Regionalization Breakout Group NASA Biodiversity and Ecological Forecasting

Regionalization Breakout Group NASA Biodiversity and Ecological Forecasting Team Meeting May 8, 2009

Question 1 • What might a regional biodiversity monitoring effort look like? – Focus is international – Applied research based on regional needs while simultaneously addressing NASA research questions. – Feedback mechanism to take into account potential efforts that are of global impact that could be regionalized environmental regulation frameworks in the region(e. g. convention on climate change) – Partner with universities is easiest; find researchers that share interest and passion; but also governments, NGOs and private sector – Need to build on the knowledge that is already there In those regions, we can identify the gaps – Strong capacity building component – NSF-like to encourage partnerships and interdisciplinary teams – True partnerships

Question 2 • Who can we work with? – Identify regional partnership opportunities with organizations that are already working at the regional level. – In addition to scientists/researchers, include local and non-traditional partners (e. g. fisherman)

Question 3 • In building new partnerships, with what organizations should NASA look to partner? – This question requires further research – GOFC network/SERVIR liaison – GLOBE - educational component – Marine Biological Corridor Secretariats – Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Interamerican Institute for Global Change Research – Development agencies and banks

Question 4 • How do you build critical mass? – Shorter term • Scientific exchange • Regional biodiversity monitoring as part of ROSES call • Web 2. 0 – Longer term (like growing a crop) • Education • Personal relationships/scientific diplomacy

Question 5 • How can we best present regional biodiversity monitoring efforts to the public and gain their buy-in? – Not by emails and electronic newsletters – Other: radio, TV, movies – Leverage successful response to high visibility events – Physical infrastructure, like SERVIR as a showcase