International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), more
International Council of Scientific Unions; Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA), more
International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS), more
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), more
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), more
European Commission; Fifth Framework Programme, more, sponsor
The goal of Species 2000 is to provide a uniform and validated quality index of names of all known species for use as a practical tool. The index will be used to provide:
-an electronic baseline species list for use in inventorying projects worldwide;
-the index for an Internet gateway to species databases worldwide;
-a reference system for comparison between inventories;
-a comprehensive worldwide catalogue for checking the status, classification and naming of species.Objectives
In order to achieve this goal Species 2000 will:
-Operate a dynamic Common Access System on the Internet through which users can locate a species by name across an array of on-line taxonomic databases.
-Produce a stable species index, the Species 2000 Annual Checklist, available on the Internet and on CD-ROM, to be updated once a year.
-Stimulate completion of the array of taxonomic databases by seeking resources both for the completion of existing databases, and to help establish new databases to cover identified gaps.
-Establish a system of onward links connecting each species entry in the checklist with a wide range of other species databases with information about that species (to include germplasm, museum/herbarium, ecosystem and other data systems).
