- Data generated through the projects have to be made openly accessible to the broader community (an embargo period is allowed).
- A copy of the data needs to be submitted to the FBIP/SANBI to check quality and whether what has been submitted meets the stated target in the proposal, and for the data to be made accessible on the FBIP website (Data Sets).
- There are specific data standards that must be met – these are set by the global repositories, namely IBOL and GBIF.
- The FBIP follows up with grant holders to ensure that data are submitted, and that these meet the required standards.
Special requirements: FBIP projects
- Because there are so many gaps in our knowledge of South Africa’s biodiversity, and filling them will take so long, there is a need to be strategic in what is funded.
- The project must generate data that is needed for decision-making or for some other purpose so that there is some impact (beyond publication of a paper).
- Globally researchers are increasingly being pressured to contribute to addressing the major challenges facing society.
- If you haven’t done so previously, read up about the global initiatives that link biodiversity and society.
- For example, the popular article [If we work together, 2020 can be a true “Super Year” for biodiversity], has links to some of the relevant documents.
- Look at the Sustainable Development Goals, and Future Earth’s goals.
- For the national context, look at the Department of Environment’s Biodiversity Research and Evidence Strategy (2015-2025)
- If you haven’t done so previously, read up about the global initiatives that link biodiversity and society.
- The project must solve a problem or address a critical gap.
… You have to ask yourself the following questions:
What will change because this project has been done?
Who will use the data generated and for what purpose?
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