Sanchez Gonzalez J1, Karsdorp W1, Luo E1, Liaw Y1, Yu J1, Huang G1, Vengadasalam D1, Weis G1, Guru S1
1Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Javier is a Software Engineer working in the interphase between ecology and informatics, applying semantic web principles to the generation of synthesis ready ecological data.
Abstract:
TERN, the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network of Australia, provides world-class research data infrastructure to support the storage, management, and publication of ecological data. In addition to adhering to the FAIR principles, TERN is committed to ensuring that its data infrastructure is inclusive and respectful of Indigenous peoples and their rights, consistent with the CARE principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics).
To achieve these goals, we implemented several enhancements to our infrastructure:
1. Extend our metadata profiles ( ISO 19115-3 and DCAT) to support indigenous data sovereignty by introducing mechanisms to describe data ownership, access restrictions, and ethical considerations related to Indigenous communities.
2. Enhance data submission tool to support the input of all restricted information. In addition, developed and adopted controlled vocabularies to represent CARE-related concepts within metadata, including the integration of Traditional Knowledge (TK) Labels.
3. Implement data access controls to ensure that Indigenous data is protected and only accessible to authorised users. Users are required to seek permission from the data custodians (usually the Indigenous Community) in accordance with agreed terms, conditions, and licensing arrangements.
4. Enhance the TERN data discovery portal to ensure that users are aware of the ethical and legal considerations when accessing and using Indigenous data. The updated portal also displays TK Labels to provide clear guidance on appropriate data use.
As a result of these efforts, we have successfully published Indigenous datasets in close collaboration with data custodians and Indigenous communities to ensure that their rights and interests are fully respected. The presentation will discuss the implementation details, challenges faced and planned future work for strengthening Indigenous data governance within TERN.
