The Association for Biodiversity Information: Fact Sheet The Association for Biodiversity Information: Fact SheetThe International Network of Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centres
The Mission of the Association for Biodiversity Information is to work together as a network to collect, interpret, and disseminate ecological information critical to the conservation of the world's biological diversity.
WHAT IS ABI?
The Association for Biodiversity Information (ABI) is a private nonprofit association that strives to advance the goals of the natural heritage programs, conservation data centers and similar associated organizations.
ABI is governed by a Board of Directors elected from among the directors of the natural heritage programs and conservation data centers. The association is organized into geographic sections. Each section is encouraged to develop solutions appropriate to its region, and each elects its own representation to the ABI Board of Directors.
ABI will work with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and other supporters to assist its members to operate as a network to provide ecological information and services at a geographic scale beyond the jurisdiction of individual members; promote the distribution of data among the members such that local issues can be resolved with the benefit of a regional perspective; document technological advances and share these through printed and electronic media, annual meetings, and training programs; promote and administer regional and network- wide projects on behalf of the members; and expand the network to include new geographic areas and institutional partners.
WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF ABI?
The constituent members of ABI are institutions using consistent data standards and methods developed and promulgated by ABI and TNC and operating in a geographic area exclusive of other constituent members. ABI members should someday cover the earth with a complete mosaic of cooperating institutions - building, maintaining and reporting from a standard set of data about Earth's biodiversity.
Eligible founding members of ABI include the existing state, provincial and national natural heritage programs and conservation data centers. (Several special local jurisdictional data centers are "grandfathered" in as members.)
Other types of membership are available to data centers operating at the local level and in protected areas, as well as to data providers, data users and other collaborators.
WHY IS ABI NEEDED?
Much more can and should be done to advance the goals of the natural heritage programs and conservation data centers, and to create a worldwide network of institutions working cooperatively for the collection, management and application of biological and conservation information. Although TNC dedicates several million dollars annually toward Heritage Operations, it is clear that more funds need to be raised to adequately support the maintenance and continued development of the Heritage enterprise. ABI can add its own fund raising to an accelerated effort by TNC to meet the needs of individual programs and central operations.
The network has much to contribute toward the conservation of the worlds biodiversity. The network has been underutilized, especially at national and international levels. ABI can represent HP/CDCs and become the network's voice, and provide the network greater standing in national and international conservation efforts. ABI will increase the recognition of HP/CDCs, help bring network services and products to national and international audiences and in turn direct national and international support to network programs.
WHAT ARE THE DUES FOR MEMBERSHIP TO ABI?
(The membership will be surveyed to help determine the level of dues. Current suggestions for annual dues run from $500 to $1,000 for North American data centers, and $100 for centers in less-affluent jurisdictions.)
WHAT WILL ABI DO FOR MEMBERS?
ABI will develop and administer programs designed to strengthen member institutions. The association will lead discussions to define network-wide objectives, and develop strategies for achieving those objectives.
Through annual meetings, workshops, a newsletter and electronic media such as Internet, ABI will facilitate the free exchange of ideas and information.
ABI will work with TNC to disseminate information on new methods and technologies for collecting, managing and distributing biological information.
The association will promote programs to provide network data products and services. ABI will establish a structure for multi-institutional contracts by which two or more association members can effectively respond to requests for data managed among members. Where appropriate, ABI will develop and administer contracts on behalf of its members.
ABI will help to start new data centers, thus expanding the geographic and institutional scope of the network.
WHAT ROLE WILL THE NATURE CONSERVANCY PLAY?
For twenty years TNC has played a critical role in the formation of the heritage network, and TNC will be a partner in building ABI. ABI has received $20K in startup funds from TNC and will also receive additional assistance in developing ABI's own fundraising capabilities.
TNC will continue to work closely with the network of NHPs and CDCs in the development of methodology and software and maintenance of central databases. ABI's involvement in development and support of methodology and network databases will grow over time.
Where TNC operates, it will continue to be an important partner in developing and using heritage information, supporting individual data centers and projects, and generally assisting the advancement of the ABI mission.