FIt-for-Purpose Data

• Processing a GBIF-mediated dataset and making it “fit-for-purpose”

Data for Species Assessments

• Using GBIF-mediated data for creating species distribution maps using IUCN mapping standards 

• Using GBIF-mediated data for assessing species conservation status using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria 

Ecological Niche Modelling

• Introduction to running and interpreting a basic ecological model to determine the distribution of a species

• Exploring niche modelling under different environmental conditions

Mainstreaming Biodiversity Data

• Receive a framework for the integration of biodiversity data within the decision making process and understand the importance of data within that framework

• Learn how to identify relevant policy entry points and key stakeholders 

• Learn how to develop a communication strategy to influence key stakeholders in decision making process 

The training will have online and onsite components and both will have a strong practical approach (including a significant component of group work). 

To make best use of the activities around this workshop, the participants should possess the following skills and knowledge:

• have a university-level education in biodiversity informatics, ecology or conservation;

• have some understanding of computer-based geographical and statistical analysis tools e.g. GIS and R, and may have already run analyses using these tools;

• have an understanding of national and/or international biodiversity policy e.g. the Convention on Biological Diversity, Sustainable Development Goals, CITES etc;

• have a good command of English. 

• be able to disseminate the knowledge acquired during the workshop among the rest of the partners of their BID projects.

Objectives have been designed in line with Bloom's taxonomy of learning domains, a framework for the development of analytical and critical thinking in education.  A short introduction to Bloom’s taxonomy can be found here. 

Objectives of this course are:

• Understanding data quality issues that may affect data use and how to handle these data quality issues
• Discern between IUCN mapping protocols and the data requirements of these protocols
• Apply criterion B of the IUCN Categories and Criteria for the assessment of a species conservation status using a fit-for purpose dataset
• Explain difference between fundamental and realized niches
• Explain how to delimit a training region
• Generate a simple niche model
• Explain niche model results
• Identify areas of uncertainty in projection
• Develop a biodiversity data mainstreaming strategy that considers the national context
• Identify policy entry points and categorize key stakeholders with respect to their relative influence
• Develop a communication strategy and convincing arguments for the integration of biodiversity into decision making processes

Upon successful completion of the course and successful assessment of assignments (by trainers and mentors), participants have the opportunity to receive an official certification in the form of a Mozilla Open Badge.

Participants are required to submit Use Case 2 and Use Case 3 and each Use Case is scored against the educational rubrics  (EN, FR, SP, RU) for the course.