Ecological information management for global change monitoring networks and protected areas

Abstract

Bonet,  F.J.,  San  Gil,  I.  (2010).  Ecological  information  management  for  global  change  monitoring  networks  and  protected areas. Ecosistemas 19(2):84-96.

The management procedures of the protected areas are often used as a reference in the process of designing and implementing new ways of land management. These new management protocols are based on adaptability to local and global change. The information management systems are a key tool to provide useful information and knowledge to implement these management procedures. Information management systems  provide  scientists  and  managers  modeling  tools  in  a  computing  framework.  These  tools  ease  somewhat  the  land  resource management complexities. The information management systems allows managers to make decisions with less uncertainty and scientists advance understanding of ecological processes of natural systems. In this paper we describe the structure and functions of the information management  systems  used  to  facilitate  management  and  research  in  protected  areas.  The  implementation  of  a  functional  and  useful information  management  system  depends  on  the  scientific  and  technological  requirements,  as  well  as  a  particular  attention  to  the  human resources and financial constraints. We describe the implementation of many information management systems deployed at every United States Long Term Ecological Research Network participating site.