consider, inter alia, the scope of the including information on prod- assessment, options for methodol- ucts, lessons learned, and accom- ogy, and potential implementing plishments of taxonomy-related agencies, with a view to complet- projects, and activities encourag- ing the assessment as soon as ing public participation, recogniz- possible, taking into account users’ ing the importance of volunteer needs; naturalists and local and indige- b. Continue collaborating with rele- nous people as a source of vant conventions, organizations expertise; and institutions, and to foster syn- f. Develop, in consultation with the ergies between relevant processes Coordination Mechanism of the and programmes, in order to make Global Taxonomy Initiative, other available taxonomic information, relevant consultative bodies, stake- expertise and relevant technologies holders and organizations, for each needed to achieve the objectives of of the planned activities of the pro- the Convention on Biological gramme of work on the Global Diversity, noting in particular, tax- Taxonomy Initiative, specific taxo- onomic priorities at national, nomic, outcome oriented deliver- regional and global levels; ables to be considered as additions c. Continue collaborating with exist- under “(ii) Outputs” with a timeline ing initiatives, including the Global for possible consideration by the Biodiversity Information Facility, Conference of the Parties at its ninth the Integrated Taxonomic informa- meeting; tion System and Species 2000, to g. Report to the ninth meeting of the develop the Electronic Catalogue of Conference of the Parties on

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progress made towards the target Facility to conduct a joint analysis of for the programme of work as spec- funded GTI-related projects and relevant ified in paragraph 7 above; project information contained in national h. Include the Global Taxonomy reports, including analysis of the resources Initiative in the joint work plan directed specifically to capacity-building, between the secretariats of the with a view to extracting best practices Convention on Biological Diver- and sharing information and experience in sity and the International Plant promoting financial support for the Protection Convention, with a view Initiative; to exploring synergies in the work 15. Requests the Executive Secretary under the two conventions, with to convene, with support from relevant particular regard to invasive alien organizations and donors, a project develop- species; ment seminar aimed primarily for those i. Facilitate networking and collabo- countries that have already identified taxo- ration among National Focal Points nomic needs or that have submitted propos- for the Global Taxonomy Initiative als for pilot projects under the Global through, inter alia, the Global Taxonomy Initiative, to promote formula- Taxonomy Initiative portal; tion of country-driven projects based on j. Complete and publish the Guide to identified taxonomic needs and to explore the Global Taxonomy Initiative; potential benefits of developing new, and 12. Requests the Global Environment enhancing existing, regional or global pro- Facility to continue to support the imple- jects to address common taxonomic needs mentation of the planned activities con- that have already been identified. tained in the programme of work on the Global Taxonomy Initiative, including taxo- Annex nomic needs assessments, projects with a ADDITIONAL PLANNED taxonomic focus or clearly identified taxo- ACTIVITIES nomic components, and regional activities I. PLANNED ACTIVITY: MOUNTAIN on taxonomic capacity development and BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY access to technology; (i) Rationale 13. Further requests the Global 1. The taxonomic composition of Environment Facility to provide financial mountain biodiversity varies with the bio- resources to developing countries, in partic- geographic region, the latitude and the alti- ular the small island developing States tude of the mountain as well as with the among them, and countries with economies relief. In some cases, mountains provide a in transition, for projects which help to necessary seasonal resource for organisms establish and operationalize their national at other times found in lowland biomes. focal points for the Global Taxonomy Furthermore most groups of organisms have Initiative, as well as financial resources to representatives in the lowland as well as in support capacity-building activities such as, montane region, and so a vast range of inter alia, taxonomic training related to spe- groups of organisms is encountered rather cific taxa and information technologies; than a few taxonomic groups. Conse- 14. Requests the secretariats of the quently, montane regions are often hot Convention and the Global Environment spots of biodiversity, which renders their

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full taxonomic treatment a challenge and information, infrastructure and requires many actors and experts for differ- human resources to identify hot ent organisms. spots of mountain biodiversity and 2. As most mountain ranges extend to establish and monitor protected over considerable length and area, a areas. regional approach to mountain biodiversity (iii) Timing is of paramount importance, and relevant 4. As current knowledge of mountain information is available in many different biodiversity is still inadequate, the Global databases and inventories. Therefore, the Taxonomy Initiative will make an ongoing Global Taxonomy Initiative can contribute effort to develop and improve working lists to the mountain biodiversity programme of and working identification keys for mon- work in several ways, including collating tane organisms. Within the next three years, relevant information and expertise. it will attempt to develop taxonomic (ii) Outputs guides, computerized lists of montane 3. An increased knowledge of the organisms, and identification keys in con- species composition of mountains through sultation with appropriate national taxon- national taxonomic studies and inventories. omy and management agencies. The Global Taxonomy Initiative could aid (iv) Actors the programme of work on mountain bio- 5. The mountain biodiversity pro- logical diversity through: gramme of work identified many relevant (a) Working lists of organisms - assem- actors, such as Global Mountain bling working lists of organisms Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA) of occurring in montane areas includ- DIVERSITAS, Mountain Partnership, ing their vernacular names, with Mountain Forum, BioNET-INTERNA- reference to altitude and relief; TIONAL (to organize regional LOOPs), (b) Working identification keys – pro- the FAO for agricultural aspects, the clear- ducing identification keys in ing house mechanism of the Convention printed and electronic form useful and the Global Biodiversity Information for the conservation, monitoring Facility (GBIF), the Global Environment and sustainable use of organisms Facility (GEF) and national funding bodies in montane areas; for financial support, the Global Strategy (c) Dissemination of data – distribut- for Plant Conservation (GSPC) (for ing the working lists and keys as plants), national organizations, nature con- widely as possible to increase their servation agencies and programmes usefulness; including relevant non-governmental orga- (d) Human resources – address and nizations, local communities, and many support taxonomic experts to others. encourage their participation in 6. The scientific community with past relevant training programmes, and and current research programmes on moun- supporting the establishment of tain biodiversity and the natural history local reference and data collec- museums with specimens collected over tions of montane biota; decades hold a key role in providing the (e) Hot spots and protected areas – expertise and relevant information and providing relevant taxonomic should actively be included.

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(v) Mechanisms Consequently, taxonomic capacities and 7. Existing mechanisms, such as the information need to be accessible to all clearing house mechanism and countries in order to support effective pre- Coordination Mechanism of the Global vention and mitigation of potential impacts Taxonomy Initiative, Mountain Partnership, of invasive alien species. Better characteri- and Mountain Forum, and GBIF could be zation of species through research can be used to coordinate and promote the efforts.` key to prediction, early detection and moni- (vi) Financial, human resources and other toring of invasions. Better baseline taxo- capacity requirements nomic information on biological diversity in 8. Financial, human resource and areas that are exposed or vulnerable to key capacity building require funds to be identi- invasion pathways (e.g., marine ports) can fied within existing and new projects, as facilitate early detection of changes in well as additional resources to be made species composition that may result from available to increase technical capacity in invasive alien species. In addition, taxo- developing countries. nomic expertise can be important in the (vii) Pilot projects development of biological control measures 9. Pilot projects could be built on infor- which may be considered by decision-mak- mation for a number of montane regions of ers for addressing invasive alien species in the world, such as the Alps, the Andes, the particular cases. Himalayas, the Eastern Arc to produce the (ii) Outputs outputs in short term and to evaluate their 11. Outputs should comprise: usefulness. The Global Taxonomy Initiative (a) Databases of invasive alien could address, inter alia, the needs of local species and occurrences of inva- and regional capacity building by coordinat- sions, developed and/or expanded, ing workshops in collaboration with moun- and made widely available; tain partnership, Mountain Forum and (b) Working identification keys for DIVERSITAS, focussing on mountain bio- known invasive alien species diversity conservation and monitoring. associated with key invasion pathways produced and disseminated; (c) Working lists of organisms in II. PLANNED ACTIVITY: areas that are exposed or suscepti- INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ble to key invasion pathways pro- (i) Rationale duced and utilized by local 10. Prevention and mitigation of the monitoring authorities. impacts of invasive alien species often (iii) Timing relies on timely access to taxonomic exper- 12. Databases further developed tise, and to taxonomic resources such as and/or expanded and made widely available identification tools, information on species within two years. Working identification names, and biological reference collections. keys for known invasive alien species pro- For many pathways of introductions for duced and disseminated within three years. invasive alien species, effective prevention Working lists of organisms in areas that are and mitigation may depend on detection and exposed or susceptible to key invasion monitoring activities that are undertaken at pathways produced and utilized within subregional, regional or even global levels. three years.

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(iv) Actors established with the goal to conserve a sig- 13. Database development – IUCN nificant part of natural biodiversity, but usu- Species Survival Commission (SSC) ally based on limited knowledge or Invasive Species Specialist Group, Global available information about the biodiversity Invasive Species Information Network, they actually contain. With no complete clearing-house mechanism of the species inventory currently available for Convention, ITIS, IABIN, GBIF, any existing or planned larger protected area Species 2000, BioNET-INTERNATIONAL. and relevant taxonomic, distributional and Identification keys – scientific community, biological information about many taxa national Governments, natural history with high conservation value still missing, it museums and programmes. Working lists will be difficult to achieve meaningful con- of organisms in areas that are exposed or servation planning. The objective of the susceptible to key invasion pathways – programme of work on protected areas is to national governments, national and support the establishment of ecologically regional organizations including non-gov- representative and effectively managed ernmental organizations. national and regional systems of protected (v) Mechanisms areas. Activity 1.1.2 of the programme of 14. Coordinated efforts at the national work specifically calls for establishing pro- and global levels by the actors identified tected areas in any large, intact or highly above will be an important mechanism. In irreplaceable natural areas, as well as areas addition, existing mechanisms, such as the securing the most threatened species, and clearing-house mechanism of the Convention activity 1.1.5 requests that gap analyses at and the GBIF can function as information national and regional levels of the represen- portals. tativeness of the protected area system be (vi) Financial and human resources and undertaken (by 2006). The Global other capacity requirements Taxonomy Initiative could play an impor- 15. Financial, human-resource and tant role particularly for the identification, capacity building require resources to be establishment and management of protected identified within existing and new projects, areas (decision VII/28, annex, programme as well as additional resources to be made element 1) through focusing on biodiversity available to increase technical capacity in inventories and gap analysis of existing developing countries. GEF and national inventories, and in the development of stan- funding organizations would be important dards for managing and monitoring pro- sources of financial support. tected areas (decision VII/28, annex, programme element 4) through facilitating assessments and comparisons of different III. PLANNED ACTIVITY: taxonomic components of biodiversity cov- PROTECTED AREAS ered and sustained through the existing net- (i) Rationale work of protected areas. In light of threats to 16. Taxonomic expertise and informa- protected areas through climate change and tion constitute key requirements for conser- invasive alien species, it is important to vation planning and sustainable natural understand current constraints on species resource management. This is especially and populations, and how these would true in the case of protected areas, which are determine distribution under changing

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conditions. Access to accurate information botanic gardens and culture collections, and on current distributions and ability to model the IUCN Species Survival Commission, these is important for appropriate manage- together with nature conservation agencies ment and policy development. including international non-governmental (ii) Outputs organizations such as Conservation 17. Improved and augmented biodiver- International, BirdLife International, Flora sity inventories of protected areas of all and Fauna International, WWF, the World kinds, also to be expanded into monitoring Resources Institute (WRI), and local com- efforts to record changes of species and pop- munities. Parataxonomists could also play ulations over time. Taxonomic guides for an important role. Other actors include key invertebrate organisms, lower plants and the clearing-house mechanism of the microorganisms, economically important Convention and GBIF (as data portals), and threatened species. Information on cur- GEF and national funding organizations for rent distribution and occurrence of important financial support, and BioNET-INTERNA- species in protected areas, including popula- TIONAL (to organize regional LOOPs). tion trends. Identification of habitats and pri- Other biodiversity conventions, including ority setting for establishing new protected the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the areas, through plotting distributions of World Heritage Convention, the Convention species at local, national and regional levels. on Migratory Species, and the Convention Mobilization and augmentation of specimen on International Trade in Endangered and observational-level data pertaining to Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), species to allow modelling of current distri- and the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere butions and distributions under different (MAB) biosphere reserve programme could models of climate change and of other biotic also play an important role. Direct linkages and a biotic changes (e.g. land-use change, to relevant ongoing or planned taxonomy- invasive species). related, capacity building projects should (iii) Timing also be implemented, e.g., the International 18. The target date for activity 1.1.5, Pollinator Initiative (IPI), the Census of on conducting gap analysis is 2006. The tar- Marine Life (CoML), the Botanical/ get date for goal 4.3 (to assess and monitor Zoological Network for Eastern Africa, the protected area status and trends) and goal Partnerships of Enhancing Expertise in 4.4 (to ensure that scientific knowledge con- Taxonomy (PEET), and the recently pro- tributes to the establishment and effective- posed European Distributed Institute for ness of protected areas) of the programme Taxonomy (EDIT). of work is 2010. Hence, outputs need to be (v) Mechanisms produced within the next four years, but 20. Coordinated effort at national and efforts will need to be ongoing. global levels by the actors identified above (iv) Actors will be an important mechanism. 19. National agencies and local author- Mobilization of extant data and their pre- ities concerned with protected area adminis- sentation in an appropriate manner, with the tration and management in concert with development of the analytical tools, is taxonomic institutions, especially natural required. The need for identification keys, history museums, biosystematics units at inventories and primary data must be com- universities and other research institutions, municated effectively to the key agencies

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and funding bodies, with an indication of and sub humid land biological diversity, priority. mountain biological diversity and agricul- (vi) Financial, human resources and other tural al biological diversity) considered capacity requirements under the Convention. Thus, the planned 21. Insofar as the requirements need a activities already identified under opera- focus cutting across traditional work tional objectives 4 (on thematic programmes processes and patterns of the data providers, of work) and 5 (relating to work on cross funding will be required that is focussed at cutting issues) in the GTI programme of meeting the identified needs. work (decision VI/8, annex, planned activi- (vii) Pilot projects ties 8-18) already identified for thematic and 22. Stimulate and undertake efforts to cross-cutting programmes of work could carry out All-Taxon Biodiversity also be considered to generate taxonomic Inventories (ATBIs) in existing or planned information needed for the conservation of protected areas. Gap analyses of representa- island biological diversity, sustainable use of tive taxa found in protected areas, in the its components and fair and equitable shar- context of the distribution and presence of ing of benefits arising from its use. those taxa at other sites nationally and 24. However, recognizing the current regionally, demonstrating the development alarming rate of loss of island biological and use of such analyses in protected area diversity in both biodiversity ‘hot’ and selection and management. Mobilization of ‘cool’ spots; that due to their isolation, primary occurrence data of species in a pro- island environments are witnessing a unique tected area, provision of these data to evolution of often endemic and characteris- country of origin, and analysis of distribu- tic flora and fauna; that islands are micro- tions using a niche modelling system. cosms of their continental counterparts; that vulnerability of small islands require not only special but urgent attention, special IV. ISLAND BIOLOGICAL support is needed to islands, in particular DIVERSITY small islands, to implement, as a matter of 23. As noted in SBSTTA recommenda- urgency, the planned activities 8 to18 of the tion X/1, paragraph 6, islands incorporate GTI programme of work. In addition, for all the thematic areas (coastal and marine small islands in particular, regional biological diversity, forest biological diver- approaches to meeting taxonomic needs and sity, inland water biological diversity, dry building capacity should be emphasized.

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