Dear Mauri,
I am happy to see that recently GBIF has convenned a task group on Metadata (
http://www.gbif.org/News/NEWS1238585681) and wish a good start. I think metadatabase can play a vital role as an innovative means/tool to help educate communities on biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use.
The e-biosphere discussion group should also be concerned about the following issues related to 'Climate Change and Adaptation' while in discussion:
1. Identify and conserve agriculture, forest, land, water and soil management practices that are based on traditional Indigenous knowledge and that help increase the resilience of Indigenous Peoples communities to climate threats; [metadatabase of those best practices could be a great initiative]
2. Develop and apply innovative adaptation plans and communication strategies based on Indigenous systems that would help accelerate learning and knowledge sharing on climate change adaptation; [metadatabase should facilitate the role of knowldge access and sharing among the likely minded users]
3. Forge innovative partnerships that build adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities, including increased access to climate risk management knowledge, information, and services; [metadatabase of available information, controlled by networking/partner organizations]
Thus metadatabase can be an information sharing tool in the field of 'Climate Risk Management with Multiple Benefits'. We should try to do something for the vulnerable communities who have easy access to information in a simpler form of metadatabase.
We should develop mega projects addressing the above issues and seek funding.
Regards,
MS Hossain
