Michael Browne's role as manager of the Global Invasive Species Database (www.issg.org/ database) from 2001-2009 was to facilitate the exchange of invasive species data and information by providing a sound platform for success. His activities included maintenance and enhancement of the GISD and its supporting infrastructure, establishing and managing strategic partnerships, developing and maintaining trusted networks of data providers, and focusing on the needs of end-users of GISD content. Michael has co-authored a number of papers on the exchange of invasive species data and information and has organised and participated in many related workshops.His major achievements include:
- Taking the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) to its position today as a unique and globally significant resource.
- Initiating a prototype Global Register of Invasive Species (GRIS), which can be used e.g. for coarse pre-import screening of potentially harmful organisms.
- Contributing to development of the Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN), which provides a framework for the exchange of invasive species data and information between databases via the internet.
Currently there is reasonably good knowledge about many of the worst invasive species, but major geographic and taxonomic information gaps remain. There may be upwards of 30,000 species known to negatively impact biodiversity. Michael attended university in his early 40s, graduating from the University of Auckland in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and specialising in Geographic Information Systems. Prior to that, he ran a successful transport business in Auckland, New Zealand. He spent a significant part of his youth in Europe and is fluent in French and Italian. He is also familiar with Maoritanga and Te Reo Maori.
