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Numéro du projet : ASE/B7-6201/IB/1996/0115 |
Direction : D | |
Pays/région : Asie Sud-Est régionale |
Intitulé : Electronic compendium for forestry in Asia-Pacific | |
Ligne budgétaire : B7-6201 |
Resp. géog. : Gwyn Morgan | |
Numéro direction : 1996/0115 |
Resp. tech. : Andy Roby | |
No SEM/ALA : |
Resp. fin. : Alain Jemine |
A. Objectif de l'action envisagée :
General: to maximise the socio-economic and environmental benefits of the sustainable management of primary tropical forests, forest plantations, agroforestry and social forestry programmes; and improve the conservation of primary forests.
Specific: to improve the uptake of knowledge on forest tree species in the Asia-Pacific Region leading to improved efficiency of forest management, research and training
B. Description :
1. Preparation: Compilation of species lists, identification of data sources, refining design of database, writing the software to run the database
2. Data collection, entry and compilation: preparation of data sheets, collection, entry, compilation and bibliography
3. Testing and user manual: testing the database on sample of users, writing the manual
4. Production of CD-ROMs: production of first edition
C. Justification :
The output of the Project will be an encyclopedic information resource on species characteristics relevant to the management and use of economically important forest trees of the Asia-Pacific presented on CD-ROM for use on personal computers (chip 486+). It will contain species reviews, bibliographies, abstracts, illustrations, maps, taxonomic and terminological databases, and an interactive guide to species selection in a user-friendly format. A key feature will be the interpretation of knowledge by experts, in terms of its application to forestry practice. The project has been formulated in response to expressed user needs and will be executed with the engagement of specialists at institutions throughout the world. It is complementary to other initiatives funded by the European Community, notably PROSEA, and will be useful in a number of ongoing EC projects in SE Asia and the Pacific. Improved decision making on choice of tree species resulting from use of project outputs will help to maximize socioeconomic and environmental benefits to local peoples.
Although there is considerable demand for this compendium, the private sector has proven too fragmented to supply the necessary development capital. Therefore a Consortium of donors has been assembled to fund the production and publishing of a first edition, after which its dissemination and updating will be self-financing through sales income from the product. Variable pricing (US$100 - 400) will allow the less well-off user access to this tool whilst ensuring that the compendium is not taken for granted.
D. Modalités d'exécution :
(Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International)
CABI is a treaty-level, international, intergovernmental, non-profit organisation owned and governed by its Member Countries. Its mission is to help improve welfare worldwide throught the dissemination, application and generation of scientific knowledge, with emphasis on agriculture, forestry, human health and the management of natural resources, and with particular attention to the needs of developing countries. The headquarters is in the UK, and there are regional offices in Asia (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Africa (Nairobi, Kenya) and the Caribbean (Curepe, Trinidad and Tobago).
The electronic compendium concept was originally developed by CABI in the context of crop protection. CABI is in a unique position to be able to complete this forestry compendium; it has over 50 years' experience as a forestry information provider/publisher, including the CAB ABSTRACTS database of the world's scientific literature.
More importantly, it has recently moved into the production of multimedia electronic information tools. CABI is also well-placed to conduct such a project given its position as a non-profit, intergovernmental organization with its representation in the Asia-Pacific region through its regional office in Malaysia and a research station in Pakistan. It has strong connections in many national forestry institutions in the target region. It also has a mission to assist the process of development, which is embodied in its commitment to bring this range of products to market at an affordable price in the region concerned.
This compendium will be undertaken by CABI in association with the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and collaborating institutions in the Asia-Pacific Region and elsewhere.
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