in Sri Lanka - Ministry of Environment

Further, evaluation of the conservation status of species is based on an objective process thatrequires great deal of information on species. In order to facilitate collection and analysis of suchdata, a National Species Database (NSD) has been established in the BDS. The database needsto be expanded in order to accommodate as many taxonomic groups as possible. Further, theinformation on species has to be updated regularly as new information becomes available. Thus,the NSD should be maintained and updated on a regular basis by the SCU, with inputs fromindividual researchers and other institutions. In order to ensure wider use of NSD, it should bemade available to researchers and students through the Internet. However, this should be madepossible only after ensuring data safety and integrity as well as a detailed set of guidelines forusers. Researchers should be encouraged to use the database for non-commercial purposes,analyse it to identify trends and also update the NSD with their own research findings. Such aprocess could be facilitated through a formal agreement between the Ministry of Environment andthe individual researcher and/or research institute. A MOU should be developed to facilitate suchinformation exchange. Further, the NSD should be integrated with other relevant databases (i.e.the national wetland database) after formulation of necessary guidelines for data sharing. Also,an incentive/ a rewarding mechanism should be established to encourage individual researchersto deposit publications (research papers, articles, books, monographs, thesis etc.) in the SCUlibrary. As a part of this exercise, a virtual library containing all published information on SriLankan biodiversity should be established in the BDS. As a part of their terms of reference, theSCU should prepare quarterly catalogues on new research outputs related to biodiversity, andforward it to researchers. Further, the national Redlist should be updated at least every two yearsbased on new data that becomes available on species.Area of focusResponsibleInstitution/sTechnicalsupportTime FrameExpansion of the database to include taxathat are not currently availableBDS (SCU)NASCAG, ExpertgroupsOngoing processCollection of new information on taxa that arealready listed in the databaseBDS (SCU)INASCAG, ExpertgroupsOngoing processEvaluation or reevaluation of species basedon new informationBDS (SCU)NASCAG, ExpertgroupsOngoing processUpdating and publication of the NationalRedlistBDS (SCU)NASCAG, ExpertgroupsJanuary 2015Propose revisions to the IUCN global RedlistBDS (SCU)IUCN, ExpertgroupsOngoing processEnsure data safety and integrityBDS (SCU)NASCAG, Expertgroups, NEC-BdOngoing processPrepare guidelines to use the database BDS (SCU) NASCAG, NEC-Bd June 2013Host the database in the Worldwide Web BDS (SCU) NASCAG December 2013Establish a network of researchers that cancontribute to the RedlistPublish a quarterly catalogue on researchoutputs related to Biodiversity of Sri LankaBDS (SCU) NASCAG, NEC-Bd December 2013SCU NASCAG Ongoing process347