The United Nations International Year of Biodiversity 2010 (IYB) provides GBIF with an unprecedented opportunity to raise stakeholder awareness of our organisation, its vision and mandate and the important contribution GBIF and its network of participants can make in biodiversity management, conservation and sustainable development. The GBIF-network is a powerful example of what can be achieved if countries agree to, and collaborate use, common standards and data exchange platforms.

During the months of February and March, the GBIF Secretariat will be raising awareness of these issues - and of our network - through active engagement at a number of key international meetings.  These include:

1. 11th Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum, 22 – 23 February 2010 (http://www.unep.org/civil_society/GCSF/indexGCSF11.asp);
2. UNEP Governing Council/Ministers of the Environment Meeting, 24 – 26 February 2010 (http://www.unep.org/resources/gov/overview.asp);
3. Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Conference of Parties-15, 13 – 25 March 2010 (http://www.cites.org/eng/news/meetings/cop15/index.shtml).

Our activities include exciting side events, exhibition booths and participation in various meetings with key decision-makers.  Further information will be posted closer to the time.  We will also report back to you on these and other activities in the upcoming additions of GBits.