Ornamental Stingrays: Field trip aims to gather data for a population study of the species Potamotrygon - Committee for the Amazon Regional ...
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BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER
EDITION N.8, MARCH-APRIL 2021
Potamotrygon wallacei
©RICHARD HARWICKE
Ornamental Stingrays:
Committee for the Field trip aims to gather
Amazon Regional data for a population study
Observatory of the species Potamotrygon
wallacei
This is the Bioamazon Project Newsletter, of the Amazon
Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO). It is published every
two months to disseminate the actions and results of the
Project and its partners.
Implemented by:
german
cooperation
Bolivia Brazil Colombia Ecuador Guyana Peru Suriname Venezuela
2 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021
Dear readers,
We are pleased to send you the eighth edition of our Bioamazon Newslet-
ter, bringing news about the activities of the Permanent Secretariat and
partner institutions in the Member Countries of the Amazon Cooperation
Treaty Organization (ACTO).
In this edition you will have the opportunity to read a synthesis about
the progress of the implementation of the Amazon Regional Observatory
(ARO), as the main points highlighted in the presentation meeting to the
Amazon countries and the next steps for the implementation of the ARO
Steering Committee, for which six countries have already defined their
representatives. The Amazon Regional Observatory is the result of a deci-
sion adopted during the XI Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs that
instructed the ACTO Permanent Secretariat to develop ARO, which is a
priority for our Amazon Region.
From the institutions that implement the Regional Project for the Mana-
gement, Monitoring and Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Species Threa-
tened by Trade (Bioamazon Project) we also have good news such as the
development and implementation of the Biodiversity Information System
of the National Museum of Natural History in Bolivia; the creation of the
Biodiversity Data and Information Network in Ecuador; the results of a
field trip to collect data for the study of the population of the ray species
Potamotrygon wallacei in Brazil and the strengthening of the initiative for
sustainable management and the mechanism of traceability of Amazo-
nian species in Guyana.
Greetings and a nice reading.
Ambassador Carlos Lazary
Executive Director
Permanent Secretariat
Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 3
ACTO News ACTO and Member Countries begin the process of defining the Management Committee for the Amazon Regional Observatory Delegations from Amazonian countries praised the initiative to implement ARO and pledged to share official information from countries on biodiversity In a special virtual meeting, held on April 5, the Permanent Secretariat of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (PS/ACTO) presented to the delegations of the Member Countries the proposal for a Management Committee for the Amazon Regional Observatory (ARO). The meeting was chaired by ACTO Executive Director, Ambassador Carlos Lazary, who welcomed the delegations contextualizing that the meeting to discuss the formation of the ARO Steering Committee culminates in a process initiated in the meetings of Foreign Affairs ministers of the Amazon countries that instructed PS/ACTO to move forward in the construction process of the Observatory. “We hope that the Amazon Regional Observatory will be a virtual and face-to-face locus of scientifically based information from different official sources on the Amazon region and that it will become a regional and global reference, as well as a more agile means of interaction between Member Countries,” he said. ARO is a permanent virtual forum that fosters the flow of information between institutions and intergovernmental authorities in the Member Countries. Subdivided into modules, it covers the themes of biodiversity and CITES species, forests, water resources, indigenous peoples, science and technology, among others. Currently in development, ARO is expected to launch in August 2021. Development and implementation The coordinator of the Bioamazon Project, Mauro Ruffino, presented the timeline and status of implementation of the ARO and the Term of Reference for the creation of the Steering Committee. Ruffino stressed that one of the most important functions of the Committee will be the preparation of ARO’s Strategic Plan with a long-term vision, which will be the guiding document for the next stages of implementation by PS/ACTO. 4 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021
ACTO News
The Steering Committee will be composed of one or more delegates officially
appointed by the eight ACTO member countries. Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador,
Guyana and Peru have already appointed their representatives. With the indication of
the other delegates of the countries, the coordination of actions with the institutions
of national scope that will participate in the construction of the ARO will be initiated.
Motivation and participation of the Member
Countries
During the virtual meeting, representatives of the delegations of the Amazonian
countries had the opportunity to speak about ARO.
The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of
Bolivia, Christian Villarreal, expressed the country’s willingness to work together in
the implementation of the Observatory.
The representative of Colombia, Dr. Luz Marina Mantilla, of the Sinchi Institute,
referred to the historic development process of the Observatory and to Colombia’s
proactive participation. She stressed that the country has always emphasized that the
information passed on to ARO must come from official sources, and that information
on the projects carried out by PS/ACTO should be considered as primary information
to be shared. In addition, she informed that the country is working on information on
CITES species that will be made available to interoperate with ARO.
Ecuador, through Juan José Saltos, from the Ministry of Environment and Water
(MAAE), reiterated the country’s commitment to move forward with the implementation
of ARO and that they are analyzing the best way to provide their support.
Américo Sánchez, representative of the Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP)
said that there is great institutional motivation with the implementation of the ARO
and informed that they are working on the Information System on Biological and
Environmental Diversity of the Peruvian Amazon (SIAMAZONIA), aligned with the
ARO, ratifying the commitment to support compliance with implementation deadlines.
Closing the meeting, Ambassador Carlos Lazary stressed the importance of appointing
a representative to the Management Committee of the Amazon Regional Observatory
based on the internal dialogue between national institutions related to ARO issues, a
process that must be conducted by the ACTO´s Focal Points.
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 5
ACTO News
Amazonian countries receive
proposal for Regional Action
Plan for Cedar and other
Amazonian tree species
The proposal sent by ACTO includes four lines of action
for the implementation of Annex II of CITES for Cedar.
La Organización del Tratado de Cooperación Amazónica, por intermedio del Proyecto
The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, through the Bioamazon Project,
forwarded to the ACTO Member Countries the Final Report of the consultancy “Training
and Support to ACTO Member Countries in the development of Non-detriment findings
(DENP) and inclusion of Cedrela spp. in Appendix II of CITES, which includes the basic
proposal of the Regional Action Plan for the implementation of CITES for tree species
in the Amazon region.
The initiative is the result of a series of activities that the Bioamazon Project has been
implementing since 2020 to optimize the protection of tree species of commercial
value, such as mahogany and cedar, which are protected by the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Since August 28, 2020, the inclusion of the genus Cedrela in Appendix II of the
CITES has been in effect, with Note #6 (Neotropical populations), whose proposal
was presented by Ecuador and approved at the eighteenth meeting of the CITES
Conference of Parties (CoP 18), held in 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland.
One of the fundamental requirements established in the text of the CITES Convention
for the regulation of trade in species included in Appendix II, is that a Scientific
Authority of the State Party to the Convention declares that an export, import and/
or re-export will not harm the survival of a regulated species by CITES. These
mechanisms of analysis and evaluation have become known collectively as Non-
detriment findings (DENP).
Cedrela is a tree genus of the Meliaceae family, composed of 17 species widely
distributed in tropical and subtropical regions from southern Mexico to southern
Argentina. C. odorata, commonly known as cedar, red cedar, bitter cedar, pink cedar,
You can watch webinar ‘Management of Neotropical tree species inclu-
ded in CITES’ on ACTO´s YouTube channel. Available in Spanish in this link
https://youtu.be/tYvVIRH0PlQ
6 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021
ACTO News
is the most widely distributed species of the genus, found throughout the Amazon
basin. The wood of this species is considered the second most valuable in Latin
America and the Caribbean, being highly appreciated in international trade for its
high quality, workability, durability and easy drying.
Action Plan
The basic proposal for a Regional Action Plan for the implementation of Cedar in
CITES Appendix II was developed with contributions from consultant César Beltetón
– Agronomist in Renewable Natural Resources, Master in Species Management and
Conservation in International Trade, who for more than for ten years, he has worked
with CITES on tree species – with the National Technical Focal Points of member
country institutions and other experts on the subject.
The plan foresees four lines of action. The first proposes the creation of a regional
governance structure within the scope of ACTO with the participation of CITES
Authorities and Forestry Authorities of the Member Countries, in addition to
formulating and administering, in coordination with the PS/ACTO, projects aimed at
the effective implementation of CITES for tree species in the region.
Through the second line of action, it will seek to generate scientific information to
support the formulation of DENP for the Amazonian tree species listed on CITES. The
third line of action will lead to the systematic observance of compliance with the legal
norms related to the application of CITES for the Amazonian tree species listed in the
annexes to the convention. Finally, the fourth line of action will seek to strengthen the
capacities for effective application of DENP aimed at Amazonian tree species listed
on CITES.
The Action Plan was one of the results of a set of activities to support Amazonian
countries. Among the activities carried out are the regional workshop on DENP with
representatives of Member Countries; bilateral meetings to survey national needs
and information; and the webinar “Management of neotropical tree species included
in CITES” on World Wildlife Day.
Among the main needs identified by the Member Countries, and which will be the
subject of future work, are the taxonomic research of species of the Cedrela genus
and the updating of the “Electronic Key for the Identification of Commercial Timber
Species in the Amazon”; studies that allow the evaluation of the population dynamics
of Cedrela species in the medium and long term; the elaboration and implementation
of a training plan on the application of CITES and DENP for tree species regulated by
the Convention and the strengthening of good governance and product traceability
systems regulated by CITES, among others.
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 7
ACTO News IDB launches the Sustainable Development Fund for the Amazon Region Within the framework of the Annual Meeting of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Sustainable Development Fund for the Amazon Region of the IDB was launched, in which the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) will play a strategic role in its implementation. The Secretary General of ACTO, Alexandra Moreira, was invited as a panelist to this important event. In his presentation, he highlighted that “ACTO’s years of experience are made available for the work of construction and governance of this Fund, to achieve a regional multisectoral approach, according to the reality and complexity and challenges of the Amazon, promoting public and private resources, that can be facilitated and of immediate investment”. In this virtual event, the Bank presented a new initiative to forge development models based on human capital, natural wealth, and the cultural heritage of the Amazon countries, and it was developed in two panels that brought together leaders from the private sector and authorities from the public sector to publicize the joint vision that exists to attract more sustainable investment for the Amazon Region, as well as a higher level of coordination at all levels. News available in Spanish Link for the document (PHOTO: ACTO PHOTO GALLERY) 8 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021
Amazon Countries Bolivia
Development and
implementation of the
Biodiversity Information
System of the National
Museum of Natural History
Objective is to strengthen knowledge management and
the articulation of the National Biodiversity Information
System of the Plurinational State of Bolivia
Author: Bolivian Ministry of Environment and Water – Vice-Ministry of Environment,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Forestry Management and Development – General
Board of Biodiversity and Protected Areas.
Contacto: ealiagar@hotmail.com
The Biodiversity Information System (SIB, in the Spanish acronym) of the National
Museum of Natural History (MNHN) is a tool that allows validating, standardizing
and updating biodiversity information on flora and fauna of Bolivia, including infor-
mation on paleontology at the national level. This is done through the registration
of specimens collected in the field, their taxonomic categorization, loan tracking and
visualization of the information in a geo-referenced manner.
Currently much of the information of the National Museum of Natural History is still
stored in Excel spreadsheets and physical catalogs, in view of the large amount of
information, a process of prioritization and verification of the information contained
in the Botany, Zoology and Paleontology Units is required for digitization and migra-
tion to the Information System.
The information contained in the collections is valuable and important as natural
heritage (Figure 1). Currently, the Botany Unit maintains approximately 350,000 spe-
cimens through an agreement with the National Herbarium of Bolivia (Table 1).
Table 1. Scientific collection of the National Herbarium of Bolivia.
% OF IDENTIFIED % OF SPECIMENS IN
GROUP No. SPECIMEN
SPECIMENS DIGITAL DATABASE
Dicotyledoneae 200,000 70% 80%
Monocotyledoneae 100,000 70% 80%
Gymnospermae 20,000 80% 60%
Pteridophyta 30,000 80% 90%
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 9
Amazon Countries
The Zoology Unit is structured in five sections: herpetology (amphibians and reptiles),
ichthyology (fish), mastozoology (mammals), ornithology (birds) and invertebrates,
under an agreement with the Bolivian Fauna Collection, has a scientific collection
of vertebrates with more than 203,966 specimens distributed in 2167 species that
represent 70% of the fauna reported for Bolivia; and of invertebrates with more than
300,000 specimens that represent approximately 10,000 species. Currently 200,000
specimens are catalogued.
The Paleontology Unit manages and safeguards a scientific collection of taphoflora
fossils (239 samples), invertebrates (13,035 samples), ethological structures (284
samples) and vertebrates (26,795 samples), with a total of 27,187 specimens.
The Environmental Education Unit-UDEA manages a museum collection consisting
of 120 invertebrate fossil specimens, 34 vertebrate fossils, 153 invertebrates, 477
vertebrates, 44 plants and 11 minerals.
(PHOTO: WILMA ANGULO, HUGO ARANIBAR/ MNHN)
Figure 1. Specimens in exhibition rooms at the Natural History Museum. (Photos:
Wilma Angulo, Hugo Aranibar/MNHN)
The use of the SIB improves the processes of creation, analysis and visualization
of botanical and zoological information in the invertebrate, ichthyology, herpetology,
ornithology and mastozoology sections; it also allows the management of
paleontological information in an alphanumeric and geographic manner.
As the data is geographically managed, it allows the overlapping of different coverages
managed by the country of interest for the research, so the system provides
alphanumeric and statistical information quickly and efficiently on biodiversity by
type of administrative boundary in Bolivia (department, province and municipality),
as well as conservation units such as Protected Areas at national, departmental and
10 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021Amazon Countries
municipal level; RAMSAR sites, in type of ecoregions; process that allows data capture,
as well as synchronization and/or loading of information from external data sources
(e.g., Google Drive, OGC services, etc.), as well as the synchronization and/or loading
of information from external data sources (e.g., Google Drive, OGC services, etc.).
The SIB was built to work in collaboration and interconnection with other users and
organizations at the national and regional levels, such as the National Biodiversity
Information System (NBIS) and the Amazon Regional Observatory (ARO) of the
Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), processes that aim to contribute
to improve the capacity to respond and transfer information efficiently for decision
making at different levels.
It has also been possible to identify the shortcomings of current processes, needs and
critical points and simplification of records in the area of paleontology and information
on fauna and flora, which will allow the implementation of technological solutions to
strengthen the MNHN in its mission to support the sustainability and conservation of
the flora and fauna of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, especially species included in
the CITES appendices, and which are in a category of threat.
National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) (Figure 2) is a public scientific entity,
which began its activities in 1978. Since 2018, it is a decentralized institution under
the Ministry of Environment and Water (MMAyA) of the Plurinational State of Bolivia..
(PHOTOS: WILMA ANGULO)
Figure 2. The National Museum of Natural History is located in the city of La Paz
on Calle 26 in Cota Cota. It is currently open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to
16:00. MNHN exhibition rooms (Photos: Wilma Angulo)
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 11Amazon Countries The MNHN aims to contribute to the sustainability of the natural systems of Mother Earth and its components, through scientific research, the management of scientific collections under its custody, the development and mobilization of scientific knowledge and the dialogue of inter-scientific knowledge about the life systems and natural heritage of the present and past of the Bolivian people. Cooperation In the framework of the strengthening and implementation of the National Biodiversity Information System of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the MMAyA, through the General Board of Biodiversity and Protected Areas (DGBAP), seeks to strengthen the management of information and knowledge of the country’s biodiversity through the establishment of a National Biodiversity Information System. In this context, ACTO, through the Bioamazon Project, in coordination with the MMAyA through the DGBAP, supported the strengthening of information management and knowledge mobilization through the implementation of the BIS within the MNHN. This initiative was implemented under Component 1 of the Bioamazon Project, which seeks to improve and balance the level of information and knowledge management by supporting and strengthening the Biodiversity and CITES information systems of ACTO member countries. The design, development and management activities of the MNHN information system began in June 2020, as a result of a coordinated inter-institutional work with the company Boliviana de Innovación Tecnológica Satelital (BITS). Thanks to the cooperation of ACTO, the development of the Biodiversity Information System has included an investment of US$ 18,000.00, as well as an investment of US$ 60,910.00 in equipment and work material. However, once the first phase of the construction of the SIB platform has been completed, the identification of priority information to be transferred to the SIB is currently underway, as well as the process of correcting and validating the information in the paleontology, botany and zoology units and the support in equipment for an additional amount of approximately US$56,000.00. Figure 3: Biodiversity Information System GeoViewer. 12 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021
Amazon Countries
Figure 4: Biodiversity Information System user administration platform.
Figure 5: Platform for entering data by species in the Biodiversity Information
System.
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 13Amazon Countries Brazil NIRS: Bank of near-infrared spectra of wood of similar species The technology can be used by environmental, customs, police and other agents that combat illegal logging and its trade. Study being conducted by the Forest Products Laboratory (LPF), with support from ACTO Authors: Tereza C. M. Pastore1, Jez W. Batista Braga2 & Alessandro C. de O. Moreira3 Currently, the most widely used technique for identifying the wood of a forest species is wood anatomy, which compares the anatomical characters of a given sample with reference samples deposited in wood collections or xylotheques. However, due to the need for highly trained specialists, this method has not been able to meet the large demand from the forest products trade. Currently, other instrumental or electronic techniques are being developed to aid in wood identification. NIRS technology, a combination of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and chemometric analysis, is proposed as an alternative to wood anatomy. The experience of our research group has shown that as long as the wood spectra are obtained from samples in the same humidity condition and that have had their surfaces prepared in the same way, it is possible to use a model created from a base of NIRS spectra to determine either the forest species or its origin (Figure 1). 1 Forest Products Laboratory of the Brazilian Forest Service (LPF-SFB). Contact: tereza.pastore@florestal. gov.br 2 Laboratory of Automation, Chemometrics and Environmental Chemistry of the University of Brasilia (AQUA – UnB). Contact: jez@unb.br 3 Forest Products Laboratory of the Brazilian Forest Service (LPF-SFB). Contact: alessandro.moreira@florest- al.gov.br 14 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021
Amazon Countries
(PHOTO: LPF-SFB)
Figure 1. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) apparatus being tested in wood iden-
tification.
The wood selected in the NIRS spectra bank includes mainly species designated as
endangered by CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora or similar. The database can be used by environmental,
customs, police and other agents that fight illegal timber extraction and trade, just like
other databases such as ForeST – (Forensic Spectra of Trees), which makes available
the results of wood analyses obtained by mass spectrometry. The collection of near
infrared spectra (NIRS) of tropical wood species from the Forest Products Laboratory
of the Brazilian Forest Service (LPF-SFB) is extremely important because it allows
the interested public to access and build wood identification models according to
their needs and local conditions.
Considering the potential of this tool for the study and protection of wood-producing
species, LPF-SFB, together with the Laboratory of Automation, Chemometrics and
Environmental Chemistry of the University of Brasilia (AQUA – UnB), makes available,
through this database, the NIRS spectra collected, since 2014, of three distinct groups:
• Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) and five visually similar species
(Swietenia humilis, Carapa guianensis, Cedrela odorata, Mycropholis
melinoniana) of various origins;
• Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) from five Latin American countries:
Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru;
• Dalbergia nigra (jacarandá-da-Bahia), decipularis, D. sissoo, D. stevensonii, D.
latifolia, D. retusa and 10 other species of the same genus and from various
origins.
This study has been receiving support from the Amazon Cooperation Treaty
Organization (ACTO), through the Bioamazon Project, under Component 3 of
support for sustainable management initiatives and traceability of endangered
species.
The files are available in .txt format. This format contains all the information to be
imported into the Method Generator software, which is the software for analyzing
the data in the equipment where the spectra were obtained. However, the files
can be imported into different types of specialized software or even spreadsheets.
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 15Amazon Countries Considering their import into a spreadsheet (for example, using Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice software), each row corresponds to the spectrum of one sample. The database aims to promote the management and dissemination on the internet of files containing the near infrared spectra of wood, which serve as an auxiliary tool in the process of its identification. The system should allow environmental agents to download the files containing the spectra so that they can be trained in the construction of species identification models by NIRS and, through transfer strategies, they can use this data to expand their own databases to increase the robustness of their models and thus have more confidence in taking decisions on site, in enforcement actions that may indicate possible illegal logging. Since the download area is free to access, we hope this database can contribute to the development and strengthening of research in other groups and to practical actions that facilitate the identification of wood. The acquisition and organization of the spectra followed rigorous protocols (described in each file), and the provenance of the samples or their identification was done through their origin in reference collections or through anatomical analysis by highly trained specialists. However, LPF-SFB and AQQUA-UnB clarify to users of the database that its use and application depends on the procedures that will be used to analyze the spectra available (e.g. type of pre-processing or chemometric model) and the way they will be applied to the data. LPF-SFB has already held a training course for IBAMA inspectors on the use of the tool and, with ACTO’s support through the Bioamazon Project, the training of technicians from ACTO member countries is planned for the second half of 2021. 16 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021
Amazon Countries
TECHNICAL PAPERS SERIES Brazil
Ornamental Stingrays:
Field trip aims to gather
data for a population study
of the species Potamotrygon
wallacei
Author: Maria Lúcia Góes de Araújo, oceanologist, e-mail: malugaraujo@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: The need to conduct a field study on the population and demographic
dynamics of endemic species of freshwater ray in the Amazon Basin, used as
ornamental fish, was identified and demanded by IBAMA under Component 3 of
the Bioamazon Project. This is the case of the species Potamotrygon wallacei,
also known as the Cururu ray, endemic to the mid Negro River. This paper is
the report of the field trip conducted in November 2020, to the municipality of
Barcelos, Amazonas State, to the main capture area of the species P. wallacei with
the aim of collecting data to support population studies of the species in its main
capture area in the Mid Negro River.
KEY-WORDS: Potamotrygon wallacei; raia cururu; Igarapé Daraquá System – Itu
River – Bafuana; municipality of Barcelos; State of Amazonas; Brazil.
Background Among the threatened species are the
freshwater rays of the Potamotrygonidae
The Regional Project for the Family GARMAN, 1877, subfamily
Management, Monitoring and Control Potamotrygoninae (CARVALHO et al.
of Wildlife Species Threatened by Trade 2016), used as ornamental fish and listed
(Bioamazon Project), which is financially in CITES.
supported by German cooperation The Brazilian Institute of Environment
through the German Development and Renewable Natural Resources
Bank (KfW), aims to contribute to the (IBAMA), CITES Administrative Authority,
conservation of Amazonian Biodiversity identified the need to study the population
and especially of the species listed in and demographic dynamics of endemic
the Convention on International Trade in freshwater ray species of the Amazon
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Basin, used as ornamental fish, such
Flora (CITES), increasing the efficiency as the species Potamotrygon wallacei
and effectiveness of the management, (CARVALHO, ROSA & ARAÚJO, 2016),
monitoring and control of wild species endemic to the Mid Negro River. This
threatened by trade in the Member need was requested to the Bioamazon
Countries of the Amazon Cooperation Project, under Component 3, which aims
Treaty Organization (ACTO). to support initiatives for sustainable
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 17Amazon Countries
management and traceability of islands with different habitats, among
endangered species. them sandy beaches and igapó, also
The current Brazilian legislation that called flooded forest (LATRUBESSE &
regulates the export quota of rays STEVAUX, 2015) (Figure 1).
for the ornamental market (IN No The igapó areas are characterized by
204/2008 (MMA/IBAMA, 2008) is based shallow water, poor in oxygen, with an
on population studies conducted in the average temperature around 25°C and a
period 2003-2006. According to ARAÚJO leafy bottom (ARAÚJO, 1998; DUNCAN &
& LESSA (2015), the export quotas of P. FERNANDES, 2010).
wallacei should be reviewed every two
years, due to the particularities of its
(PHOTO: ARAÚJO, M.L.G / OTCA.)
reproductive cycle (ARAÚJO, 1998).
In 2020, a total of five companies
requested the quota of 4,498 cururu rays
(MAPA/SAP, 2020), which represents
75% of the species’ quota allowed
for export. Data available from the
Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES, 2020), show that for the
year 2018, 48% of P. wallacei exported
from the state of Amazonas were
individuals in the age class between 0
and 1 year (ARAÚJO, 2020).
In the scenario of the current legislation,
which is the reality of the species in the
mid Negro River, there is a population
growth of 5.6% in the generational period
of 3.9 years (ARAÚJO, 2020; ARAÚJO &
LESSA, in preparation).
To carry out the study required by
IBAMA, it is necessary to collect updated Figure 1: Aerial view of the Mid Ne-
data. Thus, this paper reports the field gro River. Where A: Main channel of
trip conducted in November 2020, to Negro River with island system of the
the city of Barcelos, Amazonas State, Anavilhanas Archipelago. B: Negro
to the main capture area of the species River channel above the Anavilhanas
P. wallacei (Cururu ray), to collect data
Archipelago. C: Islands of the Mariuá
to support population studies of the
Archipelago. D: Detail of an island
species in its main capture area in the
with lake inside, and flooded forest. E:
Mid Negro River.
Island with sandy beach margin, and
The Negro River Basin has an area flooded forest area.
of 715,000 km2, and is characterized
by acidic water - pH between 3 and
6 with an average of 4.5 - and poor in
nutrients. In the mid Negro River is the
Mariuá archipelago - more than 1,000
18 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021Amazon Countries
(PHOTO: ARAÚJO, M.L.G. / OTCAM.L.G./ OTCA)
Figure 2: Potamotrygon wallacei in the igapó of Trovão Lake, Itu River.
Potamotrygon wallacei is a small ray, The areas visited were the main catch
with disk width less than 350 mm. The areas of P. wallacei in the Mid Negro
species is endemic to the mid Negro River, located 70 km from the city of
River, and has in the igapó (flooded forest) Barcelos, and include the streams of the
areas its preferred habitat (ARAÚJO, Igarapé Daraquá - Itu River - Bafuana
1998; OLIVEIRA et al, 2016; DUNCAN et system. This system contains traditional
al, 2016) (Figure 2). catch areas of P. wallacei for the
ornamental fish market (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Areas of capture of P. wallacei visited in the Igarapé Daraquá - Itu - Ba-
fuana River System, in November/2020. The orange-colored points indicate the
visited fishing grounds. The area demarcated in red indicates igapó area burned
between 2015 -2016. Source: QGIS,3.28, Las Palmas.
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 19Amazon Countries
The boat trip from the Barcelos city port presence of palm trees (Figure 4 A-C)
to the Trovão Lake took about forty-eight (JUNQUEIRA et al., 2017).
hours with the first stop in the Daraquá After the stop in the community of
community. The trip between the city Daraquá, the expedition headed towards
center and the community of Daraquá the Itu River with the objective of
took seven hours. This trip was made reaching the headwaters, that is, Lake
on the branches of the channel in the Trovão, and along the way mapping the
main channel. The islands of the Mariuá ornamental fishermen’s camps that
Archipelago have a more clayey soil, exist in the area. The Itu River has five
similar to floodplain soils, than the sandy tributaries, the Mulufu, Pente, Aduiá,
soils typical of igapó. Despite the sandy Quani- Quani, and Cazurucu streams,
soil, there is a thin superficial layer of as well as Lake Trovão. These igarapés,
soil that is rich in nutrients, and is very along with the Daraquá igarapé,
important for the plant species of the composed a system of fishing areas
region (OLIVEIRA et al., 2001) (Figure 4 A). controlled by one or two family fishing
The Mariuá archipelago has igapós with groups (ARAÚJO, 1998). In the period
an average height canopy of 15 to 20 between September 2015 and March
meters, and on the edge of the islands, 2016, fires were burned in the igapó
the understory is relatively dense. And area between the Aduiá and Cazurucu
in certain places there is abundant igarapé (Figure 3).
(PHOTO: ARAÚJO, M.L.G / OTCA.)
Figure 4: Soil and vegetation characteristics of the islands of the Mariuá Archipela-
go in the stretch between Barcelos city seat and Igarapé Daraquá. A - Soil characte-
ristics at the islands of the Mariuá Archipelago, with vegetation B - Branches of the
main channel of the Negro River. C - Vegetation with predominance of palm trees.
D - Igarapé Daraquá. E- Molongó at Itu River. F- Floodplain corridors formed by is-
lands in the channel of Itu River, where we can observe alligators (Caiman crocodi-
les). G - Vegetation at the Igarapé Cazurucu area, H - Campina area at Trovão Lake.
I - Campina area in the Trovão Lake.
20 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021Amazon Countries
In the lower igapó regions of the Igarapé tury was ornamental fish, and from
Daraquá and Itu River (Figure 4 D-E), we 2001 on, other activities such as com-
observed the presence of vegetation mercial fishing and sport fishing began
that has adaptations to survive longer to use the surplus and available labor
periods of inundation, such as species from ornamental fishing (INOMATA &
of the Apocynaceae family, known in the FREITAS, 2015).
region as molongó (JUNQUEIRA et al.,
The reasons for the changes in the
2017). In these areas with molongó there
socio-economic dynamics in the muni-
is greater abundance of the Cururu ray
cipality of Barcelos are due to logisti-
(ARAÚJO, 1998).
cal problems in the exportation of fish
In the Itu River, the presence of islands (e.g. reduction in the number of flights
in the main channel develops corridors leaving Manaus, Amazonas, after the
of igapós, interspersed with areas of closing of the VARIG airline), the reduc-
campina (Figure 4 F-H). In the campina tion in the value of the dollar in 2003
areas, and where the flooding cycle is (PRANG, 2007), and the closing of the
shorter, the areas are used as fishing largest export company in the state of
camps (FIGURE 4H-I). In sandy beach Amazonas in 2008, which used to buy
areas, shrub vegetation may occur. The 60% of the ornamental fish from Negro
vegetation of igapós and campina show River.
similarities with respect to being on
Currently, Barcelos is more known for
sandy soils, which are subject to periods
sport fishing than for ormental fishing,
of drought and flooding (OLIVEIRA, et
a fact corroborated by the presence of
al. 2001).
different types of boats present in the
port, as illustrated in Figure 5. Of the
Changes in the socio- 250 registered fishermen practicing
economics of Barcelos ornamental fishing in Barcelos (PRANG,
2001) in the late 1990s, less than 50%
Municipality remain active (LADISLAU, et al.,2020).
In conversations with fishermen during
According to Prang (2001), after the the trip, they estimated that about 40
1950s, the main source of employment people currently fish for ornamental
in the city of Barcelos in the 20th cen- fish in Barcelos.
(PHOTOS B E C: ARAÚJO, M.L.G / OTCA.)
Figure 5: Changes in the Barcelos economy. Where: A - Porto de Barcelos, dominated
by piabeiros boats (1990) (Photo: Chao, N.L.). B - Port of Barcelos, with a greater pre-
sence of sport fishing boats (hotel boat, and support boat) (2006). C - Port of Barcelos,
with the presence of sport fishing boats (hotel boat and support boat), commercial
fishing boat, and absence of piabeiros boats (2020).
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 21Amazon Countries
In addition to sport fishing, the number of ved in the Igarapé Daraquá - Itu River
commercial fishers (edible fish fishermen) - Bafuana system. Traditionally, this sys-
has increased since 2001 by the migration tem was an ornamental fishing area for
of piabeiros (ornamental fish fishermen) about 36 fishermen, distributed in about
to commercial fishing (PRANG, 2007). This 10 fishing points (ARAÚJO, 1998; PRANG,
change intensified in 2003, which caused 2001). Currently in this area (see Figure
several conflicts between commercial 3), only two ornamental fishing camps
fishermen and sport fishing companies are active (Igarapé Daraquá and Igarapé
over peacock- bass species (Cichla spp.), Aduiá). A total of four camps observed on
particularly the tucunaré-açu the Itu River were of commercial fisher-
Cichla temensis (HUMBOLDT 1821) (FREI- men, and the main fishing gear was the
TAS & RIVAS, 2006). Currently, the State fishing net.
Decree no. 31.151 of 2011 prohibits the At the entrance of the Igarapé Aduiá there
capture of peacock-bass species in the is a sign telling people not to enter without
Negro River Basin. permission (Figure 6). The reason for the
Records of socioeconomic changes in sign is to prevent, mainly, commercial
the municipality of Barcelos were obser- fishermen from entering.
PHOTOS: ARAÚJO, M.L.G / OTCA
Figure 6: Igarapé Aduiá, fishing area active in the capture of ornamental fish.
Where: A - Fishing camp of the Borges family, a family group of fishers from the
Igarapé Aduiá. B - Warning sign indicating the need for permission to enter the
Igarapé Aduiá. Photo: ARAÚJO, M.L.G / ACTO.
Between Igarapé Aduiá and Lago Trovão and March 2016 in the flooded forest
fires occurred between September 2015 (igapó) area (Figure 7).
Watch a video on this link
https://youtu.be/pLykgfibvBc
22 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021Amazon Countries
PHOTOS: ARAÚJO, M.L.G / OTCA
Figure 7. Igapó area between Igarapé Aduiá and Trovão Lake on the Itu River
burned between September 2015 to March 2016 (see video: https://youtu.be/
pLykgfibvBc )
According to OLIVEIRA et al. (2001), the -tanks in the Daraquá community, and
igapó vegetation is susceptible to fire also by the installation of a lodge in the
and is not adapted to recurrent burnings same community for tourists that go
like the cerrado vegetation. The natural sport fishing in the Igarapé Daraquá - Itu
regeneration process of these forests River - Bafuana System. The Daraquá
is very slow due to the environmental community is formed by a single family
conditions. For the ray Potamotrygon group, which had its economic base in
wallacei, situations such as fires in igapó ornamental and commercial fish fishing.
areas can cause drastic population The lodge is the result of a partnership
reductions, because the species pre- between a family from the commu-
sents high environmental specificity to nity and businessmen from São Paulo.
its preferred habitat, which is the igapó Although there is the use of part of the
(ARAÚJO, 1998; CARVALHO et al, 2016). local labor force, it is reduced. Likewise,
The decline of ornamental fish and the economic benefits generated by the
growth of sport fishing can be observed activity do not reach all residents of the
in the absence of ornamental fish net- community in the same way (Figure 8).
PHOTOS: ARAÚJO, M.L.G / OTCA
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 23Amazon Countries
PHOTOS: ARAÚJO, M.L.G / OTCA
Figure 8: Changing economic activity in the community of Daraquá. Where: A and
B - Net- tanks for ornamental fish in the Daraquá community. A - 2004. B - 2020.
C - Guesthouse in Daraquá community. D - Sport fishermen at the entrance of the
Itu River.
During the field trip, all procedures similar attitude was reported in Igarapé
recommended by the World Health Cazurucu, but could not be verified.
Organization (WHO) were adopted. The The area impacted by the fires represents
number of people on the team was about 25% of the igapó in the Itu River
reduced, and the lead researcher was region. This means significant alteration/
tested for COVID-19 prior to the trip to loss of the preferred habitat of the species
Barcelos. All of the local team members Potamotrygon wallacei, and may cause
had previously had COVID-19. One of the population reduction or impact the fishing
members was a nursing technician. of the species for the ornamental market.
In all the areas visited there were This scenario should be considered when
cases of COVID-19. Agents from the assessing the population status of the
Health Surveillance and Environment species.
Secretariat of Barcelos, while working The worsening of the pandemic of COVID-
in the Itu River area, visited the 19 prevented the second field trip from
expedition’s camp, and approved taking place in January 2021. However,
the procedures adopted by the team the data collected on this preliminary trip
regarding health and environmental will allow answering questions related
standards. to changes in fishing effort, mapping
of fishing territories, and estimates of
Conclusion and population parameters, which correspond
to the next steps of the project.
recommendations
In the Igarapé Daraquá - Itu River -
References
Bafuana system a reduction in the ARAÚJO, M. L. G. 1998. Biologia de
number of ornamental fishermen’s Potamotrygon sp. C (Chondrichthyes:
camps was observed. The situation Potamotrygonidae) no Médio Rio Negro,
observed at the Igarapé Aduiá, with a Amazonas. Dissertação Mestrado. FUA/
ban on the entry of people outside the INPA, Manaus 171p
family fishing group, gives evidence of ARAÚJO, M. L. G.; LESSA, R.P.T. 2015.
protection of the fishing territories. A Análise demográfica como uma ferramenta
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de gestão para pesca ornamental de DUNCAN, W.P. & FERNANDES, M.N. 2010.
raias de água doce (Chondrichthyes - Physicochemical characterization of the
Potamotrygonidae) na Bacia Amazônica. white, black, and clearwater rivers of the
In: III Simpósio Ibero Americano de Amazon Basin and its implications on
Ecologia Reprodutiva Recrutamento e the distribution of freshwater stingrays
Pesca. III SIBECORP, Porto de Galinhas. (Chondrichthyes, Potamotrygonidae).
Livro de Resumos -III SIBECORP. Recife: Pan-American Journal of Aquatic
Editora Livro Rápido, 2015. v. I. p. 81-81. Sciences, 5 (4), 454–464.
ARAÚJO, M.L.G. 2020. Relatório do FREITAS, CEC; RIVAS, AAF. 2006. A pesca
Produto II, Dinâmica populacional e e os recursos pesqueiros na Amazônia
demográfica da espécie de raia de Ocidental. Ciência E Cultura, 58(3), p.
água doce Potamotrygon wallacei (Rio 30–32.
Negro). Relatório apresentado a OTCA IBAMA- Instituto Brasileiro do Meio
dentro Projeto regional para a gestão, Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais
monitoramento e controle de espécies Renováveis. 2008. Portaria no 204, de
da fauna e flora silvestres ameaçadas 22 de outubro de 2008. Diário Oficial da
pelo comércio, Projeto Bioamazônia N° União Publicado em: xx/xx/2008, Edição:
2006-66-222. 38 pp. xx, Seção: x, Página: x.
CARVALHO, M. D. 2016. Neotropical INOMATA, S. O., & FREITAS, C. E. C. 2015.
stingrays: family Potamotrygonidae. Rays Fish landings in Barcelos, in the middle
of The World, 1st ed. Cornell University Negro River region, Amazonas. WIT
Press, Ithaca, New York, 619-655. Trans Ecol Environ, 192, 67-76.
CARVALHO, M. D., ROSA, R. S., & ARAÚJO, JUNQUEIRA, A.B.; PRETTI, V.Q.; TERRA-
M. L. 2016. A new species of Neotropical ARAUJO, M.H.; SILVA, K.M; VICENTINI,
freshwater stingray (Chondrichthyes: A..2017. Capítulo 1: Vegetação. In:
Potamotrygonidae) from the Rio Negro, Oliveira M.L. (org.) Mariuá: a flora, fauna
Amazonas, Brazil: the smallest species of e o homem no maior arquipélago fluvial
Potamotrygon. Zootaxa, 4107(4), 566-586. do planeta. 20-27. Manaus Editora INPA
CITES (2020) Cites Trade Database. LADISLAU, D. S., RIBEIRO, M. W. S.,
https://trade.cites.org/ CASTRO, P. D. S., ARIDE, P. H. R., PAIVA, A.
AMAZONAS, 2011. Decreto nº 31.151 de J. V., POLESE, M. F., SOUZA, A. B., BASSUL,
06/04/2011. Disciplina a pesca em área L. A., LAVANDER, H. D., & OLIVEIRA, A. T.
da Bacia do Rio Negro, compreendendo 2020. Ornamental fishing in the region
o trecho situado entre a divisa do Estado of Barcelos, Amazonas: socioeconomic
do Amazonas com a Colômbia, até a foz description and scenario of activity in
do Rio Branco. Diário Oficial do Estado do the view of “piabeiros”. Brazilian Journal
Amazonas, Publicado em: 06/04/2011, of Biology, 80(3), 544-556. Epub October
Número 32.047. ANO CXVII. 07, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-
DUNCAN, W. P., SHIBUYA, A., DE 6984.215806
ARAÚJO, M. L. G., & ZUANON, J. MAPA/SAP. Ministério da Agricultura,
2016. Biologia e História Natural de Pecuária e Abastecimento/Secretaria
Potamotrygon wallacei (Carvalho, Rosa de Aquicultura e Pesca.2020. Instrução
e Araújo, 2016) na bacia do Rio Negro, Normativa No 10, de 17 de abril de
Amazônia central, brasil. Xv. Rayas de 2020. Diário Oficial da União Publicado
agua dulce (POTAMOTRYGONIDAE) DE em: 20/04/2020, Edição: 75, Seção: 1,
SURAMÉRICA, 289. Página: 5.
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 25Amazon Countries OLIVEIRA, A. A., DALY, D. C., VICENTINI, A., with particular reference to supply of & COHN-HAFT, M. 2001. Florestas sobre Brazilian freshwater ornamentals to the areia: campinaranas e igapós. In: Oliveira, UK market. Uakari, 3(1): 7-51p. A.A. and Dary, D.C. (Eds.). Florestas do PRANG, G., 2001. Aviamento and the Rio Negro. São Paulo: Companhia das ornamental fishery of the Rio Negro, Letras, pp. 234–261. Brazil: implications for sustainable OLIVEIRA, A. T.DE, SANTOS, M. Q. D. C., resouce use. In: N.L. Chao, P.P.G. Prang, DE ARAÚJO, M. L. G., DE LEMOS, J. R. G., T. Soneschien and M. Tlusty (org.) REJANE, S. D. A., ARIDE, P. H. R. & MARCON, Conservation and management of J. L. 2016. Hematological parameters Ornamental Fish Resources of the Rio of three freshwater stingray species negro basin, Amazonia, Brazil. (Project (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae) in Piaba). Manaus: Editora da Universidade the middle Rio Negro, Amazonas state. do Amazonas, pp. 43-67. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, QGIS Development Team 2018. QGIS 69, 33-40. Geographic Information System. Open- PRANG, G. 2007. An industry analysis Source Geospatial Foundation Project. of the freshwater ornamental fishery http://qgis.osgeo.org 26 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021
Amazon Countries
Colombia
What is the threat status for
tree ferns in Colombia?
Author: Sinchi Institute, Colombia
© INSTITUTO SINCHI
Cyathea giraldoi
What are the species of tree ferns with natural distribution in Colombia and what is
their threat status? To answer these questions, the Institute for Scientific Research in
the Amazon (SINCHI) with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable
Development published, in 2019, the Red Book of Plants of Colombia Vol. 7 Arborescent
Ferns; a document that provides a complete list of tree fern species and assesses the
threat situation of this group of ferns in Colombia.
Arborescent Ferns (Cyatheaceae and Dicksoniaceae families) are elements of
biodiversity found in tropical forests and perform functions of great relevance such
as maintaining the balance of ecosystems, conserving water resources and are an
element of appreciable landscape value.
In addition, they have represented a real and / or potential resource for rural and
urban communities in different tropical countries due to the traditional use of the
different structures extracted from these plants.
Thanks to the alliance signed between the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable
Development and the SINCHI Institute, and the publication of the Red Book of Plants
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 27Países Amazônicos
Amazon Countries
of Colombia Vol. 7 Arborescent Ferns, it was concluded that of the 700 species of
ferns that exist in the world, Colombia it represents at least 20%, which explains the
great diversity in this group and the importance of its conservation, promotion and
sustainable use.
In addition, the document highlighted 18 new species for science, as a finding of great
importance for the country, and 19 new records of species not reported for Colombia.
The registration of these new species is transcendental for the country and means an
advance in the knowledge of national biodiversity and continues to position Colombia
as a megadiverse country.
Another relevant aspect in this work is the assessment of the threat situation of
fern species in Colombia; where it has been found that approximately 33% of tree
fern species are in some threat category; of that percentage, 18 species are critically
endangered, 14 endangered and 14 vulnerable.
The Red Book of Plants of Colombia Vol. 7 Arborescent Ferns is a fundamental
instrument to recognize Colombia as a megadiverse country, interested in conserving
its natural heritage and contributing to the well-being of the population.
Access the book in Spanish here
© INSTITUTO SINCHI
Cyathea varians
28 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021Amazon Countries
Ecuador
Strengthening the
management of biodiversity
information in Ecuador
The development of the Biodiversity Information
and Data Network will contribute to the continuous
improvement of the generation, storage, integration,
management, publication and use of data and
information on biotic diversity in Ecuador.
Authors: Leonardo Buitrago and Ministry of Environment and Water of Ecuador
(MAAE)
With the objective of having a general framework that allows for a comprehensive
and coordinated inter-institutional management of information related to biodiversity
in Ecuador, ACTO and the Ministry of Environment and Water of Ecuador (MAAE) have
worked together in the creation of a Biodiversity Information and Data Network (RIDB),
composed of entities from various sectors, related to the management and use of
biodiversity information in the Republic of Ecuador. This Network, directly associated
with the Biodiversity Information System (BIS-Ec), aims to ensure that good practices
in biodiversity information management result in benefits for all citizens of the country,
strengthening policies, agreements, technical standards, services and technologies,
under the principles of transparency and access to data, good faith and responsibility
in the use of information.
The BIDN is based on a regulatory framework that includes the Political Constitution of
Ecuador, the Organic Environmental Code, the Regulations to the Organic Environmental
Code and the Organic Law on Transparency and Access to Public Information. Its main
objective will be to articulate the efforts of the actors of the ecosystem of entities and
individuals involved in the generation, management, publication and use of biodiversity
data and information in Ecuador, so that this information can be used by all Ecuadorian
citizens, for the benefit of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Thanks to the consultancy KfW/JH/052/2020, developed in the framework of the
Bioamazon project, the MAAE now has a clear proposal to be implemented in the
RIDB regarding: 1) the management and governance model for biodiversity data and
information in Ecuador; 2) a technical standard applicable to the National Catalog
of Biological Objects (NCBO), which, following international standards, establishes
guidelines for the incorporation of biodiversity data and metadata; and 3) a roadmap
for the implementation of the RIDB´s governance and coordination bodies. These
documents are in the process of being made official by the MAAE, so that they can
be incorporated into national regulations and have direct and material application in
activities related to biodiversity data and information management in Ecuador.
BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021 29Amazon Countries
Biodiversity data and information management components
associated with the implementation of the Biodiversity Information
and Data Network (RIDB).
Figure 1. Biodiversity data
and information management
components.
In order to consolidate the RIDB effectively, it is still necessary to establish the tools
and human resources that will make the services maintained by the MAAE and BIS-Ec
operational, so that the Network can operate continuously, responding to the needs
of users and data publishers. Likewise, the MAAE has been working in parallel with
the support of ACTO to strengthen the technological infrastructure and web services,
which are the basis for the BIS-Ec and the RIDB to operate properly, so as to ensure
the storage, access, publication and use of data and information on biodiversity; results
are expected soon in relation to these computer products.
The implementation of the RIDB should take place in a context that guarantees
the democratization of information based on a participatory model, so that it can
be consulted and used by any Ecuadorian under equal conditions, advocating the
permanence and linking of new members to the Network.
In addition to the above, the consolidation of the RIDB and the effective management
of biodiversity information in the country will enable its interoperability with global
infrastructures, thus making it possible to comply with different international
commitments that are transcendental for the advancement of science and the
conservation of life on the planet, such as the Aichi targets established in the Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD), or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the
United Nations.
With all of the above, the creation of this Network and the documentation that supports
it will allow good practices in biodiversity information management to generate
benefits for all the inhabitants of Ecuador and that this information can be used in
favor of the conservation and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources.
These achievements will also support the processes that are being carried out in
the Amazon region in the management of wildlife data, filling information gaps and
serving as a reference for the development of this type of product, which is needed in
other countries in the region.
The Network is scheduled to be launched in May 2020, as part of the Territorial
Policy Agenda and in the presence of institutions and stakeholders involved in the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
30 BIOAMAZON NEWSLETTER, edition n.8, March-April 2021You can also read
