A new video describes the role of the GEOSS Common Infrastructure in supporting policy and research related to biodiversity. Developed by the EuroGEOSS Project, the 8-minute video shows an example of using global data and models available on the web to identify unique African habitats that are in need of protection.

The GEOSS Common Infrastructure and its ability to find and process data on the web is based on the EuroGEOSS broker, a state-of-the-art, web-based resource. The eHabitat model highlighted in the video uses environmental parameters to understand changes in habitat viability.

The video also refers to a 10-year strategic plan for biodiversity, adopted at a 2010 Conference of the Parties in Japan. Five strategic goals under the plan are as follows:

‰Û¢ Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society;

‰Û¢ Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use;

‰Û¢ Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity;

‰Û¢ Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services;

‰Û¢ Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building.

‰ÛÏOne the major challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, is the ability to understand the complex relationships between environment and society, and communicate these complexities effectively to the public and to decision-makers,‰Û the video’s narrator concludes.

‰ÛÏThis is a global challenge, which requires a global endeavor and global data. The GEOSS Common Infrastructure is a critical asset to meeting this challenge.‰Û