Data Policy
Relevant data on funding sources are collected by active research and by soliciting both the forest community and funding sources to provide information in a standard format - see our Collections Policy for details of information fields collected. We can identify two scenarios of data collection:
- the case where a funding source is readily identifiable from open sources, whether identified through research, a funding source or the forest community
- the case where a reference organisation already maintains a database of funding sources that may include sources relevant to SFM
In the latter case we can consider that we could either refer in the SFM database to the reference organisation as a source of quality information on funding sources, or enter into an agreement with the organisation to use that part of their dataset which is of relevance.
Data Management
As data are collected they are entered into a standard relational database located at the FAO that acts as the Sourcebook data repository and is made visible to the WWW through the Sourcebook web pages. The content of the repository is managed by nominated FAO staff. The database is managed so as to ensure data integrity, security and consistency.
Data Use
Users of the Sourcebook are free to use the information on funding sources to guide them in making applications for SFM projects. The information contained in the Sourcebook provides pointers to funding organisations and the user enters into any relationships or contracts with those organisations independently of the Sourcebook, which is provided as an information resource only.
Data Access
The Sourcebook provides its information on funding sources freely and without prejudice to all interested parties through the CPF Sourcebook web site.Quality Control
It is the objective that the Sourcebook should contain relevant information of high quality that is relevant and up-to-date. Quality control is performed in three stages:
- information collected and entered into the Sourcebook will be as comprehensive and accurate as possible according to the defined data fields
- after compilation the funding sources will be contacted to review their entry and provide comments or corrections
- funding sources will be contacted periodically to check their entries and to provide any further information that may have become available in the intervening period