Further developments of
the
Ramsar Sites Information Service
In consultation with the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Wetlands International will maintain and further develop the internet presentation of the Ramsar Sites Information Service, including the web-enabled Ramsar Sites Database for public access.
Recently implemented:
- 90% of available Ramsar Information Sheets are now linked to the Database and viewable.
- NEW Electronically available maps of Ramsar sites (provided by Contracting Parties) are now linked to the database and viewable through the web mapper.
- All Directory entries
are now in html format as part of the Database.
- A map server module with GIS functionality has been developed to standards agreed with global partners.
- The Ramsar Sites Database has been linked to the map server and also to a data query builder to enable spatially related analysis.
Planned for early 2005
- Key floral/faunal species recorded at the Ramsar sites will be added into the Database.
- The web-enabled Ramsar Sites Database will be further developed to enable connectivity with the International Waterbird Census (IWC) dataset
Other related project developments
European Space Agency GlobWetland Project
Wetlands International is a partner within a consortium led by Atlantis Scientific Inc. of Canada which is now executing the European Space Agency GlobWetland project. The project aims to support those Ramsar Convention parties who have requested ESA assistance with application of remote sensed imagery to wetland inventory assessment, monitoring and management. The primary objective of the project consists of developing and demonstrating a standardised information service, based on Earth Observation technology. Wetlands International now hosts the "GlobWetland Information Service", a web-based database and open source GIS map server, with strong linkage to the Ramsar Sites Database. Try out the new web mapper HERE. More information will be posted on the Wetlands International website.
BCIS
The Biodiversity Conservation Information System describes an agreement between Non-Governmental Organisations that hold biodiversity data, to share access and also to ensure that holders remain responsible for data integrity while sharing access to the data. Wetlands International will make its data sets available using the BCIS protocols, in collaboration with the other nine partners of BCIS.
For more information go to http://www.biodiversity.org
