Meet SA's Biodiversity Advisor
The CEO of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Dr
Tanya Abrahamse, launched South Africa’s first online gateway to a
comprehensive array of biodiversity information resources and tools – the
Biodiversity Advisor, at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
This innovative tool is being launched as the sector marks the beginning of
2010 and the International Year of Biodiversity as declared by the United
Nations General Assembly.
The Biodiversity Advisor offers a host of unique cost and time saving
benefits for those requiring information regarding the distribution of species
and other biodiversity data for any specified area within South Africa’s
borders. The Advisor guides the user through the process of utilising
biodiversity information and in so doing eliminates the ‘guess work’.
Other noteworthy benefits offered by the Biodiversity Advisor include: access
to data aggregated from various sources; scientifically sound biodiversity data;
informed environmental decision-making; and useful linkages to other sources of
biodiversity data.
According to SANBI CEO, Dr Tanya Abrahamse: “The development of the
Biodiversity Advisor is indicative of SANBI’s commitment towards driving our
mandated responsibility to enable and ensure easy and affordable access to
accurate, reliable biodiversity information. We expect that the Advisor will
serve as a useful tool for academics, conservationists, developers, planners,
investors, and members of the public who may be interested in information of
this nature”.
In terms of its practical application, the Advisor provides support for
systems and processes including: Environmental Assessments (e.g. EIAs); Research
and Taxonomy; Species Distribution Modelling; and Systematic Biodiversity
Planning.
Users no longer need to pay to obtain biodiversity information. With the
Biodiversity Advisor, this information is now available at the touch of a button
– for free!
Prepare to be empowered, visit:
http://biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org
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