Information sharing and networking mechanism

This mechanism provides a platform where relevant information, resource materials and tools are publicized and easily accessed, and where different stakeholders interact, through electronic information tools, to share information, views, knowledge, and expertise relevant to the effective implementation of the Biosafety Protocol. It includes two main components namely: the Biosafety Information Resource Center (BIRC), and the Biosafety capacity-building network.

Biosafety Information Resource Centre

This includes searchable electronic catalogues of a wide array of biosafety-related publications and other resource materials produced by different organizations and Governments. These include: books, research reports, training materials, course catalogues, toolkits or guidebooks, workshop reports, papers and presentations, case-studies, technical publications, newsletters and journals, CD-ROM and others. The mechanism allows users to register, search and/or retrieve such materials in an efficient and well-structured manner through a central point. The objective is to ensure that all available resource materials that would contribute to capacity-building for the effective implementation of the Protocol are widely publicized and easily accessed in order to facilitate the maximum use.
Link to Database...

The Biosafety Capacity-Building Network

The Biosafety Capacity-Building Network is an interactive forum that links individuals from governments and relevant organizations actively involved in implementing or funding capacity-building activities for the effective implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The primary purpose of the Network is to facilitate communication, active interaction and the exchange of information among members of the Network with a view to promoting partnerships, complementarities and synergies between various biosafety capacity-building initiatives. It provides an opportunity for members to share their knowledge, views, experiences, relevant documents and lessons learned.

The Operational Modalities for the Network were discussed and agreed upon at the first Coordination Meeting for Governments and Organizations Implementing or Funding Biosafety Capacity-Building Activities, which was held from 26-27 January 2005 in Montreal, Canada.

After registration, members of the Network have access to an interactive collaborative portal for the Network which is accessible through the Biosafety Clearing-House . If you wish to become a member of the Network, please send an e-mail to: bch@cbd.int providing the following information:

• Your contact details including your Name, Organization, Designation/Job title, Mailing address, Phone number, Fax number, E-mail address and Website (if available).
• The name(s) of the biosafety capacity-building activities you are involved in.
• A brief description of the activities (300 word maximum per activity), indicating how those activities contribute to the effective implementation of the Protocol.
  

Link to Forum...