The project AvailabUity of Biodiversity Information for East Africa came about in response to the need for a systematic review of the data holdings for the region in support of conservation and sustainable development. This need was subsequently underscored with the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992. Article 6 of the Convention calls on contracting parties to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Article 7 concerns itself with aspects of monitoring in support of biodiversity conservation. The project, in locating biodiversity information for the region, therefore provides a valuable baseline in assisting countries to meet obligations as set out in the Convention.