The Netherlands CHM website (http://www.biodiversity-chm.nl/) was designed according to the principle that the end-user should be able to act as the webmaster and, where possible, also be able to update the content of the site according to needs, without the need for high technical expertise or steep learning curves.

The Netherlands CHM website was produced by the National Reference Centre for Agriculture, Nature and Food Security (EC LNV) in co-operation with AIDEnvironment. In its design, it emphasizes the philosophy that a website should be: easy to use, easy to adapt, 'light' in terms of upload-time and technical complexity, inclusive of an easily adaptable database, multilingual, built using a no-nonsense architecture, and inexpensive to produce and maintain.

The Netherlands CHM has developed a Toolkit with AIDEnvironment to establish websites based on this model. Technical resources and expertise are available from The Netherlands CHM and AIDEnvironment (a non-profit consultancy in Amsterdam, The Netherlands) to assist Parties and Governments to develop their CHM websites using an out-of-the-box approach.

The Netherlands CHM - Homepage

Basic features of Netherlands CHM model

The Netherlands CHM website uses the CBD banner, and adheres to a similar website architecture in order to emphasize that it is an integral component of the international CHM network under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The menu structure closely follows that of the CBD CHM, allowing users to navigate rapidly through the site. Furthermore, The Netherlands CHM contains an easy-to-use database. Its contents can be easily updated, thus allowing Webmasters to maintain the website at minimal cost. Hosting costs are also minimal. Another feature of the site is that the database allows the Webmaster to cut and paste information from other CHM-related sources, websites and publishers as needed. In addition, links to other websites can be made without complex technical adjustments. The website was developed in two different languages, and could be extended to several more languages.

Technical characteristics

Using this model, websites can be easily and rapidly installed and made operational; all software is installed on the web server, and no fine-tuning or installation have to be performed at the Focal Point level. Major web-related tools are built-in (i.e., search, picture and document upload). The development of the site does not require steep learning curves or expensive software. All software used is in the public domain and adheres to the 'open source' principle. Little extra computer knowledge is needed to maintain the CHM web site.

This allows national focal points to focus on content as opposed to technical issues. Once set up, the website will require little technical support. However, national focal points can, if need be, customize the website to meet specific requirements. The NL CHM design can be adapted to meet local standards. It can also be optimised to ensure maximum performance in countries with inequitable access to new information technologies and the Internet.

The Netherlands CHM database

For more information, please visit http://www.aidenvironment.org/chm.

A Spanish language version is available online.

Dr. Severin M. ten Houte de Lange
National Reference Centre for Agriculture, Nature and Food Security
Expertisecentrum Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselveiligheid
PO Box 482
6710 BL Ede, The Netherlands
Email: s.m.ten.houte@minlnv.nl
Web: http://www.biodiversity-chm.nl

For inquiries about the NL-CHM-toolkit please contact

Riny Heijdendael
Unit AIDEnvironment Inter-Action
AIDEnvironment
Donker Curtiusstraat 7-523
1051 JL Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Email: chm@aidenvironment.org
web: http://www.aidenvironment.org/chm