Cop decision regarding open access for biodiversity data

[Donat Agosti]

Dear colleagues

COP-8, the follow-up party of the Convention on Biological Diversity,
ended on March 31 with a decision of importance for our work. Here the
excerpt:

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND THE CHM: Discussions on
scientific and technical cooperation and the CHM
(UNEP/CBD/COP/8/4/Rev.1, 17, 17/Add.1, and 18) took place in WG-II on
Thursday, 23 March, and Tuesday, 28 March. A decision was approved by
WG-II on 28 March.

On scientific and technical cooperation, delegates highlighted
collaboration with other initiatives, with Colombia stressing
repatriation of information. Canada urged parties to provide free and
open access to information and, supported by the EU, suggested reference
to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Brazil expressed
concern about the cost implications of CHM activities, and delegates
agreed to take notes of Brazil's reservation in the decision.

Final Decision: In the decision (UNEP/CBD/COP/8/L.5), the COP adopts the
annexed CHM updated strategic plan for the period 2005-2010 and the CHM
work programme up to 2010.

THE COP INVITES PARTIES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTS, AS APPROPRIATE, TO
PROVIDE FREE AND OPEN ACCESS TO ALL PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
PUBLIC-GOOD RESEARCH RESULTS, ASSESSMENTS, MAPS AND DATABASES ON
BIODIVERSITY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION
It also requests parties, and invites other governments and donors, to
continue providing financial and technical support to develop national
and regional CHMs.

The COP requests the Executive Secretary to prepare a report on progress
made in the implementation of the strategic plan of the CHM and its work
programme for 2005-2010, for COP-10 consideration.



Dr. Donat Agosti
Research Associate, American Museum of Natural History and Smithsonian
Institution

Email: agosti at amnh.org
Web: http://antbase.org
Skype: agostileu
CV: http://antbase.org/agosticv_2003.html

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