important plant areas in central and eastern europe - Plantlife

Section 3
IPA database
Data collation strategy
Each national team was asked to collect specific information on each site selected as an
IPA, using the IPA questionnaire as the basis. Different countries had very different data
availability and each country decided on their national data collation and collection
strategy. In many countries the collation of data and selection of sites was made using
existing national databases. In other countries the IPA central database and the IPA
questionnaire were used as the basis for collating information and selecting sites.
IPA central database
The IPA central database is an on-line data entry system, and each national partner can
download their country’s data into MS Access from the website. Each user of the
database has a login password and use of the on-line site is governed by a data sharing
agreement, which covers data ownership issues and confidential information.
For each IPA, data is collected on the area, altitude, boundary, region where the site is
located, general habitats, land-use, existing protection, threats, site management,
qualifying criteria and details of the site compiler.
Summary fact-sheets on each site are available, and it is possible to generate detailed
statistics and reports from the background Access database.The IPA database is
compatible with the Important Bird Areas database and was developed with assistance
from BirdLife International.
Development potential
One of the most important potential developments for this database will be the public
access facility.All developments will be made in consultation with partners. Fact-sheets
for each IPA will be made available through the Plantlife International website, as well as
up-to-date statistics on the sites, their features and their threats. Improving the facilities
for national languages is also an important development area.
Improving the public access to IPA information will ensure that decision makers and
stakeholders will have the latest information on plant conservation benefits and threats.
IPA public access information will also be forwarded to the EU and CBD clearing house
mechanisms.
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