Building: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Room: Sala dei Continenti
Date: 2013-10-30 05:25 PM – 05:40 PM
Last modified: 2013-10-07
Abstract
In light of the 2020 biodiversity targets made by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), research priorities focusing on mastering the accuracy, storage and fitness to users of biodiversity data continue to yield promising results. Through the GBIF global networks data portal, more than 338 million primary biodiversity data records are accessible (Faith et al. 2013). Standards for data collection and administration are still being revolutionized to allow effective processing and use. However, these data are not representative of all worldwide potential ecosystems. In addition, the lack of information on biodiversity, as well as gaps and inaccuracies still constitute a challenging issue. This mainly concerns developing countries and particularly in Africa, the sub Saharan region. Rwanda is a typical example; belonging to the Albertine Rift of Africa, known to be a rich biodiversity area with a high number of Albertine Rift endemic flora and fauna, some of them endangered. More importantly, the lack of biodiversity information threatens the process of informed decision making when it comes to natural resources management and conservation planning. To achieve Aichi Target 13 of the CBD (which seeks to safeguard genetic diversity), all gaps must be effectively filled. Ecosystem-level processes; species-level diversity and genetic diversity information must be included. This process is challenging, but should first include the institutionalization ICT integration of bioinformatics techniques and biodiversity data information mobilization and administration.
On-going opportunities for involvement and ownership of biodiversity informatics initiatives by NGOs, research institutions and almost all partners in conservation; local communities and the Government marks a promising future. Conservation genetics research emphasizing the use of bioinformatics and GIS in natural resources management as decision-making tools provides an efficient way to solve most of the highlighted problems. As this is part of my research, my presentation summarises my research journey on what has been done in the domain of biodiversity informatics in Rwanda and the region. It touches on the future of the highlighted key components of biodiversity data management and administration systems.
Furthermore, it underlines the major collaborative efforts that contribute to the implementation of scientific evidence-based decision making in Rwanda. These include national, regional and international organisations and partners amongst others the Directorate General of Science, Research and Technology, the Albertine Rift Conservation Society and especially JRS Biodiversity Foundation. Future directions target the establishment of a functioning common platform for biodiversity information data sharing and use at the national and regional level.