The SSC Species Information Service Development of a Species Information Service to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use through better management and sharing of science-based data, information and knowledge. Due to funding restrictions, the launch of the first working release was not possible as previously scheduled. Funding has been secured, yet the delay has forced us to re-schedule the finalization and distribution of the software in early 2001. With the help of IUCN Councillor Mr Juan Rada, the Oracle Corporation provided technical support to draft a first version of a project for the web-based SIS that was presented at the Second World Conservation Congress in Amman.
Discussions are underway to have a major project funded by a consortium of corporations.
All software modules, including the Red List and trade modules, and all necessary accompanying data structures to be finalised. This activity will begin during the first half of 2001 and will include training of appropriate Specialist Group members. This advance will allow data management from remote sites. This agreement will be for one year only, but we hope that the contract can be renewed to give SIS operations the consistency that they require. The contract supporting the CSU is currently being registered in the appropriate ministerial offices of the Italian government.