Transforming fragmented biodiversity records into actionable knowledge for environmental licensing, impact assessment, and biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity information is essential for environmental impact assessment, but fauna data are often scattered across scientific databases, environmental studies, and monitoring programs, limiting their integration and use. MapFauna is a biodiversity information platform developed by CETESB (São Paulo State Environmental Agency) to consolidate fauna data and support environmental licensing and impact assessment.
The first stage built a biodiversity baseline for São Paulo State using occurrence records from platforms such as GBIF, speciesLink, and BioTIME. After taxonomic curation and expert validation, records were integrated into a statewide spatial grid and used to develop indicators, including species richness and a weighted threat index. The platform provides CETESB analysts with georeferenced, validated information for technical assessments.
The second stage will incorporate primary fauna monitoring data generated through environmental licensing. Taxonomic review, validation, and geospatial quality control will allow new records to be continuously integrated, transforming scattered datasets into an updated biodiversity knowledge base.
By combining baseline and monitoring data, MapFauna aims to make environmental licensing a source of biodiversity knowledge, supporting evidence-based assessment, cumulative impact analysis, conservation strategies, and public policy.
Environmental Analyst at CETESB specializing in GIS, biodiversity data, and environmental licensing. Holds an MSc in Physical Geography from the University of São Paulo (USP).