Down in the woods they have no names — BioNET-INTERNATIONAL. Strengthening systematics in developing countries
The biosystematic crisis in the developing world is occasioned by the inadequacy of indigenous capabilities; the withdrawal of free-services by the major world centres of excellence; and the ever-increasing need for biosystematics to support sustainable agricultural development and use of biodiversity. Developing countries are unable to meet their obligations, as signatories, to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The most cost-effective and technically best solution is to establish and sustain realistic self-reliance in biosystematics within developing country sub-regions, through mobilization and pooling of resources for optimum use, and their enhancement through donor-funded human resource and capacity building programmes. BioNET-INTERNATIONAL as a global technical cooperation network comprized of inter-linked sub-regional LOOPs (Locally Organised and Operated Partnerships) provides a sustainable mechanism for achieving this objective. Its initial concern with Invertebrates and Microorganisms is without prejudice to its ultimate scope. The first LOOP, CARINET was established for the Caribbean sub-region in December 1993 and LOOPs for East Africa, South East Asia and South Pacific are underway. The world-wide network is expected to be in place within five years.