Data sources
Data are a fundamental source of evidence for assessments,
reporting, planning action and modelling and predicting the
outcomes of policy options. So making sure that data sources are
accessible and available is critical if conservation is to be
effective.
JNCC has a strong role in this area. We ensure that data we
invest in through surveillance become available for others to use.
In addition, we invest heavily in co-ordination mechanisms that
ensure data from a range of sources become available through
centralised and standardised sources. Finally, we have role in
advising and influencing broader scale strategies and
mechanisms.
National Biodiversity Network (NBN)
The NBN mobilises species records across
the UK. Many of the records are collected by volunteers and there
is a huge resource potentially available - estimates suggest that
across the UK there are more than 200million. A large proportion of
that total are already available through the NBN Gateway.
We have a very active role, having overall responsibility for
technical development and service to data providers and users.
Global Biodiversity Information Facility
(GBIF)
GBIF aims to put in place means to standardise the publication
of primary species data around the world by bringing together a set
of standards and the tools to implement them. We have had a very
active role in advising on the development of GBIF and lead the
contribution of UK data through the NBN.
Biodiversity Action and Reporting
System (BARS)
BARS provides a mechanism to allow the conservation-related
activities and progress to be collated into a central repository.
By doing so there will be better co-ordination and a more holistic
picture of the total effort. We are now responsible for the
development of this application.
Surveillance and Monitoring data
We invest in a portfolio of land-based surveillance schemes with
partners. Their data is available under data policies that put them
to use for public benefit in decision-making, research and
education.
Marine Environmental Data and
Information Network (MEDIN)
Sampling in the marine environment is relatively expensive and
historically much of the data gathered has not become available for
re-use. MEDIN aims to create standards for all types of marine data
collection and establish Data Archiving Centres where data can be
deposited for long-term storage. We have a technical advisory role
with MEDIN and lead the standards area.
Mapping European Seabed Habitats
(MESH)
MESH aims to collate and standardise habitat maps for the seas
around north-west Europe and provide access to those maps to
support the management of the marine environment. The project is
led by JNCC.
Internationally-designated sites in the UK
We maintain the definitive copy of current sites both on land
and at sea that have been designated under European or
international legislation. It includes details of the reasons for
each designation.
Infrastructure for Spatial
Information in Europe (INSPIRE)
The implementation of the INSPIRE Directive aims to set up an
infrastructure for spatial information in Europe so that data
become available in the standardised way. It addresses 34 spatial
data themes needed for environmental applications with key
components specified through technical rules. Our role is to help
with the development of some standards and to advise how INSPIRE
works in the UK.
Species designations database
We keep a database of species designations including Red Lists,
Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Lists, species listed on European
Directives, species listed on the Schedules of the Wildlife &
Countryside Act and lists of rare and scarce species. We have
worked to collate many of the current and make them available to
users as a single downloadable spreadsheet.
Marine survey data
We collect survey data in the offshore area to
support designation recommendations for Special Areas of
Conservation (SACs) and identification of Marine Conservation Zones
(MCZs).