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http://www.conservationcommons.orgOn November 19, a coalition of conservation groups officially launched the Conservation Commons. [...] From the press release: 'The creation of a "Conservation Commons" was announced today at the 3rd IUCN World Conservation Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. Birdlife International, Conabio (Mexico), The South Africa National Biodiversity Institute, Conservation International, UNDP, The Natural History Museum (London), The Brazilian Center for Environmental Information (CRIA), NASA, Chevron-Texaco and many others have come together to endorse common principles calling for free and open access to conservation information. Data and information required for effective conservation is fragmented and difficult to find. Hailed by Jeff McNeely, IUCN Chief Scientist, as "the single most important initiative in conservation today", the initiative seeks to break down barriers to access.' For more information see the Conservation Commons Statement of Principles, which focuses on the need for open access to conservation information.Source: Open Access NewsPlease note: Conservation means conservation of biodiversity not conservation of cultural heritage.