IABIN is envisioned as a distributed system in which the countries and diverse governmental and civil society organizations play a key role in the development and maintenance of the information content of the network. Other than country membership in the IABIN Council, there is no formalized definition of "membership" in IABIN.

Membership of Western Hemisphe Countries

At present, 34 countries have designated IABIN Focal Points. In accordance with a suggestion from the Organization of American States, which serves a secretariat function for the Summit of the Americas process, most countries have designated their CHM National Focal Point (NFP), or someone working in close coordination with the CHM NFP, as their IABIN Focal Point as well.

Membership of Institutions

During the preparation phase of project "Building the Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network", potential contributors to IABIN were identified and letters of interest, including co-financing information, were received. Co-financing of US$31.5 million has been identified from 78 regional or national institutions. It is expected that during project implementation, these same organizations will form the core of a large set of organizations that will be the most active players in the Thematic Networks and as data-providers and information users. However, if an institution has not submitted a formal expression of interest in the IABIN, this in no way precludes their active participation in the Project.

Rules of Procedure of IABIN