The document proposes creating a searchable vulnerability assessment database to address several issues: 1) There is currently no way to know about vulnerability assessments being conducted across different regions, species, and ecological elements. 2) New assessments are being undertaken without knowledge of previous relevant assessments. 3) Data and findings from completed assessments are not being shared across organizations. The database would compile vulnerability assessment efforts into a single location to reduce costs and increase the value of existing assessments by sharing information. It would include assessments from federal, state, and local agencies as well as universities and non-profits.

1. A searchable vulnerability
assessment database
Robin O’Malley and Laura Thompson
USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife
Science Center, Reston, VA

2. There is no way to know about VAs being conducted for
different regions, species, or other ecological elements

3. New assessments are being undertaken without knowledge of the
methods or results of relevant ongoing or completed assessments

4. Data and knowledge gathered by completed assessments are not being
used by managers outside the entity conducting the assessment

5. Compiling VA efforts into one place would reduce costs and increase the
value of existing assessment investments
Databas
e

6. Database scope
• Include VAs from:
– Federal agencies
– State agencies
– Local agencies
– Universities
– Nongovernmental organizations
• A process has begun to ensure compliance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act

7. Database scope
Focus will be on domestic VAs, but the
country boundaries will be “fuzzy” and allow
assessments that encompass parts of
Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and insular
Pacific, etc.

8. More of a “registry” than
database
• Basic reporting elements
– Contact information
– Location
– Assessment endpoint (target)
– Vulnerability assessment methodology
– Vulnerability assessment components
– Method of climate projection
– Partners or collaborators
– Link to a specific decision
– Abstract

9. Database hosting
• Federal self-hosting (USGS)
• Global Change Information System (GCIS)
• CAKEx – EcoAdapt

10. Project timeline
Winter2013
Spring2013
Development of database “content”
(sub-working group effort)
Spring/summer 2013
Spring2013
Spring2013
Summer2013
Fall2013
Winter/spring2014
Summer2013