- Making earth observation data more accessible

Roland Pitcher, CSIRO - Program Manager CERF Prediction Program

Hub researchers in the Prediction program are collaborating with the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON). GEO BON, a global Biodiversity Observation Network, is part of a larger entity, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) that is coordinating efforts to build a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). GEO BON is a Community of Practice fostering collaboration to make biodiversity data, information and forecasts more readily accessible to scientists, policymakers, and managers and is a key deliverable for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

GEO BON has 8 working groups, of which two have relevance to the Marine Biodiversity Hub: marine ecosystem change (group 5) and integration of observations and data in a modelling framework (group 7).

Working Group 5 on marine ecosystem change, aims to link existing marine biodiversity observation datasets, particularly those with a temporal component, for direct observation of change (eg. SAHFOS CPR is seen as an “Early Product"). The Marine Hub is an important link as it now holds significant Australian biological survey datasets. Monitoring datasets such as coral reef Long Term Monitoring Program (from hub partner Australian Institute of Marine Science) and temperate reefs monitoring program (from partner Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute) are also key resources. WG5 also aims to produce an updated classification of marine realms and ecosystems, collate relevant historical and archaeological data, standardise sampling protocols, stimulate new observation and monitoring (including of invasive species) and report periodically on biodiversity change.

Working Group 7 is about integrating direct biodiversity observations with remotely-sensed (and other large-scale/continuous coverage) data in a modelling framework to produce measures of biodiversity changes at a range of scales aiming for global coverage of terrestrial, freshwater and marine realms. These goals are relevant to the Marine Hub’s Prediction Program and identified future priorities.

The working groups are currently finalising their goals, activities and deliverables, to be incorporated in the GEO BON Implementation Plan due for release on World Biodiversity Day on 22 May 2010.

Further information:
WG5 - Carlo Heip c.heip@nioo-knaw.nl
WG7 - simon.ferrier@csiro.au
http://www.earthobservations.org/geobon.shtml