Lessons from Integrated Biodiversity Information System Implementation Initiatives

Abstract

Biodiversity information system (BIS) plays an essential role in supporting research, exploration, and conservation activities of biodiversity. However, the implementation of BIS is complex and challenging because it involves many stakeholders and various datasets and systems. As a developing country, Indonesia started to implement the integrated BIS because of its benefit to managing Indonesia's biodiversity effectively. This paper attempted to explore the lesson learned of BIS implementation in several countries that may be useful for other countries to develop and implement BIS. This research was accomplished by conducting four focus group discussions (FGDs) that involved a representative of stakeholders, practitioners, and experts of a biodiversity information system in discussing issues in BIS implementation. The first FGD was conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia, which involved 16 participants. The second FGD has invited thirteen members and conducted them in Taiwan. The third session of FGD has been done by discussing with six members of FGD in Spain. The last FGD was held in Japan and invited eight members from several South Korea and Japan institutions. The output of FGDs was an analysis of five themes were identified, including data management, technology infrastructure, funding management, stakeholder involvement, and specialized agency. Stakeholder involvement is important to formulate policies and support BIS implementation and utilization sustainability. The lesson related to funding resources is that many organizations or people must be managed in centralization. It means a specialized agency is needed to conduct and control all programs related to BIS implementation.