Tuesday 14 December

The new web site being launched today by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) aims to make information about the living world more accessible. It includes an innovative mapping tool developed by WCMC which will allow visitors to create their own maps using environmental data. Visitors to the site can use the tool to build interactive maps showing the distribution of marine turtles, and further applications will be provided.

'As environmental risk gains a higher profile, demand for objective, timely and accurate biodiversity data has increased including from the private sector.' said Mark Collins, Chief Executive of WCMC. 'This information is frequently required by non-specialists and must therefore be made easy to interpret. Our new web site goes some way to addressing these needs, however there is still much to be done. We are looking to build more partnerships in order to develop our pioneering work.

'WCMC supports environmental protection by supplying policy makers, planners and industry worldwide with accurate information on global biodiversity. Biodiversity describes the variety of living organisms from the smallest plankton in the ocean to the largest redwood tree in the forest.

The organisation is extremely popular with those needing information and advice. Its first web site attracted over 105,000 users a month (1.2 million hits a month), and it receives hundreds of telephone enquiries many requiring individual attention by WCMC experts. To address these needs WCMC, based in Cambridge, UK, is developing a range of new information services which has received sponsorship from BP Amoco, British Airways, Rio Tinto and Unilever.

The new web site provides an online catalogue of conservation sources and new publications, opportunities for online data contributions, a search engine to improve access to WCMC entire site of 12,500 pages and a demonstration of its new interactive mapping technology.

Although 40 per cent of WCMC income comes from inter-governmental sources, including the provision of data management and information services for international conventions and agreements, the private sector is seen as an increasingly important user of the Centre’s services.

'WCMC holds data in trust for the international community.' explains Mark Collins. 'Through the support of our private sector partners, we can make this valuable information accessible to non-profit making organisations and can help build capacity in developing countries.'   

WCMC manages the world's most comprehensive source of biodiversity data, collated by an international network of academics and researchers. WCMC adds value to this data through its analysis and presentation and makes it accessible to all who require it via a multi-media information service.

However, to compare this data collected using different methods and for different objectives, and make it meaningful to a wide audience requires considerable skill. To make environmental data easier to understand, WCMC with its partners have pioneered the development of indicator tools. An example of this is the Living Planet Index (© WWF 1999), a joint project with WWF and the New Economics Foundation, which gives an indication of the health of the planet by measuring abundance (area of forests, populations of marine species), and the Internet Map Server, which enables the creation of interactive maps showing a customised selection of biodiversity data.

'Biodiversity impacts the bottom-line in ways that are not immediately apparent,' comments Mark Collins, 'It is hard to estimate the damage done to a brand name or to the reputation of an organisation that becomes embroiled in an environmental incident. There is a growing realisation that minimising adverse environmental impact makes good business sense. Increasingly stake-holders are looking for evidence that an organisation can manage its exposure to environmental risk.

'Over 30 per cent of the FTSE 100 now produce environmental reports. It is compulsory in several European countries and a legal requirement for companies with a listing on the New York Stock Exchange. A recent study supported by the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions revealed that 70 per cent of those questioned expected their need for biodiversity information to increase. It is hoped that this will lead to more industry recognition of biodiversity indicators such as those developed by WCMC.

'Increasingly organisations that rely on natural resources must take on the role of guardian to ensure sustainable exploitation,' says Mark Collins. 'Through our work with clients in the private sector, we have increased our understanding of the type of support that business requires to develop a policy on biodiversity. A key element is access to objective environmental information, and the interpretative tools to go with it.'

WCMC's work for private sector clients is varied and has included: biodiversity profiles for petrochemical and mining industries, plant audits for pharmaceutical companies; environmental audits for DIY and other retailers and risk management information for banks and insurers. The organisation also forecasts industry needs for environmental information and devises programmes for environmental information management that it promotes to the private sector. One of these programmes led to the development of an oil spill Emergency Response Service, in partnership with IPIECA (International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association).

-ENDS-

 

Notes for editors follow

WORLD CONSERVATION MONITORING CENTRE, Cambridge, UK

The world's principal source of biodiversity information.

The World Conservation Monitoring Centre provides information services on conservation and sustainable use of the world's living resources, and helps others to develop information systems of their own.

WCMC has a global reputation for scientific rigour and excellence. This was demonstrated in 1999 when it was chosen by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to become the UNEP World Biodiversity Information and Assessment Centre.  

This move recognises the global need for reliable information on the status of the world's species and ecosystems, and for early warning of environmental problems. As part of its remit, WCMC is developing a biodiversity information assessment and early warning system that will support the work of decision-makers in governments, the private sector and by conservation and development agencies throughout the world.  

When it becomes a UNEP centre in July 2000, WCMC will enjoy enhanced international status. It will be better placed to collate and disseminate biodiversity information to the global community, and will find it easier to attract and employ staff and students from all parts of the world.  

WCMC aims to make information about the status of the living world more accessible. To meet this need, particularly from the private sector, WCMC is developing a range of information services which will provide access to unique data and the expertise needed to understand and apply it.

The World Conservation Monitoring Centre provides research, information and technical services so that decisions affecting the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources may be based on the best available scientific information. The Centre was founded in 1988 by IUCN – The World Conservation Union, UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme, and WWF – World Wide Fund for Nature.

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