Canadian Biodiversity Information Network

History

Canada began to develop the Canadian Biodiversity Information Network (CBIN) in 1996 [1] as an internet based resource centre to serve as Canada's national node to the global Clearing House Mechanism.[2] Canada's first national report to the convention stated that CBIN was to become operational in the same year.[1] In recent years, researchers have continued to underscore the gap in translating knowledge in biodiversity topics into conservation action.[3]

Role and functions

Canada's third national report to the Convention on Biological Diversity described CBIN stated that the site covered developments under the convention and information on implementing the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy,[4] and that it provided access to biodiversity related information from academia, industry, non-governmental organizations, and governments.[5]

The Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility (CBIF), administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, served as Canada's national counterpart to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), providing tools such as the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), the Species Access Network, and SpeciesBank.[6] CBIF operated as a data repository from 2001 until it was decommissioned on December 20, 2021.[7]

Outreach

Environment Canada used CBIN as a public outreach platform during the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, where it turned into a virtual meeting place where Canadians were able to share stories about how they were celebrating the year.[8]

See also: Criticisms of the biodiversity paradigm

References

  1. 1 2 "Caring for Canada's Biodiversity: Canada's First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity" (PDF). Convention on Biological Diversity. 2026-03-24. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
  2. ↑ Clearing House Mechanism
  3. ↑ Buxton, Rachel T.; Bennett, Joseph R.; Reid, Andrea J.; Shulman, Charles; Cooke, Steven J.; Francis, Charles M.; Nyboer, Elizabeth A.; Pritchard, Gary; Binley, Allison D.; Avery-Gomm, Stephanie; Ban, Natalie C.; Beazley, Karen F.; Bennett, Elena; Blight, Louise K.; Bortolotti, Lauren E. (2021-04-01). "Key information needs to move from knowledge to action for biodiversity conservation in Canada". Biological Conservation. 256 108983. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108983. ISSN 0006-3207.
  4. ↑ "Canadian Biodiversity Strategy". biodivcanada.ca. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
  5. ↑ "CBD Third National Report - Canada" (PDF). Convention on Biological Diversity. 2026-03-24. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
  6. ↑ Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food (2021-12-14). "Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility (CBIF)". agriculture.canada.ca. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  7. ↑ "Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility | re3data.org". www.re3data.org. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  8. ↑ Unit, Biosafety (2013-02-14). "National Celebrations". www.cbd.int. Retrieved 2026-03-24.