The framework of the national biodiversity database, the result of a three-year US$3 million project funded by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), was announced on January 27 in Hanoi.
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| The database will store nationwide biodiversity data, such as lists of species of fauna and flora. |
The database will store nationwide biodiversity data, such as lists of species of fauna and flora. Designed to meet international standards, it aims to provide biodiversity information for decision makers, government officers, researchers and the public.
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However, a lot still needs to be done to complete the system, including the allocation of human and material resources, said Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, deputy head of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's Biodiversity Conservation Agency. She recommended that the environment ministry quickly assign a unit to operate the system.
Deputy director of the Vietnam Environment Administration Nguyen The Dong said that Vietnam hoped for technical support from JICA to assist Vietnam in operating the system.
In order to ensure proper utilisation and development, it was essential that the environment ministry quickly approve a master plan that included the necessary activities and budget to operate and upgrade the database, according to JICA Vietnam.
