Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Building a Biodiversity Database for Alaska and the Arctic: Filling Gaps in Species and Ecosystems Information to Support Conservation and an Understanding of Arctic Ecology  (Arctic Biodiversity Conservation)

Outline
This “expression of intent” is an international conservation research effort to synthesize existing information for species and ecosystems of concern, fill in information gaps through field surveys, and to conduct parallel ecological studies throughout the circumpolar region. This is submitted in coordination with the IPY pre-proposal Conservation Data Centres in Northern Canada by Steven Curtis (NatureServe Canada). Global climate change, increasing development, and other environmental perturbations are particularly threatening in the Arctic. Our ability to detect, analyze, and predict current and future changes to the biosphere depends upon our ability to reveal changes in species distributions, vegetation patterns, and to monitor trends within ecosystems. A consistent approach to assembling and managing biodiversity information across Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, and circumpolar region is needed. Considerable information exists, but it resides in a wide variety of disassociated institutions and organizations. We note six sub-topics that will be addressed: 1. Data synthesis for underrepresented taxa (invertebrates, non-vascular plants, lichens, fungi, algae, etc.) and terrestrial ecosystems in Alaska and neighboring territories to identify rare or at risk taxa and ecosystems 2. Identification of principal data gaps (both taxonomic and geographic) for Alaska in collaboration with Canada 3. Intensive survey/inventory research for rare species and poorly sampled areas in Alaska in collaboration with efforts in Canada 4. Development of a vegetation classification, mapping, and monitoring system for northern ecosystems in cooperation with NatureServe Canada 5. Conduct ecological and population trend studies of sensitive rare species throughout the circumpolar region 6. Expansion and integration of current data management systems to synthesize these data This project builds upon the proven model of Natural Heritage Programs and NatureServe that manage geo-referenced biodiversity information throughout North and Latin America (www.natureserve.org). The results will capture the diverse array of existing biodiversity information and make it available for local decision making as well as for broad forecasting for scientific and social development, and provide significant advancement in our understanding of Arctic ecology.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Current state of the polar environment: We will document distributions/trends of rare arctic species. Change in the polar regions: Long-term studies and predictive modeling will be employed. Changes through time will be documented in individual species and the communities and/or ecosystems they inhabit. Polar-global linkages: International collaborations to conduct parallel experiments will occur. Exploring new frontiers: Poorly studied organisms and their ecological interactions The polar regions as vantage points: Results from simpler arctic communities can inform ecological understanding at lower latitudes. Human dimensions in the polar regions: Will involve local people and is pursued in the context of human-induced perturbations.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Confirmed international collaboration includes Canada, Norway, Denmark and the United Kingdom. For the 2005 full proposal we will have also contacted Russian conservation biologists to ensure their inclusion in the project. For Canada, this proposal is submitted in coordination with the IPY pre-proposal Conservation Data Centres in Northern Canada by Steven Curtis (NatureServe Canada).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The project will provide for enhanced field surveys to address identified data gaps throughout Arctic Alaska. Ecological and long-term monitoring activities will be concentrated in Alaska; Yukon Territory; Northwest Territories; Nunavut; Greenland, Denmark; Svalbard, Norway; and Arctic Russia.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/07 – 03/09; ongoing            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
1. Office space for data management and organizing the field surveys. 2. Installation of the necessary computer equipment and software (Oracle, GIS, and Biotics 5). 3. Support for the engagement of Native Alaskan people in project. 4. Logistical support for field data collection—aircraft and research vessel support, etc.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The primary legacy will be a database that functions as the source of authoritative, geo-referenced data on species and ecosystems of conservation concern for the Arctic. The project will also provide strong institutional linkages between the scientific community, land managers and the meaningful engagement of Native Alaskans.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Another national polar operator
National agency
Own support

We expect to coordinate with the land management agencies on whose land the field surveys will be conducted. Housing is often provided by these agencies when available. Transportation (helicopter, fixed-wing, boat, car) will be through local vendors.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project has official support from NatureServe, an international, non-government organization that supports development, management and analysis, and distribution of biodiversity data. Additional endorsement has been given by NatureServe Canada, and all Conservation Data Centres in Canada.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Exp
This is a significant expansion in the scope of the existing activities of the Alaska Natural Heritage Program (AKNHP). Many of the components are already in place (e.g., data management and inventories). Without a catalytic infusion during IPY, we will not realize the full range of benefits the project addresses.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The data will be managed by AKNHP in cooperation with NatureServe, Canadian Conservation Data Centres, and the Geographic Information Network of Alaska (University of Alaska). Field surveys will also be managed by AKNHP, but conducted by various universities and staff depending on the taxonomic field of expertise needed. The circumpolar ecological/population trend studies of sensitive rare species will be managed by AKNHP as well as by individual cooperating national organizations. Each organization will cooperate in the development of research objectives, research questions, methodologies, and data management.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Communication and outreach will need to occur at both the local level and nationally through NatureServe, as well as internationally. Local efforts will include workshops with interested parties. National and international efforts will include participation in recognized information portals (e.g., Global Biodiversity Information Facility - GBIF).

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data entry will follow NatureServe’s international methodology and data standards, entered into the AKNHP and NatureServe’s databases, and served on the Internet via NatureServe Explorer and GBIF. Specimens will be deposited and accessed through regional and national museums (e.g., University of Alaska Museum and Oslo Museum).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
New funding for the synthesis, surveys, and ecological studies will be through National scientific funding sources (US NSF, NRCandada, RCNorway) and IPY. Funding for data management: NatureServe, AKNHP, and NSF. Existing long-term funds (AKNHP, Alaska Department of Fish and Game) will be used to continue the distribution of this information.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This proposed one-time infusion of funds to synthesize information, conduct field surveys, and parallel ecological studies will significantly advance our scientific understanding of the Arctic’s biodiversity, especially species and ecosystems considered to be rare or at risk. Its scope is international and the results will be served and managed in perpetuity through current, successful mechanisms. The results will be of primary importance for making wise conservation decisions and supporting sustainable development planning at both the local and global level.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Keith Boggs
Alaska Natural Heritage Program, Environment and Natural Resources Institute
University of Alaska Anchorage
707 A Street, Anchorage, AK
99501
USA

Tel: 907-257-2783
Mobile:
Fax: 907-257-2789
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information