The Atlantis database

Summary: 

It comprises two databases, one for the Canaries (http://www.biodiversidadcanarias.es/atlantis/common/index.jsf) and the other for the Azores (http://www.atlantis.angra.uac.pt/atlantis/common/index.jsf). The information has been adopted politically- the resulting Canarian Biodiversity database is the official source of information on the distribution of species on the archipelago. Tthe Azores database will be incorporated with a similar one from the mainland. As a result of these databases, the following output has been produced: taxonomic compilations, books, TOP 100 lists for threatened or/and invasive species

Additional remarks: 

The dabase was the product of the Bio-Natura project (project that compiled the existing bibliographic references (scientific papers and grey literature) on the distribution of species into biodiversity databases). Bio-Natura resulted from a formal cooperation between three ORs belonging to two member states, justified by biogeographic reasons. It started as an initiative of the Canaries government in 1999 but was subsequently extended to the Azores and Madeira. From 2000-2008 it was funded by two consecutive INTERREG III-B projects. After the European co-funding ended it continued to receive funding from regional governments.

Category of best practice: 

Characterization of biodiversity (e.g. inventory, description of species and ecosystems)
Biodiversity management (e.g. conservation ex situ and in situ, sustainable use and exploitation, rehabilitation, management of invasive species, pollutants, pesticides)
Governance and policies (e.g. interactions science/societies, regulations, decision-makers, networks, international collaborations)

Criteria used to define the best practice: 

Applicability/transferability to other regions
Sustainability of projects (i.e. projects remain beyond the given funding)
Good governance (involve relevant stakeholders and integrate different interests and perspectives and needs in part from local stakeholders)
Generating multiplier/imitation effects

Organisation: 

University of the Azores

Contact details: 

Paulo Borges (pborges@uac.pt)

Geographic region: 

Macaronesia

Location: 

Canaries, Azores, Madeira