3GTW Resource Kit

Taxonomy's Value to Society: Case Studies
Case Studies available online from www.bionet-intl.org/case_studies |
Guidelines for case studies Download Word File 29KB

Introduction: A real need has been expressed in various fora for case studies that demonstrate where taxonomy (or the lack of it) has had profound impacts on society. Participants at 3GTW-Paris proposed a solution: to call for, and make available online to anyone who may want to use them, as many case studies as possible. BioNET-INTERNATIONAL's Technical Secretariat has agreed to assist with this process and is making submitted case studies freely available on its website at www.bionet-intl.org/case_studies.

Call for Case Studies
Aim: To provide summary case studies of how taxonomic knowledge and resources have been used to meet user needs and benefit society, or how the lack of taxonomic resources and information has led to poor decision-making, negatively affecting society in some way.

Distribution and copyright: The submitted case studies will be made freely available on-line. Submission of material expressly acknowledges it will be non-copyright and available to be used by anyone needing good examples of why taxonomy is important, for example when submitting proposals for funding, talking to decision-makers, etc. Case study authors are requested to include an acknowledgement of their source(s).

Deadline: The call is open-ended and case studies are available from www.bionet-intl.org/case_studies.

Guidelines to Contributors: Provide a one-page case study organised as follows to bionet@bionet-intl.org.

1. Title: Clear and informative title. State any impacts, positive or negative, in the title if possible (e.g., "Correct Identification of Pest Saves Millions").
2. Relevant Sector: Clearly specify thematic area/societal sector and economic area/s to which your case study applies e.g. agriculture (or subsectors), forestry, inland waters, marine and coastal, invasive alien species, pollination, biodiversity conservation, trade, human health, disease vectors, pharmaceuticals, etc.
3. Geographic Location: specify where (country/region) the activity took place and where the impact was felt.
4. Problem Statement: Describe the specific (non-taxonomic) problem or question that was addressed.
5. Methods: Include a non-technical statement of methods and procedures used. Specify taxonomic approach and applications used.
6. Lessons: State the particular taxonomic issue that was addressed, or should have been addressed.
7. Outcomes and Impacts: Present the benefits/impacts to society of taxonomy/lack of taxonomy, lessons learned and conclusions
8. Reference: If possible, cite one or more key reference documents/websites etc. for follow-up by interested persons.
9. Contact Information: Provide author's name, affiliation, and contact information (including weblinks). If further acknowledgement of source is required, include the citation to be used.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.