The Biodiversity & Environmental Resource Data System of Belize (BERDS)

The Biodiversity & Environmental Resource Data System of Belize (BERDS) is a
community-driven biodiversity and environmental data warehouse and research
tool set. What makes BERDS unique is its integrated spatial approach to data
analysis, management and dissemination. BERDS merges a wide array of useful
data resources (e.g., documents, people, organisations, projects, specimen
collections, datasets, multimedia) with an integrated and comprehensive GIS
mapping and analysis capability to form a powerful data visualisation and
investigation toolset for research and monitoring efforts. BERDS is hosted and
maintained by Belize Tropical Forest Studies, a Belizean NGO, however, the
growth of its data holdings and its long-term financial sustainability are
driven by the participation of BERDS' national, regional and international
partners. Since its launch in August 2005, BERDS has grown to become the
preeminent environmental data resource for Belize. The database has grown by
154%, holding over 39,000 data records and provides visual and text access to
over 30 accurate spatial data sets as well as a unique visual-based search
facility. There are 5 research case studies explaining how to use the system to
solve real-world conservation problems and 11 step-by-step tutorials on using
the BERDS facility itself. Nearly 20 national and international organisations
have joined as active participants and the system is well on its way to
financial self-sustainability. (Source: BERDS)