ETFRN Workshop: Participatory assessment, monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity (PAMEB)

European Tropical Forest Research Network

Participatory assessment, monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity (PAMEB)

Internet workshop 7 - 25 January 2002, and policy seminar 21 May 2002
convened by the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford

17-18 January: Key theme 4: Information needs of different actors

Setting the scene
Introduction
Discussion results
Case studies
Further contributions by participants

Setting the scene

In this section we consider the ways in which different stakeholders in biodiversity assessment and their information needs have been identified.

There has been progress in recognising the need for data, with emphasis on quantitative (or quantifiable) scientific information. However, a focus on both cultural and ecological data helps to illuminate points of intersection or domains where existing local practices of resource use or belief come together with protected area priorities.

There is a need to explore the form, function, limitations and feedback loops associated with the data acquired through the methods described in the previous section. Thinking about the different users of biodiversity information, we could ask:

What information do they need to help them in their tasks?
Do the data being produced match these needs? If not why not?
What are the bottlenecks and constraints to producing useful and relevant information? Are they technical, methodological or process-based? Are they financial? Or are they related to lack of institutional will and commitment to 'publicly' gathered and structured data?

This theme will focus on the following questions:

Who are the users of biodiversity assessments?
What form do they need biodiversity information in and why? What purpose do they put that information to?
Where do they currently get the information they need? Is it in the form which is most useful to them?
Are there other sources or types of biodiversity information which would be useful to them? This may include conscious information needs, and may also include information which they are currently unaware of 'needing' but which might be useful to them, or change the way in which they make decisions.
How could biodiversity information from other stakeholders' assessments be usefully communicated? What might be the outcomes (both advantages and disadvantages)?
What are the research priorities in this area, and how can they be addressed?

Introduction

Rodriguez, C., M. C. van der Hammen, Participation: Stakeholders and the information they need, introduction to theme 4, Word (34 kb) or pdf (15 kb)

Discussion results

Summary of Day 10, 17th January 2002 by Sasha Barrow
Summary of Day 11, 18th January 2002 by Izabella Koziell

Case studies

Rijsoort, J. van, J.F. Zhang, Development of Participatory Resources Monitoring in two nature reserves in Yunnan, P.R. China, Word (98 kb) or pdf (44 kb)

CIFOR (Sheil, D.), Biodiversity, landscapes and local interests & Understanding local peoples' perceptions of what is important in the landscape', Word (33 kb) or pdf (14 kb)

Further contributions by participants

Additional links on this theme

CBD-SBSTTA. Sept 2001, Main Theme: Forest Biological Diversity - Report of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Forest Biological Diversity to SBSTTA 7, Word (272 kb) or pdf (119 kb)
Source and copyright: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, http://www.biodiv.org/

Davidson-Hunt, I. J., Ecological Ethnobotany: Stumbling Toward New Practices and Paradigms, Word (115 kb) or pdf (48 kb)
By courtesy of MASA (Manitoba Anthropology Students' Association) http://geocities.com/masa_2003_2004/

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Nov 2001. Earth Negotiations Bulletin, Vol. 9 No. 219, SBSTTA 7 final report, pdf (184 kb)
By courtesy of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) http://www.iisd.org, Earth Negotiation Bulletin http://www.iisd.ca/enbvol/enb-background.htm

Lawrence, K., Contribution to discussion (18 Jan), Participatory monitoring in the Philippines, Word (36 kb) or pdf (14 kb)

Lowe, R.G., Contribution to discussion (22 Jan), Word (23 kb) or pdf (10 kb)

Turner, N. J., Ethnobotany: Future Directions for the New Millennium, Word (45 kb) or pdf (19 kb)
By courtesy of MASA (Manitoba Anthropology Students' Association) http://geocities.com/masa_2003_2004/