Public policies influence the value and use of biodiversity data and knowledge. For example, policies can promote the use of biodiversity information for conservation decisions, create incentives for biodiversity data-sharing, and foster data generation that is responsive to decision-makers’ needs. However, little prior research has evaluated African public policy through the lens of access to and use of biodiversity data. This project seeks to analyze existing policies, legislation, and institutions in sub-Saharan Africa that influence the access to and value of biodiversity information. The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a multi-disciplinary network of researchers, policy makers, and private sector leaders working to promote the use of science and technology for African development. ATPS operates in 30 countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.

The project will begin with a literature review to identify what is known about biodiversity information policies in sub-Saharan Africa and how these policies influence nations’ achievement of stated conservation goals.  The literature review will inform the development of a framework to evaluate existing and future management policies and investments. The project will use focus groups, surveys, and workshops with experts and stakeholders to understand and assess the impacts of existing policies and systems on biodiversity informatics. This work will result in a summary of future prospects, best practices, and examples of successful policy approaches for fostering the generation, maintenance, and use of biodiversity information in sub-Saharan Africa.

• Peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Policy briefs.
• Live radio and television interviews.
• Newspaper articles.

This literature review and stakeholder engagement project will provide stakeholders valuable knowledge about the policy and institutional landscape required for facilitating access to biodiversity information. Policy briefs, articles, a database on policies and institutions, and other products will be accessible to a wide audience of actors with a role in African conservation and decision-making. This knowledge sharing will help develop capacity for effective application of biodiversity information for the purpose of achieving development and conservation goals in sub-Saharan Africa.

• Ozor, N; EN Acheampong; B Ayodotun (2016) Review of policies, legislations and institutions for biodiversity information in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation. 8(6): 126 – 137. (link)

Nicholas Ozor, B. Agric. (Nig., First Class Honours); M.Sc., Agricultural Extension (Nig., Distinction) Ph.D., Agricultural Extension Administration & International and Rural Development (Nig. & Reading, UK respectively), is the Ag. Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network Nairobi, Kenya, a transdisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, private sector actors, and civil society actors promoting the generation, dissemination, use and mastery of Science, Technology and Innovations (STI) for African sustainable development with coverage in 30 countries in Africa, Australia, United States of America, and United Kingdom. Dr Ozor is a Commonwealth Scholar and has led many internationally funded research projects bordering on STI; natural resource management; innovation systems; climate change; agriculture and food security; policy development, analysis and advocacy; technology management and transfer; and private sector engagements. He is a member of many professional organizations and has published over 70 articles in reputable international referred journals and as book chapters. He is married to Gloria, a literary artiste, and blessed with children.

Policy research like this is an important new area of grantmaking for JRS, with the aim of better understanding the policy and decision-making context surrounding technical efforts related to biodiversity data and information in the regions where we work. JRS is interested in supporting this work in order to:

• Generate greater interest among policy researchers in the topic of biodiversity informatics.
• Allow JRS and other funders to make wise investments in biodiversity data with greater information about enabling context and institutions.
• Help countries learn from each other about effective regulation and use of biodiversity information.

This investment is one of several efforts funded by JRS including grants to Conservation International and the Institute of Policy and Research Rwanda that aim to enrich the understanding of the interplay among public policy, access to biodiversity data, and decision-making. We also hope that this work will inform and intersect with the effort by the South African National Biodiversity Institute aimed at mobilizing South Africa’s biodiversity data.