We are delighted to announce that two key roles in the Better Biodiversity Data project (BBD), have been appointed.
The BBD project, which the NBN Trust will lead and manage, is a partnership project funded by the Scottish Government and NatureScot. Working closely with the Local Environmental Records Centres (LERCs), Recording Groups and other members of the Scottish Biodiversity Information Forum, the project will develop the first steps in a strategic approach to the collection, collation and sharing of biological data across Scotland. The project will safeguard Scotland’s biodiversity data and make it more accessible, creating a shared database and a national hub that supports the LERCs and Recording Groups.
The funding of £580,000 over two years includes the creation of five new staff posts to deliver the project. The first two posts to be filled are the Scotland Programme Manager and the Partnership Officer, both of whom joined the NBN Trust on 6 March 2023.
Introducing the Better Biodiversity Data project’s
Scotland Programme Manager – Michael Tetley
With an academic background in marine biology and oceanography, undertaking a PhD to understand the distribution and behaviour of North Atlantic minke whales developed Michael’s skills in habitat mapping and ecological modelling. It also introduced him to the role of GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System), which support his own desire to ensure that the best available knowledge is used to make positive conservation changes. Michael has worked on numerous projects associated with the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity. Most recently, he worked as the programme coordinator of the Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force for the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Joint Species Survival Commission/World Commission on Protected Areas. This partnership of experts from across research, conservation, and business, created the world’s first global atlas and repository of knowledge of Important Marine Mammal Areas.
As Scotland Programme Manager for the NBN Trust, Michael will lead the delivery of the BBD project, manage the project team, and oversee the development of the Trust’s work across Scotland.
Read more about Michael on his NBN Trust staff page.
Introducing Better Biodiversity Data project’s
Partnership Officer – Christine Tansey
Christine’s career started in conservation fieldwork for NGOs, working on a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for a local authority and project co-ordination for a food education project. After completing an MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation she undertook research fieldwork on Lepidoptera and waders, which led to a PhD on phenology using citizen science observations at the University of Edinburgh. She went on to spend several years co-ordinating the Woodland Trust’s UK-wide research programme, developing and implementing research partnerships. She has also worked as a freelance researcher and consultant, including for an IUCN fungi red-listing project. Most recently her work has been in partnership engagement for WildTeam UK’s conservation training and resources, and programme support for WildTeam Bangladesh’s conservation of the Sundarbans mangrove forest and wildlife.
As the Partnership Officer, Christine will be responsible for engaging with partners and stakeholders, and supporting the Programme Manager with all aspects of project delivery. This includes working with stakeholders to develop the role of the Scottish hub, implementing effective biodiversity data-flows, and preparing for the delivery of national data services.
Read more about Christine on her NBN Trust staff page.
On the appointment of Michael and Christine, NBN Trust CEO, Lisa Chilton, said:
“We’re thrilled that the Better Biodiversity Data project is up and running. The idea for this project has been many years in gestation, and we owe thanks not only to the funders – the Scottish Government and NatureScot – but also to the many organisations and individuals that shaped and promoted the project throughout this time. From the Scottish Biodiversity Information Forum (SBIF), which led the development of the project, to the Scottish LERCs and Recording Groups, Biological Recording in Scotland (BRISC), the RSPB and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, it has been a huge team effort to get the project over the starting line. Continued collaboration will be vital to the success of the project, and the BBD team is looking forward to delivering it with, and for, the project’s partners and stakeholders.”
Biodiversity Minister, Lorna Slater, said:
“Our new draft biodiversity strategy was published in December, setting out our vision for halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and reversing declines in nature by 2045. We will soon publish the final strategy alongside the underpinning delivery plan – and we will need effective monitoring to help ensure we can deliver on these crucial targets.
“This innovative partnership project, funded by the Scottish Government and NatureScot, will collate Scotland’s biodiversity data and make it more accessible through the creation of a shared national database. Data collection, through initiatives like this one, will be a vital tool in measuring the success of our strategy, and will underpin the investment we make to address biodiversity loss.”
NatureScot’s Innovative Technologies Programme Manager, Philippa Vigano, said:
“As we tackle the twin crises of nature loss and climate change, safeguarding Scotland’s biodiversity data and making it more accessible is vital. Michael and Christine’s appointments to help the Better Biodiversity Data project establish a Scotland hub, and to collate and share expertise, will be critical in our national efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and reverse it with large-scale restoration by 2045.”
Following the appointment of Michael and Christine the first part of the project will begin with partner and stakeholder engagement activity.
The remaining three BBD posts, Technical Project Manager, Business Analyst and System Manager, will be recruited later this year.
Find out more about the BBD project
Visit the NatureScot website
Visit the Scottish Government website