Department of Sustainable Development

Biodiversity

The Americas is one of the most important and diverse areas of biological diversity to be found on the planet: it host eight of the world’s 25 most diverse and critically important ecosystems. A main focus of the work of the OAS is to support the exchange of information critical for decision-makers and the public in conserving this rich and unique heritage.

Ongoing Projects and Initiatives

1. The Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (IABIN)

IABIN is a consolidated internet-based forum for technical and scientific cooperation, which improves the accessibility, completeness and interoperability of biodiversity databases, and promote standards for data exchange and shared vocabularies. The 34 member countries of the OAS have a IABIN Focal Points who serve as a national liaison on all IABIN issues.

Component 1: Interoperability and Access to Data

Enhance the information system infrastructure to search, evaluate, and access biological data and information from a distributed network of cooperating data and information sources from across the Americas More ...

Component 2: Data Content Creation

Provide technical leadership to IABIN participating Countries as they develop data for access within the IABIN network to improve the availability of critical biodiversity data and metadata More ...

Component 3: Value-Added Tools

Contribute to improve connectivity between biological and non-biological data, includes tools that will allow the user to ask questions from biodiversity and socio-economic databases in an integrated manner More ...

Contact Information:

Richard Huber, Division Chief, GS/OAS/DSD

Carolina Peña, Project Coordinator, GS/OAS/DSD

Rita Besana, Data Content Manager, IABIN Secretariat

Boris Ramirez, Thematic Network Coordinator, IABIN Secretariat

Jeannette Galvez Administrative Assistant, IABIN Secretariat

Brochure

2. Western Hemispheric Migratory Species Initiative (WHMSI)

WHMSI is building country capacity to conserve and manage migratory wildlife. It improves hemispheric communication on conservation issues of common interest, provides training in priority areas, strengthens the exchange of information needed for informed decision-making, and provides a forum to address emerging issues such as new threats to migratory species, or the connections between wildlife disease and human diseases. More ...