The National Biodiversity Portal now contains data on the country’s aquatic biodiversity. The updated portal was launched yesterday.
The rivers and lakes in Bhutan are home to over 4,000 aquatic animals.
The data on aquatic biodiversity is expected to help in planning and coordinating developmental activities with regard to lakes and rivers in the country.
“We wanted to have lots of other new features that can accommodate those aquatic biodiversity data so that it will help the hydropower sector, especially while carrying out survey for environment assessment or cumulative assessment impact,” Choki Gyeltshen, a Sr. Biodiversity Officer with the National Biodiversity Center said.
The National Biodiversity Center (NBC) encourages people to join as members of the portal and contribute data on aquatic species in the country.
“You get to identify the name of species if you do not know and if you are an expert, then you can tell the identification of species to other amateurs such as student users. So, you can tell them the correct identification, and sometimes provide them with additional information, such as uses and ecological benefits,” Choki Gyeltshen added.
To access the information, users have to register by visiting NBC’s website www.biodiversity.bt. There are currently 1,059 users.
The Strand Life Sciences, an India based computer software company, is providing technical support to the National Biodiversity Center in developing new features in the portal.
