Ocean Data and Information Network for the Caribbean and South America Regions (ODINCARSA): Report of Activities 2005-2006 and Proposed Work Plan 2007-2008.

Abstract

ODINCARSA was set up primarily as a mechanism for assessing the current and potential state of development of national data centers and to create the means for mutual capacity building in South America and the Caribbean. It further sought to develop a cooperation network for managing and exchanging oceanographic data and information within these regions. ODINCARSA is a network which is integrated by 19 IOC Member States: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. After, 5 years of activity and limited resources, ODINCARSA has achieved several milestones which can be summarized as follows. - To put the Ocean Data and Information Management as a relevant issue at National level in most of 60% of Member countries mostly allocated n South America. - To establish and keep active a huge regional network integrated by more than 60 National Institutions with 237 experts from different sectors related to Ocean and Marine activities. - To contribute on improving the provision of ocean data and information products and services to different users by sharing of expertise, knowledge transference and capacity building. - To become a useful partner/platform for other IOC programs and Organizations such as GOOS, GCOS, IAMSLIC, IAI, CPPS, JCOMM, ASFA and ICAM. However, important challenges remain in the region. The level of implementation of ODINCARSA in the Caribbean region is quite modest, and it will require, partnership, national involvement and additional funding. It is highly recommended the interaction with different IOC Programs and other relevant organizations in order to achieve the proposed Action Plan for the Caribbean region. The next phase of ODINCARSA in Latin America should have two main outcomes: 1) The consolidation of a regional network on Marine information that provides permanent and valuable services to a wide community and 2) The provision of data and information services to the Operational Oceanography, Coastal Management and Disaster Reduction Programs in the regions.