OTGA/INOS-UMT
OBIS Asian nodes and Coral Reef Training Course
22 – 26 October 2017, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
[youtube height=”315″ width=”560″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aRpty2ms7k&t=11s[/youtube]
[youtube height=”315″ width=”560″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V5ummLeWfk&t=300s[/youtube]

Overview
The course provides an introduction to the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). This includes best practices in marine biogeographic data management, data publication, data access, data analysis and data visualisation.

Aims and Objectives
– Reinforce and expand the OBIS network in the South-East Asian Region
– Increase awareness on international standards and best practices related to marine biogeographic data management
– Increase the amount and quality of open access biodiversity data published through OBIS and its OBIS nodes
– Increase the use of data from OBIS for research, species conservation and area-based management applications for sustainable development

Learning Outcomes
– Knowledge and understanding of OBIS structure, mission and objectives
– Installation and management of IPT
– Use of Darwin Core standards for species occurrence records, taxonomy, event/sample records and additional biological and environmental parameters.
– Data quality control tools
– Publishing data through IPT and contributing datasets to OBIS
– Use of OBIS data access (website, web service, API/R).
– Data visualisation tools (R/online GIS tools, …)

Target Audience
– OBIS nodes (and candidate OBIS node) data managers in the SE Asia Region
Coral Reef biodiversity data managers
– Marine data managers
– Staff of NODCs or ADUs
– Principle Investigators of major marine biodiversity expeditions National marine biodiversity focal points

NOTE: priority will be given to participants originating from South Eastern Asia and Pacific Islands.
UNESCO is committed to promote gender equality. Therefore applications from women are strongly encouraged.

Course Pre-requisites:
– Candidates should be from institutions that contribute, or hold and plan to contribute, marine biogeographic data to OBIS
– Candidates should bring marine biogeographic datasets with them for the hands-on exercises
– Need to bring own laptop
– Working knowledge of English

A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all successful students.

Location Institute of Oceanography and Environment
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT),
21030 Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu
Malaysia
Notes Application process: please fill the online application form https://otga.wufoo.eu/forms/otga-application-form-obis-asian-nodes-oct2017/ no later than 30 August 2017.

Before starting filling the online application form, please make sure to have available the following:
– a motivation statement (text file) of maximum 300 words;
– scan of the bio page of your passport; in case you are a national of the host country a valid identification/citizen card can be used instead of the passport;
– scan of the endorsement letter (in case you are asking for funding)
– link to your profile on OceanExpert (www.oceanexpert.net); if you don’t have one make sure you create one in advance.

The deadline to submit the application closes 30 August 2017. Do not leave for the last minute since the system will close automatically. In case you have any questions please contact the organisers well in advance: given time differences you may
not get a reply to your questions immediately.

Both full- and co-sponsoring are available for a limited number of participants.

The selection of participants who will be sponsored will take into consideration:
– Applicant country’s development status (preference will be given to LIFDCs)
– Endorsement of the candidate’s application by his/her employer and any co-sponsoring
– Expected impact of the training for the applicants’ institution
– Possibility of any co-sponsorship (co-sponsorship is an asset for selection)

For more detailed information on how to apply see http://classroom.oceanteacher.org/mod/page/view.php?id=5771

In case of questions contact:
– OTGA Malaysia Regional Training Centre Coordinator: Aidy M Muslim (aidy@umt.edu.my )
– OTGA Coordinator: Claudia Delgado (c.delgado@unesco.org)
– OBIS Manager: Ward Appeltans(w.appeltans@unesco.org)