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Abu Dhabi Hosts Global Meeting On Environmental Information Networking |
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A global meeting on environmental information networking, which is being convened by the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), began in the capital today (27 April 2009). Representatives from around the world are gathering to exchange their experiences and best practices on how networking is contributing to better availability and access to environmental information around the world. The meeting is bringing together representatives from United Nations agencies, international organizations, governments, NGOs, and the private sector to review the current status of existing environmental information networking initiatives and to strategize on how to increase synergies among various thematic and geographic networks with a view to enhancing access to environmental data and information through strengthened institutional cooperation coupled with the application of modern information and communication technologies. Dr. Jaber Al Jaberi, Director, Environment Policy Sector, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) said that EAD is spearheading action to ensure development is sustainable, so our own and future generations have clean air, clean water and a healthy place to live. “In partnership with government departments, NGOs and the private sector, we are working to ensure we maintain respect for the environment, while meeting the needs of our society and economy” he said. However, in order to effectively manage our environment in a sustainable way, we require extensive knowledge on the world around us. We also need the tools to monitor and analyze this information. Dr. Al Jaberi said that “Moreover, in order to have effective policymaking, we need to continue coordinating, collaborating and sharing knowledge across sectoral and geographic boundaries”. “Environmental information networking will help provide for more effective information sharing and collaboration. This is not just a technical issue. International experience in this area suggests that there are other institutional, administrative, legal and financial frameworks that need to be addressed for information to flow smoothly” he said. Among the meeting objectives is brainstorming and exploring practical means and mechanisms for global networking and improving access to environmental information from national, regional to global level to address key environmental issues and challenges facing the world such as climate change, water scarcity, desertification, food security, waste management, loss of biodiversity, and deforestation. The meeting will also help to raise awareness on the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative in the international community and showcase achievements and future plans of the initiative. The expected outcomes of the meeting are an analysis of existing networking structures and identification of gaps in coverage, agreement on the functions and structure of the proposed multi-disciplinary global environmental information network and identification of key actions to integrate existing networks and fill gaps in networking structures from global to national level, across relevant themes. It is also expected that the meeting will help strengthen North-South and East-West cooperation, including possible arrangements between developed and developing countries. Specifications will also be developed for the information technology infrastructure needed to support enhanced networking among institutions, in addition to work-plan for evolution of the proposed global network 2009-2011. |
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