Geo-referencing Training of Trainers Workshop

ANNOUNCEMENT

Geo-referencing Training of Trainers Workshop

6^th – 10^th September 2010

ORGANISED BY

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology

Global Biodiversity Information Facility

FUNDED BY

Capacity Enhancement Programme for Developing Countries

Contact Information

TanBIF Secretariat, P.O Box 4302, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Tel: 255 22 2700749

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BACKGROUND

Uses of primary biodiversity data are wide and encompass virtually every aspect of human endeavor. These uses of biodiversity data include agriculture, forestry, and fishery production, prediction of epidemiological diseases and invasive species, conservation planning, reserve selection, development of environmental regionalization, climate change studies, biogeography studies, species translocation studies etc.

Nevertheless, in order to use biodiversity data extensively, the data have to be captured in electronic format and openly be available. However, according to the biodiversity data provider survey carried out in Tanzania in 2007, despite the fact that Tanzania has enormous data on biodiversity, most of the data were not captured in electronic format and therefore their uses are very limited.

On the other hand, report on biodiversity information needs analysis carried out in Tanzania in 2007 concluded that biodiversity data are vital in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and MKUKUTA. In addition, primary biodiversity data can contribute to the various National reports relating to biodiversity including report on the Biological Diversity (CBD), CITES and Ramsar conventions, millennium ecosystems assessment etc. Many institutions including government ministries, academic, R&D institutions and NGOs showed their need to biodiversity data and information for decision making as well as advancing science (analysis) and technology.

However, both studies, the needs analysis and data providers survey identified the capacity in terms of ICT infrastructure, experience and expertise in the area of biodiversity informatics as key obstacles hindering the availability and accessibility of biodiversity data in Tanzania. In order to bridge this information and knowledge gap, the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) in collaboration with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) are planning to hold a training of trainers’ workshop on Geo-referencing. The workshop will be held in Dar es Salaam from 6^th - 10^th September 2010.

The workshop is open to anyone who is interested in research and digitization of biodiversity data. Participants to this workshop are expected to contribute to TanBIF mission of mobilizing and sharing biodiversity data and information via the Portal http://www.tanbif.or.tz . Priority for the training is given to the members of the Tanzania Biodiversity Information Facility (TanBIF).

PARTICIPATION

This training is open to biodiversity data and information managers, researchers and curators in Tanzania. Priority is given to members of the Tanzania Biodiversity Information Facility (TanBIF). English is the language of instruction. It is assumed that all participants have at least a basic appreciation of computers and Internet. The training will accommodate 30 participants only.

An Application Form is included in this Announcement. Completed application forms with signed authorization should reach the TanBIF Secretariat by 30^th August 2010.

FUNDING AND FINANCE

This course is sponsored by the Department of Environment, Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Capacity Enhancement Programme for Developing Countries (CEPDEC). CEPDEC is a multi-stakeholders approach to support sustainable social and economic development by making biodiversity data and information easily accessible and improving capacity to utilize this information in developing countries. This three-year Pilot Project started in 2007 is implemented in Tanzania, by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) in partnership with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

The sponsorship covers travel, accommodation, light refreshments and lunches.

ORGANIZERS

The workshop is being organized by the Tanzania Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH) in collaboration with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The TanBIF Secretariat will be happy to answer any questions about the workshop or participant attendance.

COSTECH

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is a national body established by the Parliamentary Act of 1986. The Commission is an advisory body of the government and a coordinating agency on all matters pertaining to science and technological development. COSTECH is responsible for coordination of research as well as the transfer and assimilation of technology for national development. It has been in the forefront in promoting usage of information and communication technologies (ICT) for science, rural development, poverty reduction and good governance in the country. COSTECH has been collaborating with national and international agencies/organizations to assist government departments, R&D institutions, S&T institutions, schools, NGOs and individual scientists to acquire ICT skills. For more information please visit its website http://www.costech.or.tz .

TanBIF

TanBIF is a National coordinating body established on 30^th August 2007 with the overall aim of furthering technical and scientific efforts to promote the mobilization, sharing and utilization of biodiversity data and information in Tanzania. It comprises a wide range of participants, including national universities, Research and development institutions, government departments, and NGOs that intend to provide free and universal access to data and information regarding Tanzania’s biodiversity. TanBIF is a national node of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The Secretariat is hosted by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology. Currently you can access more than 200,000 country biodiversity records through the TanBIF Portal http://www.tanbif.or.tz

GBIF

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is an international organization whose mission is to make the world’s biodiversity data freely and universally available via internet. GBIF is a distributed facility that consists of network of Participant nodes that share biodiversity data openly and freely using common data and metadata standards. The GBIF Secretariat, located in Copenhagen, is responsible for coordinating the activities of its Participants’ national nodes, developing and carrying out outreach and training activities, developing and maintaining the core services for the GBIF portal, which currently provides access to more than 203,173,379 biodiversity data records http://www.gbif.org .

To view application form, Please click the link: Geo-referencing Workshop Application form.

COSTECH