Environmental Information System in Andalusia

Advanced information technology is more and more essential for effectively managing and delivering conservation information. The Consejeria de Medio Ambiente of the regional government of Andalucia has developed a data management system including software and information technology tools to manage biodiversity data and deliver practical products and services. The system is called Sistema de Información Ambiental de Andalucía (SinambA).This programme has been gathering information on the state of the environmental and natural resources in Andalucia since 1984. A talented team has systematised, centralised and standardised environmental data in order to make biodiversity information accessible to experts and the general public through a web-based data exploration tools.

By an easy search facility which combines a scientific or common name, taxonomic group, conservation or legal status and geography, the system provides public access information on species and ecosystems. This tool also allows for planners, conservation groups and local governments to better integrate biodiversity information into land use and conservation planning. Particularly, the system can provide information on which plants, animals and other resources can be found in particular areas; which are more threatened, and locations of their habitats; places where development presents conflict; or assess possible scenarios for alternative routes for highways or new civil infrastructures. Furthermore, a pilot project on internet certification and administrative procedures through internet are being exploring thank to this tool.

Linked to this project, a parallel information system on environmental climatology (CLIMA) is being implementing through a sophisticated GIS mapping technology and a network of meteorological sampling. The more difficult process is to convert all the data collected both manually and automatically into a valid format to provide a database with homogenous information. The system is one the main tools of the Andalusian strategy to combat climate change which aims at responding to the ongoing needs for quality data to analyse the evolution of the climate in Andalucia and forecast potential consequences caused by climate change.

Interesting links:

Environmental Information Network of Andalusia