EARTH SUMMIT+5 Special Session of the General Assembly to Review and Appraise the Implementation of Agenda 21 New York, 23-27 June 1997 PROGRAMME FACT SHEETS

	Global Environmental Information Exchange Network (INFOTERRA)
	Responsible Organization(s)	UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre, Industry and Environment, INFOTERRA
	Description	The Programme will create a network of EST information systems, information providers and users serviced by two UNEP designated EST information World Wide Web sites at the offices of UNEP IETC and UNEP IE. The network will: (a) continue to identify worldwide sources of information on ESTs, (b) directly provide EST related information through information systems; (c) provide guidance on how to develop EST information systems and on the form of the information contained therein; (d) foster the development of regionally based sub-networks on ESTs.
	Issues addressed	Chapter 34 of Agenda 21 entitled "Technology transfer cooperation and capacity building" states that the availability, access and transfer of scientific and technological information concerning environmentally sound technology is an essential requirement for sustainable development (section 34.7). Furthermore, section 34.8 states that the primary goal of improved access to technological information is to enable informed choices, leading to the access and transfer of such technologies and the strengthening of countries' own technological capabilities. UNEP has sought to address these issues through the above-mentioned survey and with the establishment of the Environmentally Sound Technology Information Network Programme.
	Objectives	The Programme would seek to enhance communication and cooperation between systems, and between technology users, technology providers or suppliers and facilitators such as information intermediaries. The consultative mechanism would involve a network of institutions which use and supply information on ESTs and would promote a "decentralized" approach based on a "multiplicity of access points" in order to share experience, knowledge and expertise with respect to EST information system operation and information dissemination.
	Results achieved	UNEP has prepared two reports which have been submitted to the CSD on this subject in 1995 and 1996. The goal of this initial effort has been to identify and characterize existing and planned EST information systems and sources. The latest report identifies 84 such information systems and characterizes them with respect to the technologies covered, information provided, and the cost and availability of such information. It also identifies 125 EST related institutions. On October 9-11, 1995 UNEP held an Expert Meeting in Paris that was designed to evaluate: (a) existing and planned systems for providing information on environmentally sound technologies from the perspective of coverage, quality of information, cost and accessibility; (b) needs and requirements of potential users of such information, especially users from developing countries and countries with economies in transition; and (c) idea of a broadly based consultative mechanism that could facilitate communication and the exchange of information among information providers and potential users. The Expert Meeting was attended by 51 participants from 24 countries, the European Commission, UN agencies, business, non-governmental and academic organizations. The meeting was organized into a series of panels.
	Lessons learned	The lessons that UNEP has learnt with respect to this Programme relate mainly to the fact that when technology users seek information about potential technological or management improvements, they need to be directed at the earliest stage to relevant sources of information about appropriate ESTs. Such end-users, especially those in developing countries, need information about the costs, benefits, environmental impacts, successes and failures of technologies. In seeking this information, technology users often make initial contact with an information intermediary. Furthermore, intermediary organization have an important role in the exchange of EST information is crucial to successful technological cooperation, especially cooperation between developed and developing countries. The intermediary is responsible for passing on relevant information derived from EST information systems which are most often located in developed countries. The intermediary can analyze the technology user's needs, and then seek and provide information on technological or management issues. The intermediary can also provide "added value" to the raw information from a database by interpreting how it might apply to the local circumstances. Intermediaries can also play a significant role as facilitator of contacts between EST supply companies and user industries who can then form partnerships and joint ventures.
	Financing	Financed entirely by UNEP
	Contact	UNEP Industry and Environment Jacqueline Aloisi de Larderel, Director Tour Mirabeau, 39-43 Quai Andre Citroen, 75739 Paris Cedex 15, FRANCE, Tel: 33-1- 44-37-14-50, Fax: 33-1-44-37-14-74 Email: unepie@unep.fr URL: http://www.unepie.org UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre Lilia Casanova, Deputy Director Shiga Office, 1091 Oroshimo-cho, Kusatsu City, Shiga 525, JAPAN, Tel: 81-775-68-4585, Fax: 81-775-68-4587. Osaka Office, 2-11 Ryokuchi Koen, Tsurumi-ku, Osaka 538, JAPAN, Tel: 81-6-915- 4580/81, Fax: 81-6-915-0304. Email: ietc@unep.or.jp URL: http://www.unep.or.jp INFOTERRA Takahiko Hiraishi, Assistant Executive Director Division of Environmental Information and Assessment, PO Box 30552, Nairobi, KENYA, Tel: 254-2-623511/621234, Fax: 254-2-623943 Email:infotinf@unep.org URL: http: www.unep.org

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Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
1 November 1997