OO. 7.1 Compile and synthesise existing data and information, and disseminate this knowledge to a wider audience

The book "Biodiversity in Belgium, a country study" (Peeters et al., 2003) presents a detailed overview of existing knowledge on Belgium's biodiversity (status, trends and threats). In addition, this country study also emphasises the urgent need to extend and deepen our understanding of all components of our biodiversity.

Further compilations and synthesis of existing data and (meta) information, making full use of electronic tools, will provide an even more solid background for detecting gaps in research needs and policy-relevant priorities. The development of a web portal, in accordance with obligations in the framework of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), could serve as a basis for a national register of species.

The dissemination of scientific data and information on biodiversity should not only be aimed at the scientific community, but should reach the widest audience possible in an adapted language, including decision-makers, teachers, students and the general public. The development of databases to access ongoing and past studies and research could be a very useful tool to this end. This will require the primary scientific data and conclusions to be presented in a format and language accessible for a non-specialist audience. This will be particularly important when biodiversity themes are incorporated in educational and public awareness programmes.