Consultancy report on interoperable database 2015

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This report explains the process behind the creation of an interoperable database on invasive species for Cameroon. 144 species were selected through the linked consultancy A4.3.1, and the fields for the database were established following guidelines set out by the component 4 project task force, and revised by the consultants. The fields are divided into three groups: 

• species taxonomic information (Species name, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Subfamily, Genus, Species, Authority);
• information on the species in Cameroon (Mode of spread, Regions the species has been seen in, Use of species in Cameroon, Type of negative impact, How bad is the impact?, Outcome of impact, Management Category, Management details, Contact information, Photo);
• global information on the species (Native range, Introduced range, General uses, Type of negative impact, Management, Details of management, Examples of legislation to manage the species, Links to further information).

Data for the database was compiled from online datasources as well as through stakeholder engagement through workshops and individual consultations in Cameroon. The stakeholders also clearly stated that while the database should be freely available online, Cameroon should remain in control of the database via its hosting on the MINEPDED website, and there should be only limited password protected access for experts to add or change datafields.

These considerations have been reflected in the database construction and hosting by choosing software and programming languages familiar to IT staff at MINEPDED (phpmyadmin and mysql), and a simple and open access software for the front end design (python). Detailed instructions on management and use of the database as well as data entry are provided in the manual. The manual is divided into three sections. First it explains how to use and search for information in the database, which should be easy for anyone to do. Next it explains how new information can be added to the database, an option that is password protected. A guide on how to enter data is also given in the manual. Finally, the manual explains how to manage the database back end and web-based front end, and how to host the database on the MINEPDED server. These actions that should only be carried out by qualified staff.  Until the site is uploaded onto MINEPDED website, the database can be accessed from: 

http://cameroonias.pythonanywhere.com/cameroonias_review_new/default/index