From 17-18 July 2012, African "Node Managers" of the  Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) convened in the Rwandan city of Kigali. This regional meeting, hosted by the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS), enabled participants to explore the challenges and opportunities confronting biodiversity informatics in Africa. ICLEI, as "Local Government Node Manager", was represented by Russell Galt.

Participants agreed that despite growing activity in this field, progress is hindered by constraints relating to technological infrastructure, capacity, governance and funding. Nevertheless, great promise was identified in a number of interesting projects, mentoring exercises, and new policies addressing biodiversity data in Africa.


Participants deliberated on how to take a more strategic approach to biodiversity data publishing with a view to maximizing its contribution to aspects of human well-being (e.g. food-water-energy security).

Other matters discussed include the promotion of regional engagement, establishment of an African Scientific Committee and formulation of a 'business case' for GBIF activities.

Participants also agreed on a set of priorities to be raised at the forthcoming 19thmeeting of the GBIF Governing Board (GB19) to take place in Lillehammer, Norway, from  16-21 September 2012.