1

A

The main objective of TSBR-ED is to provide useful information to stakeholders of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. More specifically, the main objective is “To plan, implement and build the capacity for a strategically sound approach for an environmental information database and related functions within the TSBR Secretariat, which will serve near term needs and have the capacity to be readily augmented through extension of existing and addition of further features at a later time.” The TSBR-ED Project aims to put in place a data management framework, supporting infrastructure and capacity among TSBR Secretariat staff for efficient, functional archiving and distribution of data and information among the user community concerned with the TSBR.

2

A	The term "clearing-house" originally referred to a financial establishment where checks and bills are exchanged among member banks so that only the net balances need to be settled in cash. Today, its meaning has been extended to include any agency that brings together seekers and providers of goods, services or information, thus matching demand with supply.

3

A	Data is a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn Information is the result of processing, manipulating and organizing data in a way that adds to the knowledge of the person receiving it.

4

A	Textual Data refers to written material; Reports, Aide Memoiré, Notes, Concept Papers, Articles etc.

5

A

The overall aim of this MOU is to contribute and support the data-information exchange amongst the signatory agencies with a view to : • Foster, promote, and facilitate pro-poor and sustainable economic growth, improve livelihood opportunities and increase earning potential for inhabitants of the Tonle Sap Region. • Promote and facilitate a more sustainable use of Tonle Sap’s natural resources. • Facilitate and improve public access to government assets and resources in an equitable, inclusive and transparent manner. • Enhance systems and develop the capacity for natural resource management coordination and planning, community based natural resource management and biodiversity conservation in the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. • Achieve a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss due to people living in poverty. Also to benefit all life on earth which we recognize as a critical milestone towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. • Share knowledge and experience and explore opportunities for information sharing and data exchange on all development and environmental issues with a view to build capacities among the different TSBRED users. • Build increased public awareness about development and environmental issues so that general public users become active supporters and partners in various environmental projects and programmes.

6

A

To follow a participatory and collaborative approach. To follow a &ldquobuild on what exists&rdquo approach. To promote Win-Win strategies: - All agencies must derive some benefits in return for sharing data and - Data Producers must have complete control over the viewership and content of the data that they share. Data Producers (Owners) to decide: - Which data to share - With whom to share and - How to share (free / paid ) The database must be easy to use and maintain. Owners have the responsibility of updating their data. All member agencies shall be able to edit, modify or any data which is made available by them to the TSBR-ED.

7

A

The MOU is implemented through two groups: - Steering Committee - Task Force The Steering Committee is responsible for: Coordinating the activities of the respective agencies in order to achieve the MOU objectives. The Steering Committee shall also provide policy guidance and strategic support for this MOU. The Task Force is responsible for: Providing operational and logistical support for the implementation of the policy direction provided by the Steering Committee. The Task Force shall act as a working group to assist the Steering Committee in the fulfillment of its mandate. The TSBR Secretariat for: Acing as a Clearing House and key facilitator for the data-information exchange

8

A

The Steering Committee is comprised of two kinds of members: - Core Members - Director Generals (or officials of similar rank) who are signatories to the MOU. - Invitee Members - Senior representatives of major donor organizations such as ADB, UNDP, GEF etc. The Task Force is also comprised of two kinds of members: - Core Members - Directors (or officials of similar rank) who are nominated by the respective ministries. - Invitee Members - Senior representatives of major National & International NGOs such as CDRI, WCS, World Fish Center, etc. The Invitee Membership for both the Steering Committee as well as the Task Force shall be exclusively on the basis of invitation from the Steering Committee.

9

A	Data Owners decide the data-information classification for data shared by them : Public Access: Information freely available to all users. Privileged Access: Information Metadata available to all users but actual data-information available ONLY to MOU signatories. Priced Access Information Available to anybody, BUT for a price

10

A	Public Access Information Privileged Access Information Priced Access Information General Users Free access Public Prices Public Prices MoU Members Free access Free access MoU Prices