Survey on enhancing data standards, accessibility and use for invasive alien species (IAS) |
1. General introduction
Goal and context of the survey
To address invasive aliens species (IAS) challenges, we need data about where they occur, how we can manage them and how we can prevent new invasions. Efforts to observe and manage IAS have expanded significantly, but challenges with respect to data accessibility, data sharing and data use remain. To help address these issues, two new task groups were launched in 2024:
- GBIF Task Group on IAS, focused on mobilizing and improving biodiversity data for IAS research and policy.
- TDWG Task Group on IAS, working to enhance the standardized exchange of IAS data.
This survey is a first step to achieve the goals of this task group. We are targeting anyone that collects, uses and or curates data on alien and invasive species, including species checklists - researchers, data managers, environmental managers and government personnel. Your experience and input will provide valuable guidance for our collaborative efforts to make up to date information on invasive alien species readily available to those who need it, when they need it.
How to complete this survey?
The questions are specifically applicable, but not limited, to activities related to invasive alien species. We define invasive alien species as non-native organisms that cause significant harm to biodiversity, ecosystems, and human activities. These activities may also include non-IAS, as long as the main focus is on IAS. The data may be collected or used in the context of one or more projects. Because of this, not all answer options will apply to all of your activities. Please select all the options that are relevant, even if they don't apply to all of your activities.
How will we use your data?
Information gathered through this survey will be used in a public report focusing on current practices in IAS data collection, curation and use. Your name and email will only be used by task group members to contact you for further information if needed. Your name and email will be deleted after the project.
Contact information
Name: Lien Reyserhove
Affiliation: Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
email: ias-survey@inbo.be
To address invasive aliens species (IAS) challenges, we need data about where they occur, how we can manage them and how we can prevent new invasions. Efforts to observe and manage IAS have expanded significantly, but challenges with respect to data accessibility, data sharing and data use remain. To help address these issues, two new task groups were launched in 2024:
- GBIF Task Group on IAS, focused on mobilizing and improving biodiversity data for IAS research and policy.
- TDWG Task Group on IAS, working to enhance the standardized exchange of IAS data.
This survey is a first step to achieve the goals of this task group. We are targeting anyone that collects, uses and or curates data on alien and invasive species, including species checklists - researchers, data managers, environmental managers and government personnel. Your experience and input will provide valuable guidance for our collaborative efforts to make up to date information on invasive alien species readily available to those who need it, when they need it.
How to complete this survey?
The questions are specifically applicable, but not limited, to activities related to invasive alien species. We define invasive alien species as non-native organisms that cause significant harm to biodiversity, ecosystems, and human activities. These activities may also include non-IAS, as long as the main focus is on IAS. The data may be collected or used in the context of one or more projects. Because of this, not all answer options will apply to all of your activities. Please select all the options that are relevant, even if they don't apply to all of your activities.
How will we use your data?
Information gathered through this survey will be used in a public report focusing on current practices in IAS data collection, curation and use. Your name and email will only be used by task group members to contact you for further information if needed. Your name and email will be deleted after the project.
Contact information
Name: Lien Reyserhove
Affiliation: Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
email: ias-survey@inbo.be