Information and database (WP-1)
• A first version of the database of funding programmes is about to be opened for programme managers to update and complete the information they gave in the survey.
• A workshop to finalise the database at project level is scheduled in Brussels, 9 and 10 November, with all the partners.
Organised by SPO, Belgium

Best practice, barriers to cooperation and priority thematic areas (WP-2)
The activities of this work package are about to be completed!

Roadmap towards a common call, and staff exchange scheme (WP-3)
• A planning meeting is scheduled in The Hague, on 11 October to discuss the main issues and to set out a road map towards a common call. WP2 task leaders have been invited to pass on the conclusions of their work to WP3 task leaders.
Organised by NOW, The Netherlands
• Partner organisations are setting up short programmes for the staff exchange scheme. The first exchanges will take place in November.
Organised by MEDD, France

Research funding in cooperation with developing countries (WP-4) :
WP4 are preparing for an e-conference on on European Support for Biodiversity Research in Developing Countries, and Mechanisms to Enhance International Collaboration and Co-Funding (27 November-15 December 2006)
Organised by NERC, UK

Management, communication and information dissemination (WP-5)
Upcoming: first periodic report to the Commission (December 2006).

Linkage with other ERA-Nets and other programmes
A meeting was held in Brussels with representatives of four ERA-Nets: BiodivERsA, CIRCLE, SKEP and IWRM. The purpose was to discuss the interoperability of the databases being developed by each project. It was agreed to coordinate them, by building on the strengths of the systems already set up by Skep and BiodivERsA.