United Nations Conference on Environment & Development:
Information, Public Participation & Communication System
A Preliminary Proposal
& Discussion of the Proposal
Information Habitat: Where Information Lives
801 Homestead Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
+1 (301) 243-2131 EcoNet: rpollard
June 1990
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
Information, Public Participation & Communication System
A Preliminary Proposal
BACKGROUND
Maurice Strong, Secretary General of the 1992 United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), has expressed
a clear interest in making use of electronic conferencing systems
such as EcoNet for the dissemination of information in
preparation for UNCED, and for providing a vehicle for
participation by NGOs and other interested parties in the
proceedings and preparations leading into the conference.
The following proposal has been developed in response to that
interest and with input from conversations with Peter Thacher,
Senior Adviser to the UNCED Secretariat, Bill Leland of EcoNet,
and Bob Loeb and Galen Dixon of the Telecommunications
Cooperative Network (TCN). It is proposed that the structure of
the electronic conferencing be developed as a cooperative project
between the Institute for Global Communications, through EcoNet,
and the Telecommunications Cooperative Network, with the support
of the UNCED Secretariat and the United Nations Department of
Public Information (UNDPI).
The approach presented here is based on some assumptions as to
the nature and significance of the 1992 conference, as well as on
some premises as to the nature of electronic conferencing.
ACTION ARENAS FOR THE 1992 UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE
The proceedings leading into UNCED have a number of distinct
constituencies, action arenas and agendas that the design of the
UNCED electronic conferencing needs to address. These include
the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
itself and the workings of the Preparatory Committee, in which
delegates from national governments will participate, along with
non-government organizations (NGOs) in consultative status to the
UN; there is also a need for structuring access to the formal UN
proceedings and deliberations by other NGOs, by private voluntary
organizations (PVOs) and by individuals.
In each country, there will be a need for NGOs and others to
organize to raise the issues of UNCED on their national agendas.
In this context, there will be several different areas of focus;
some organizations will be directing their attention towards
government and the development of national legislative agendas;
others will be will be developing action agendas within a variety
of grassroots constituencies at a national level; others still
will be developing local or regional forums in which issues of
environment and development will be addressed.
Furthermore, there have been preliminary discussions about
convening a "Congress of the People of the Earth" in Brazil at
the time of UNCED (June 1992) as a parallel conference for NGOs
and other grassroots groups with a concern for addressing issues
of environment and development. Appropriate use of electronic
conferencing could play a key role in preparations and planning
for such a gathering.
Within each of these contexts, the use of electronic conferencing
can play a valuable role. While there will be a value in having
separate electronic conferences within each action arena, all
will need to maintain access to a core set of information on the
UNCED proceedings, and there will be many areas of overlap and/or
need for dialogue between participants in the different action
arenas.
For example, groups developing national legislative agendas will
want to disseminate information to local and regional groups
within their own countries and to be in communication with their
counterparts in other countries. Local and regional groups will
need to share information and strategies with each other --
within their own countries as well as internationally -- and will
likely want to have input into developments at the national
level.
ISSUES IN ELECTRONIC CONFERENCING
The great strengths of electronic conferencing include timely and
ready access to information and opportunities for timely
participation and multi-way dialogue. The weaknesses include
resistance from a lack of familiarity with electronic
conferencing and tendencies towards information overload.
The proposed electronic conferencing structure is designed to
support access to the UNCED information, and participation in the
UNCED proceedings at a variety of different levels. This is to
reflect the broad range of parties with an interest in UNCED --
national governments, non-government organizations (NGOs) in
consultative status with the UN, other NGOs, private voluntary
organizations (PVO) and individuals. The structure is also
intended to provide for various levels of participation from
within any of these groups, so that those who only have need of
basic information, or who are relatively inexperienced in
computer conferencing, can make effective use of the system
without being overwhelmed or intimidated, while those who wish
can proceed to significantly greater levels of information and
participation.
In order to take advantage of the strengths, and to minimize the
impact of the weaknesses, of electronic conferencing -- which
would otherwise result in an unreasonable bias favoring the
participation of computer literate delegates and NGOs -- two
issues need to be addressed.
Firstly, the structure of the UNCED electronic conferences needs
to be carefully designed, and secondly, adequate support
resources need to be available -- including a concise manual
geared specifically to the UNCED electronic conferencing,
provision for training in the use of electronic conferencing for
delegates, along with the availability of telephone (voice)
support, and provision for maintenance and facilitation of the
conferences.
At present, there is substantial global access to the
Telecommunications Cooperative Network, and EcoNet is directly
accessible from much of Europe, Central America, Australia, etc.,
via the other networks of the Association for Progressive
Communications. EcoNet conferences are also accessible
internationally through TeleNet.
The Telecommunications Cooperative Network and EcoNet currently
serve somewhat different constituencies, and some of the
conferences related to UNCED would tend to belong more naturally
on one or the other of these systems. However, as noted earlier,
there are a great number of areas in which there would be
opportunities for very fruitful interchange and dialogue between
conferences on the two systems. It is proposed that information
"windows" be developed to allow ready communication between the
systems, including the opportunity to have access to and
participate in each other's conferences.
Given the global nature of UNCED, it is important to ascertain
that access is available from all over the world. In addition,
although this proposal does not address it, there is the issue of
dissemination of UNCED information, and opportunities to
participate electronically, in languages other than English.
The essence of the design I am proposing as a starting point for
discussion would consist of a number of separate conferences for
different types of information on UNCED, and for each of these
types, current information would be separated from archival
information so that the size of the conferences with current
information remains manageable. While this structure would
require additional maintenance, and at first sight, might seem to
make for a more cumbersome design, I am confident that the
benefits of such a structure would soon be seen to outweigh the
higher maintenance cost.
Perhaps it is worth noting that underlying the design of this
conference is the premise that information science and technology
is a vital to the challenge of developing sustainability, and
that intelligent use of information technology is essential to
the design and creation of an effective participatory common
future.
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED CONFERENCES AT THE UNITED NATIONS LEVEL
The following is a list and brief description of an initial set
of conferences envisioned relating directly to the UNCED
proceedings. This proposal does not attempt to delineate
prospective conferences within the other action arenas noted
earlier in the proposal, however, many of the reasons for the
design of the conference structure will also hold true in these
other action arenas. And even within the proceedings directly
relating to UNCED, this list of proposed conference makes no
claim to be complete.
UNCED.UPDATES
A read-only conference providing concise weekly updates (2 pages
or so) posted at a regular time each week. The weekly updates
would identify cross references to conference topics where more
detailed information is posted. Only the four most recent weekly
updates would be maintained on this conference.
A national delegate (whether or not on the Preparatory
Committee), a representative of an NGO (whether or not in
consultative status to the U.N.), or any other interested party,
can check in on a regular weekly basis with the knowledge that he
or she will receive a manageable amount of information and
guidance as to where fuller information is available.
By only keeping the updates for the last four weeks, anyone can
come into the conference and get a feel of what is going on,
without being burdened by having to catch up on everything that
has happened. The FCNL.UPDATES conference of weekly legislative
updates of the Friends Committee on National Legislation is a
model for this conference.
UNCED.UPDATES.ARCHIVE
A read only conference consisting of the cumulative record of the
UNCED.UPDATES conference, providing a concise history of UNCED
developments to date, for easy reference.
UNCED.SCHEDULE
A read only conference with the schedule of upcoming events
related to UNCED, the Preparatory Committee and the Working
Groups, with a brief summary of the purpose of the event. I have
some questions about how this would be maintained so that events
are listed in chronological order by date of occurrence rather
than by date of posting, but I believe this should be manageable.
UNCED.SCHEDULE.ARCHIVE
A read only conference with a cumulative history of UNCED related
events that have already taken place, including the brief summary
of the purpose of the event, and a brief summary of what actually
took place -- including any decisions that were made.
UNCED.PROPOSALS
A conference describing pending proposals. Write access would be
available to national delegations and to consultative status
NGOs. Others would only be allowed read only access.
UNCED.PROPOSALS.ARCHIVE
A read only archival conference of non-current proposals, the
comments of national delegations and consultative status NGOs,
and a record of the disposition of the proposal.
UNCED.PROPOSALS.NGO
This would be a parallel conference to UNCED.PROPOSALS, but would
allow write access to NGOs not in consultative status and to
other parties. Rather than have automatic write access to all
users, however, my inclination is to provide write access on
request, but subject to adherence to guidelines that would be
established for responding to topics and the creation of new
topics. Write access could then be withdrawn where a user fails
to meet those guidelines. I am led to this approach by my
reading of new topics and responses in other EcoNet conferences
where conference often become unreasonably cluttered by dialogue
or comments that more properly should be handled by direct mail
messages to the appropriate parties. I realize that this may be
a sensitive issue for some, but I believe that a sound case can
be made for requiring a reasonable protocol for participation.
An alternative, but more restrictive and cumbersome, process to
this would be a facilitated conference in which topics and
responses are directed to the facilitator, who can then post them
to the conference.
Some kind of review process of the responses -- whether by the
Conference Secretariat or by an NGO group would be needed, so
that the key issues raised can be brought forward to the
UNCED.PROPOSALS conference by an NGO in consultative status.
UNCED.RESOLUTIONS
A read only conference containing the text of resolutions,
whether of the General Assembly, the Preparatory Committee, or of
the Working Groups.
UNCED.REPORTS
A conference containing reports produced by or for the Conference
Secretariat, e.g. the 70 page compilation of system wide U.N.
programs, services, and capabilities with respect to the UNCED.
Write access would be available to national delegations and to
NGOs in consultative status. As with UNCED.PROPOSALS, a parallel
conference with participation open to others could be
established.
*****
From bleland Fri Mar 16 07:52 PST 1990
To: pthatcher rpollard
Subject: Re: Preliminary proposal for UNCED EcoNet Conferences
Cc: gmarcus
Robert,
Thank you for sending me a copy of your Preliminary Proposal.
Yes, I am enthusiastic about moving forward with you.
It should be noted that most countries which are not in close
proximity to our Association for Progressive Communications
network can access EcoNet through Telenet numbers in their
countries. There is a charge for Telenet access through these
numbers which is in the $18 - $25/hour range usually.
Thank you again for your good work.
Regards, Bill
From pthatcher Sat Mar 17 20:20 PST 1990
To: rpollard
Subject: UNCED EcoNet Conferences
Cc: bleland gmarcus lassuncao pthatcher
Rob - just a short note to thank you for your very thoughtful
proposal of 15 March which is encouraging and stimulating.
Almost certainly the UNCED secretariat will want to act on this
quickly and we will get back to you and Bill Leland as soon as
possible. But first the dust of the Prepcom has to settle and
Maurice Strong has to assemble a core staff. Lucas Asuncao of
UNDP has a copy and will be joining working on this on the inside
of the UNCED secretariat with help from Frank Barabas of UN/DPI,
Enzo Pulliatti of UNDP, Harris Gleckman of UN/CTC and others. We
will be reacting to you soon, I hope next week. I'll be in
Washington % WRI until the end of the month. Again, many thanks.
Peter
From gmarcus Sat Mar 17 20:33 PST 1990
To: rpollard
Subject: Proposal
Cc: bleland
Robert,
Your proposal looks great. One item I couldn't find in your text
would be: "It should be added that training in
telecommunications is available for online delegates."
Best, Genevieve
From daslink!uucp Thu Mar 29 10:09 PST 1990
>From dasnet!DCDTCN!TCN001 Thu Mar 29 09:43:01 1990 remote from
daslink
Date: 29 Mar 90 09:38:00 PST
From: TCN001@DCDTCN.DAS.NET
To: cdp!rpollard
Subject: Proposal for 1992 UN Conference
Rob...got your message and will review and get back to you. Also
spoke briefly with Peter Thacher who commented very favorably on
your work. I look forward to talking more.
Bob [Loeb]
From gmarcus Sat Mar 31 17:59 PST 1990
To: rpollard
Subject: Proposal
Robert,
Just a few quick thoughts prior to deeper study of the revised
proposal.
Another weakness of teleconferencing is the common "perceived"
lack of access to computers with modems. In a more extensive
proposal, the situation of those presently without access will
need to be solved. There are several ways to address it.
More headings and graphic differentiation could make your ideas
clearer and easier to digest.
Don't apologize for archival separation. It's essential. Just
state it. I don't know the level of computer sophistication of
those who will read the proposal, but it might be easier for
non-initiates to understand "discussion areas" versus
"libraries," "information areas," or other similar terms.
The type of limited access conference you describe is "moderated"
on IGC, not "facilitated." You might consider having both
limited access and moderated access. The former will reduce the
load on the moderator.
Does Bill indicate that conference sharing between TCN and IGC is
feasible?
I hope at some point, the World Citizens' Assembly will connect
up with your proposed conference.
Best,
Genevieve
*****
From rpollard Apr 2 11:21 PST 1990
To: gmarcus
Subject: Proposal
Genevieve,
Thanks for your comments. I have been giving considerable
thought to the question of access of those without computers --
had a good talk with Eileen Nic of International Org. of Consumer
Unions on Thursday at a briefing on UNCED at FCNL (Friends
Committee on National Legislation) last Thursday. Basically, we
need to develop a structure wherein people with modems serve as
communication nodes, and then distribute hard copies of
information to those without computers (or without an inclination
to use computer conferencing).
Also the question of access for those in areas without ready
access to phones -- primarily this would mean areas of Africa. I
want to explore finding out about the feasibility of portable
satellite dish terminals that could connect via geostationary
satellites. I know the person to talk to about this, and will do
that this week.
It is definitely feasible to connect TCN with IGC. Bob Loeb of
TCN called last week and he had been having conversations with
Bill Leland and Geoff Sears about doing this. It turns out both
parties thought they were waiting for the other, and I think the
UNCED conference may be the impetus that is needed to establish
that link, whether it be a generic link, or specific to the
conference(s).
Another aspect that I didn't get into with the proposal is its
relationship to NGO organizing efforts around UNCED. The
meetings I attended at the UN and the briefing at FCNL are an
important step towards that, but there are a lot of issues that
need to be resolved. Apparently, Chip Lindner announced at the
Danube conference that the Center for Our Common Future has "been
given the mandate" (by whom?) to organize the parallel conference
in Brazil. It is going to be very important to structure things
so that there is an inclusive participatory process throughout
what develops.
I would be very happy for WCA to be involved, and I welcome
suggestions as to the form for that. As you probably know,
Richard Jordan and Lisynka were at the meetings in NY. Where do
you see the Alliance for Our Common Future fitting in -- is
anything happening with that?
By the way, I had another good talk with Peter Thacher on
Thursday at the FCNL briefing, and he continues to be very
enthusiastic about the suggestions I am developing.
I will keep you posted as things develop.
In the Light, Robert
*****
From daslink!uucp Thu Apr 5 09:07 PDT 1990
>From dasnet!DCDTCN!TCN001 Thu Apr 5 08:13:18 1990 remote from
daslink
Date: 05 Apr 90 08:12:00 PST
From: TCN001@DCDTCN.DAS.NET
To: cdp!rpollard
Subject: Response to Proposal
Robert,
I've had a chance to review your proposal and am interested to
discuss your ideas further.
The structure for the various conferences your propose is quite
easy to implement on TCN and could in fact be integrated with
UNISER virtually immediately. It is clear from your description
that the distinction I've heard elsewhere between the UNISER
"database" function and the "conferencing" function, really
doesn't exist. The primary function of what you describe is
information dissemination and the structure required is virtually
identical to what is already in place with UNISER. Building on
the existing base of information in UNISER ought to make it
easier to attract users as well.
This does not contradict your notion that users should not be
overwhelmed by too much information, and that conferencing
dialogue should be controlled so that it does not clutter
important information. Such an approach is directly in line with
the way we approach networking within the UN through UNISER and
other related services. We have a variety of software
capabilities that can be applied to specific information
functions without affecting any other functions. These can all
then be integrated via menus for ease of movement from one
function to another.
In this way, each function has it's own integrity, enabling users
to seek out just the limited information they want at any given
time in the most straightforward way possible. At the same time,
menus provide very easy access to any other function, including
those that may require different software capabilities or
information resources, when and if this is useful. This helps
attract the broadest range of users, who may have different
needs, in that each can effectively tailor the service in
differnt ways for their particular requirements.
As you suggest in line with my comments over the phone, an
expanded UNISER service could be made available via a "window" to
ECONET (and for that matter, many other networks). We could also
import services from ECONET and other networks as desired.
My main question at this point is to understand better who would
actually be looking at the conferences you propose and how often.
Have you done any more detailed breakdown of the potential user
organizations, who within these organizations would actually need
the information and why, how many of these organizations have
computers and modems, and how many could be expected to user
their equipment for this purpose?
Given the fact that the vast majority of what you propose is
"read only" information distribution (which is right in line with
what Peter Thacher told me), it might also be worth looking at
providing at least some of this information in two additional
modes so as to assure universal access, unlimited by access to
computer technology. This is an area TCN specializes in as our
focus is not on computer technology per se, but on the broadest
possible access to information.
1. Voice bulletin board
You may want to consider setting up a voice information board to
provide wide access to your most up-to-date information for
anyone with a telephone. The service could provide a simple menu
offering a limited number of audio messages which are updated
frequently. Since messages are recorded in a person's real voice,
updates from recognizable leaders could have particular impact.
In addition to providing "listen only" access to information,
these services can record information from callers (eg. names,
addresses, etc) which could be used to send them more
information. Similarly, the service could be used to poll caller
opinion on specific issues to get feedback from a broad
constituency that may not have access to computer technology.
2. Broadcast network
A system could also be set up to broadcast selected hardcopy
information simultaneously to any number of
individuals/organizations, including those who do not have
computers and modems, or who are not on a network like TCN or
Econet. Messages could be sent from virtually any pc and could
be received via email by those on a network, while other
recipients would receive their messages via telex, facsimile,
cablegram or mailgram...ie. in whatever medium is appropriate for
the equipment they have (or don't have!).
Various distribution lists could be established for automated
broadcasting to different groups. The system would be
particularly useful for important communications that must be
delivered in a timely fashion to everyone in a group, not just
those with access to a given technology.
I look forward to talking to you more about these ideas. Let me
know what you think the next step is.
Bob [Loeb]
*****
From lassuncao Mon Apr 23 17:36 PDT 1990
To: bleland enzop jpasztor pthatcher rpollard
Subject: Conference on ECONET
NY 23 April
Bill Leland and Bob Pollard,
Further to discussions with Bob Loeb (TCN) and Pollard's
proposal submitted to Peter Thacher, we at the UNCED Secretariat
are finally in a position to reply to most of pending questions
and propose concrete steps to "create" a UNCED electronic read-
only conference. (The Secretary General of UNCED, Maurice Strong
announced its establishment yesterday at the UN General
Assembly.)
First, let's start with the easy ones: we agree with Loeb
that the secretariat's information outreach while aiming at
reaching the largest number of people should consider using other
means such voice bulletins and hardcopy material. However, the
Secretary-General is still assembling his staff and we feel these
information services will have to wait for when the secretariat
is more appropriately staffed.
Nevertheless, we understand that there is already some
material that can (and should) be made available at this moment
at least via electronic conferences. Moreover, with the
cooperation of UN/DPI, TCN, Gemnet, Econet and yourselves we
could start providing the preparation process of the 1992 UNCED
with some transparency. In reference to an earlier question on
who would be using/accessing/demanding such information: I have
to tell you that at this very early stage we are already
overwhelmed by requests for further and more detailed information
on all the UNCED related activities. So, we feel it is time to
act (globally by enabling governments, UN agencies, NGO's,
individuals to dial locally into some existing material on the
UNCED).
P. Thacher, Barabas, UNDP staff and myself have agreed on
adopting a phased approach at this stage. Pollard's proposal is
seen as ideal, but not realistically attainable before the First
Substantive Meeting of the Preparatory Committee to be held in
Nairobi on 6-31 August. By then, the secretariat will be
physically established in Geneva with its offices in New York and
Nairobi operational and with the necessary staff to
systematically feed a selection of UNCED conferences (pretty much
following Pollard's proposal).
Further to the announcement by Mr. Strong on Earth Day of
the secretariat electronic conferencing services, our proposal is
to have a read-only conference opened up on TCN with 4 to 5 basic
papers with a brief introductory note and index for the sake of
clarity. These papers will be available to Loeb, Leland/Pollard
and Barabas on Tuesday.
DECISIONS NEEDED from TCN and Econet:
for Loeb (TCN):
What we have to agree with you is in which menu to locate
the UNCED conference and how accessible it will be by all TCN
users and UN agencies. Ideally, UNCED should be on the "Gateway
to UN Agencies" menu. This would enable all TCN users including,
I suppose, those that participate exclusively on UNISER or UNET.
I believe they all have access to the menu mentioned above and
can enter into other options. If not they should be granted
access at least to UNCED at this early stage. This alternative
would make the UNCED more transparent. The other alternative is
to post UNCED on the UNISER menu as a new item, probably as * 4
--UNCED. The user would select 4 and get a brief note with a
index of documents listed. In the future, we should be able to
create sub-items such as UNCED.Update, UNCED.Schedule,
UNCED.docs, etc. If possible, we would like to see UNCED on both
menus.
Now, turning to the issue of accessing: I have just tried
from an UNDP account to enter into UNISER. I got as far as the
menu. No access exist to any UN database (PR, DHL, SPN) or to UN
documents. Why? And how much would it cost for a UNDP staff or
any UNISER user to have access to all these services? In
creating UNCED as a new item on this menu, can it be "open" free
of charge at least initially as we have been discussing?
for ECONET:
How soon you can create an initial UNCED conference? I
understand from Enzo Puliatti that public conferences can be
created rather easily. How much information you are ready to
receive this week to open the conference? Can we the conference
immediately available to all IGC nodes, namely Alternex, Greenet,
Nicarao, Web, etc. If not, how soon?
I would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible.
Happy Earth Year. Sincerely,
Lucas Assuncao
on TCN: UDP079
on Econet: lassuncao
Tel: 212-963 5726
*****
From bleland Tue Apr 24 00:47 PDT 1990
To: enzop jpasztor lassuncao pthatcher rpollard
Subject: Re: Conference on ECONET
Lucas,
Thanks for your message. I endorse your approach entirely.
As soon as I receive the initial information to be posted to an
EcoNet public conference, I will create the conference, ensure
that it is networked to our affiliated networks, and post the
information in appropriate topics within the conference. We
should be able to do this within 24 hours after receiving the
information. We suggest that the first topic be a statement
which introduces the conference, describing the intent of the
conference, what information a user can expect to find, and how
they should use the conference and its information.
We are pleased to be working on this in collaboration with you
and TCN.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do.
Regards,
Bill
*****
From lassuncao Tue Apr 24 05:10 PDT 1990
To: bleland enzop rpollard
Subject: FIRST POSTING AT UNCED ELECTRONIC CONFERENCE
Cc: pthatcher
PRESS RELEASE (distributed on Monday 23 April)
Secretary-General of the UN Conference of Environment and
Development establishes Global Electronic Network
On Earth Day 1990 (22 April), the Secretary-General of the
United Nations Conference of Environment and Development, Maurice
Strong, announced that the Conference Secretariat will be
providing to all interested parties electronic accessible
information related to the preparatory work for the 1992 UN
Conference.
The Secretary-General of the UNCED acknowledged the growing
role of electronic data processing and communications and its
potential contribution to sustainable development, and announced
the beginning of a UNCED "Global Electronic Network" by which the
UNCED secretariat will keep all interested parties informed of
the preparations for the 1992 Conference.
Using systems that have been developed by the UN Department
of Public Information, but on a larger scale than ever before,
the UNCED secretariat in Geneva will "post" information on
publicly-accessible electronic bulletin boards of the sort being
used world-wide in recent years.
Initially, this service will consist of background
information --such as the text of pertinent resolutions of the UN
General Assembly setting up the 1992 Conference and PrepCom
decisions -- as well as information about scheduled meetings and
substantive matters concerning the preparatory process,
including, for example, relevant statements at the organizational
session of the all-nation Preparatory Committee.
As the Secretariat assembles its staff additional
information will be routinely posted about upcoming events and
documents being prepared for submission to the all-nation
Preparatory Committee, which holds its first substantive session
in Nairobi starting 6 August. Depending on response, and
interest shown, additional categories of information will be
supplied electronically in such a way as to encourage the
broadest access to electronic "conferencing".
The initial access to this system will be through networks
such as Telecommunication Cooperative Network (TCN) and EcoNet
which have existing arrangements to enable their members to read
material posted by the UN, with special menus being created for
matters related to UNCED. The secretariat intends to facilitate
access not only by those already accustomed to this technique,
but to broaden access throughout the developing regions of the
world, and in languages in addition to english. To do this it
will take advantage of projects supported by the UN Development
Programme (UNDP) to promote affordable access for users in
developing countries, and make information available to the
UNDP-sponsored "Sustainable Development Network" recently
announced by Administrator William Draper.
In coordination with UNDP and IMO, the UNCED Secretariat
will also be exploring existing satellite systems, such InmarSat
and PeaceSat, to enable access to UNCED electronic conferences by
those located in remote areas of the globe where this is
otherwise difficult and costly.
Mr. Maurice Strong also said the time has come to explore
arrangements for a truly international earth observing satellite
system.
*****
HOW YOU CAN USE THIS SERVICE:
Dial Locally, Act Globally
If you have a personal computer, a modem and access through
telephone to an electronic network, you can share information,
pool resources and be kept abreast of future events related to
the UN Conference of Environment and Development to be convened
in Brazil in 1992.
What do you need??
1. You need a computer, any brand will work, such as IBM, IBM
clone, Apple, MacIntosh, Epson, etc.
2. You need a telecommunications software program (most of them
come free-of-charge with your modem) that will run on your
computer, allowing you to use a modem (a computer accessory)
to make the telephone call.
3. You will need a modem.
Who to contact in order to have access to electronic networks??
4. If you are already have access to TCN via a UN agency,
Mission, UN Department, etc., just contact:
Telecommunications Cooperative Network
505 8th Ave., Suite 1805
New York, NY 10018
(212) 714 9780
TCN will give you access to the UNISER menu in which UNCED
Bulletin Board are announced.
5. If you are not on TCN, please contact any of the following
networks at your convenience. All networks are designed to be
easy and quick to use for those who don't know much about
computers, and can't spend a lot of time learning about them.
All of them also offer user support on the end of a phone during
office hours and some evenings.
USA:
Global Education Motivators
Chesnut Hill College
Germantown & Northwestern Avenues.
Philadelphia, PA 19118-2695
(215) 248-1150
or
Peacenet / Econet
3228 Sacramento St.,
San Francisco, California 94115
(415) 923 0900 Fax: (415) 923 1665
UK:
GreenNet
25, Downham Road,
London N1 5AA
Tel: +44 1 923 2624 Fax +44 1 2541102
Canada:
The Web
456 Spadina Avenue, Floor 2,
Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2G8 CANADA.
Tel: +1 (416) 929 0634 Fax: +1 (416) 461 2886
Sweden:
FredsNaetet, (PeaceNet Sweden; NordNet),
Timmermansgrnd 4nb, 116 27 Stockholm, Sweden.
Tel: +46 (8) 7200001 Fax: +46 (8) 7200035
Nicaragua:
Nicarao, CRIES Equipo de Telecomunicaciones,
Apartado postal 3516, Managua, Nicaragua.
Tel: +505 (2) 26228 or +505 (2) 25137 (ext. 5)
Brazil:
Alternex, c/o IBASE,
Rua Vicente de Souza 29,
22510 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Tel: +55 (21) 286 0348
Australia:
Pegasus Networks,
PO Box 201, Byron Bay 2481, Australia.
Tel: +61 (66) 85 7286
6. If you are on any other system please call Econet or TCN for
information on gateways to/from your system.
7. Information on local access from other countries can also be
obtained from local PTT's.
*****
From lassuncao Sat Apr 28 10:24 PDT 1990
To: pthatcher rpollard
Subject: On Pollard's sugestions
Cc: jpasztor
Dear Bob,
Thanks for your comments and suggestions for further developments
related to the en.unced. I definitely support the opening of
"affiliated" conferences to enable active interaction among
ngo's, interest groups and individuals. That's the idea: to
trigger the widest participation possible. At the same time,
it's crucial that an official read only is distributed by the
UNCED Secretariat to several electronic networks. This will allow
for a institutional memory on the 1992 UNCED process and makes it
easy- to-join-in by new user at any point in time.
The idea of having the Center for the Common Future as a focal
point seems interesting, but access should also be open to any
ngo including those from developing countries. So work is needed
to make this effective.
Well, I am going to Geneva on Monday for two weeks, come back to
New York by May 18 and then move to Geneva by early June for two
years. So soon I will be in touch with you possibly through
Greenet. In the meantime I believe Peter Thacher will also
contact you to comment on your suggestions.
Once again thanks
Lucas Assuncao
*****
To: lassuncao
From: rpollard
Subject: Re: On Pollard's sugestions
CC: jpaztor pthacher
Lucas,
Thanks for your response to my comments.
On the role of the Centre for Our Common Future, I did not mean
to imply that they should be the focal point, rather that they
need to be involved -- and that they need to get on line. I had
talked with Chip about getting on line when he was in Washington
in January, and he seemed open, but I sense that he needs some
hands on support to overcome an initial resistance to the
unfamiliar. Perhaps when you are in Geneva, you could give them
a nudge towards getting on line.
The Centre's active involvement in and support for the on-line
conferences could be helpful in getting the word out to the large
group of NGOs they have been working with in relationship to the
Brundtland Report. I also understand that following the
Vancouver meetings last month, the Centre perceives itself as
having a mandate to play an active role in planning for NGO
involvement in 1992. If so, it becomes especially important --
at least from a concern with the inclusiveness of the NGO
participation -- that they get the word out via electronic
conferencing so that there is widespread awareness of and access
to their planning process.
Also, I feel that a lot of the information that the Centre
disseminates via the Brundtland Bulletin might be more
effectively and timely disseminated via electronic conferencing.
Since sending my response yesterday, I have been thinking a lot
more about the need for ways of creating effective access among
NGOs to the on-line UNCED information and conferences. It seems
that it would be very useful to identify at least one initial
organization within each country that would take on the
responsibility for downloading and making available that
information within the country, as well as getting the word out
about the availability of on-line access. I would welcome any
thoughts as to which organizations might play such a role in
Europe and elsewhere.
I agree with you on the importance of creating access to the
read-only conferences on as broad a representation of networks as
possible. From my earlier conversations with Bob Loeb of TCN,
I got the impression that he may be able to play a significant
facilitating role in that step of the process.
I look forward to keeping in touch with you.
Robert
*****
To: lassuncao pthacher beland
From: rpollard
Subject: Re: FIRST POSTING AT UNCED ELECTRONIC CONFERENCE
Dear Lucas, Peter, Bill, Bob and other friends,
It's great to see this electronic conference, EN.UNCED, really
happening, and I was very happy to see the press release from
Maurice Strong. I look forward to continuing to play an active
role in facilitating the development of the evolving set of
electronic conferences relating to UNCED.
Lucas, I recognize the need for the official UNCED electronic
conferences to be on a read-only basis, however, at the same time
-- from an NGO perspective -- I expect to continue to be a strong
advocate of participatory opportunities. In response to your
question on my facilitating role, I would like to focus most of
my effort into developing the participatory component, while
continuing to be attentive to optimal ways of structuring the
read-only conferences.
It seems that it would be helpful to make clear distinctions
between the official read-only conferences of the UNCED
Secretariat and the participatory NGO/public conferences. My
suggestion is that we reserve the name UNCED for the official
conferences, and use UNCED-NGO-IPPCS (for Information, Public
Participation & Communication System) for the participatory ones.
As I have addressed in my "United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development Electronic Conferencing Proposal"
(that I am presuming Peter has forwarded to you), from an NGO
perspective, there is a need for an NGO forum to share responses
and comments on the official documents that are posted in the
read-only conferences; there is a further need for a some kind of
representative NGO group to review and synthesize these comments,
and disseminate them in an accessible format among the NGO
community (however that is defined).
As I noted above, I am interested in developing a set of
conferences that would fall under the general title of
EN.UNCED-NGO-IPPCS. As you can see from my system of naming in
this and my earlier proposal, I have a preference for a
hierarchical conference naming system that maintains a fairly
narrow focus for each conference area. By the way, Bob, I have
not yet got onto TCN to see how your menu system works, but as
I have noted elsewhere, that would seem to be an ideal way to
manage the type of conference structure that I envision.
EN.UNCED-NGO-IPPCS.DESIGN
An interactive forum for the development and implementation of
design criteria for a truly effective Information, Public
Participation & Communication System (IPPCS) for UNCED. This
would include optimal ways for structuring information access and
dissemination; strategies for generating optimal participation;
and perhaps inevitably, consideration of some of the economics
and politics of information access and participatory decision
making processes. This conference would also provide a forum for
the exploring the ways that an IPPCS can support sustainable
development networks and specific sustainable development
opportunities. In essence, this conference would be a
continuation and formalization of what has been happening on an
informal e-mail basis between many of the people listed at the
end of this message.
Incidentally, while the focus would be on developing an IPPCS for
UNCED, it would be my hope and expectation that the model and
structure we would develop would have applicability in many other
settings -- both in other global contexts, as well as in the
development of local, regional and national IPPCSs
EN.UNCED-NGO-IPPCS.OUTREACH
Discussion and sharing of experiences, methodologies, and
approaches to effective outreach and involvement of a much
broader constituency with the UNCED IPPCS. I think we are all
mindful that integrated interactive electronic communication
systems are still very much in an embryonic state, and that while
the ideals of universal access to information may inspire us in
our efforts, the fact of the matter is that those of us who
actually tap into them are a minuscule -- even though steadily
growing -- minority of the world's population.
A focussed effort in this respect, and especially one that is
grounded in tangible experience, would be invaluable. In
correspondence with me on my proposals for what I am now calling
the UNCED IPPCS, Bob Loeb has on several occasions raised
questions as to exactly who, and how many, the constituency is.
Clearly the NGO community involved in preparations for UNCED is a
key element of the constituency; and given the role to date of
the Centre for Our Common Future in working with parts of the NGO
community, attention certainly needs to be paid to involving the
Centre in the IPPCS.
EN.UNCED-NGO-IPPCS.REPORTS
One important step in involving NGOs in the IPPCS is creating a
structure for posting NGO documents, with the opportunity for
comments and discussion, as well ass disseminating information on
NGO meetings that are taking place in [preparation for 1992.
Personally, I find it frustrating to receive only hard copy of
documents such as, for example, were generated at the Danube NGO
conference; not only is it so much easier to disseminate (parts
of) such documents in a readable format -- after a few
generations, photocopying just doesn't make it, besides the
originals tend to be printed in 10 point Courier which is
significantly less readable than a Times Roman proportional font;
it is also easier to share any response when it is simply a
matter of posting it to a conference or to e-mail addresses.
I find that I am much more motivated to respond or comment on
such documents, if I know that the response is not just seen by
the creator of the document but is accessible to any other
interested parties with access to the conference. Besides,
I don't believe that I am alone in finding it so much easier to
jot down some quick comments on computer and send them via e-
mail, than it is to go through the process of printing a letter,
making photocopies, making up envelopes, etc.
EN.UNCED-NGO-IPPCS.TRAINING
This conference would focus on the development and compilation of
training resources and materials for electronic conferencing in
general, and for the UNCED conferences in particular. Initially,
this could be subsumed under the OUTREACH sub-conference, but as
time develops, I think we would find the need for maintaining it
as a separate conference (or sub-conference)
Who are we?
As a firm believer in the value of well developed mailing lists
as a tool in effective organizing, I have compiled a list --
alphabetically by EcoNet addresses -- of those who have been
participants in the informal conference on the IPPCS, or whose
names have been suggested as being a source of valuable
contributions. I have taken the liberty of adding people who
names are listed as participating in the UNDP.RLA conferences on
EcoNet -- as it seems that these conferences have very close
parallels with the UNCED conferences, and would benefit from
cross-fertilization. Obviously this mailing list is just a
beginning, and suggestions are welcome for additional names.
Bill (Leland), is it possible to add "UNCED" to the key word
listing for these people? Bob, I would especially welcome
knowing of key people on TCN who would want to keep up with all
of this.
While recognizing that we all tend to wear several hats, as
I began to compile a list of who we are, I noticed that we tend
to fit into one of three principal groupings: UNCED Secretariat
and/or UNDP; Electronic Networks; and non-government
organizations. While these groupings may be obvious, I point
this out to clarify that there are distinct constituencies even
among us, and that we may need to pay attention to the level of
participation form each of these groups -- as well as others that
should be included. Incidentally, considering these groupings
makes it very clear that there is a major task of outreach to the
NGO community.
amockler Anna Mockler; New York University
bleland Bill Leland; Director of EcoNet
braiford Bill Raiford, UNDP
clmartinez Claudia Martinez, UNDP
cmartinez Carlos Felipe Martinez, UNDP
dialcom:141:tcn001 Bob Loeb; President, Telecommunications
Cooperative Network
enzop Enzo Puliatti; UNDP (and a mentor of Alternex
and Nicarao)
etorres Emma Torres, UNDP
gmarcus Genevieve Marcus; World Citizens' Assembly
jpasztor Janos Pasztor; Energy Specialist, UNCED member
in charge of Data Information Service, etc.
lassuncao Lucas Assuncao; Executive Assistant to the
Management Committee of the UNCED Secretariat
and focal point for the Electronic Network
mclements Millard Clements; New York University
pthatcher Peter Thacher; World Resources Institute; Senior
Advisor, UNCED Secretariat
rpollard Robert Pollard; Foundations for a Sustainable
Common Future
I have sent a FAX copy of this response, with Maurice Strong's
press release and my earlier proposal, to the Quaker United
Nations Office in New York for consideration at a Monday meeting
of the NGO Development Committee that will be considering next
steps for NGOs. I will also be making available pertinent
materials on the UNCED IPPCS proposals for an upcoming NGO
working meeting "To decide what can and must be done now and who
will take responsibility for action in preparation for the 1992
UNCED" that will be held in Washington DC at the Friends
Committee on National Legislation on May 17. I am also
forwarding a copy of this to the Centre for Our Common Future
(FAX:01141227385046)
*****
From jpasztor Mon Apr 30 08:30 PDT 1990
To: rpollard
Subject: UNCED Electronic Network
Cc: enzop lassuncao pthatcher
Robert,
I read with interest your proposal concerning getting the NGO's
involved in a two-way process. I very much agree that this is a
very important element in the whole preparatory process. I have
just a few minor points at this stage:
1. The involvement of the Center for Our Common Future will be
essential, although they may not necessarily act as the only
focal point. The UNCED secretariat will share the same office
building with the Center. This should help considerably our
cooperation, and getting the Center on line in terms of
electronic conferencing. I will discuss this with Chip Lindner.
2. While getting the NGO input is very important, at this
initial stage of the preparations (next 3 months), we must be
very careful not to spread ourselves (the very small, and not yet
fully formed UNCED secretariat) too thin. We must concentrate
our energies to the preparation of the 1st Meeting of the PrepCom
in Nairobi (August). This does mean that during the next months
we must concentrate on the "official read-only" conference.
3. Having said this, I support your approach of developing a
set of conferences, as described in your April 27 memo. I will
be pleased to work with you in developing further the different
conferences, both in terms of contents and format. A lot of this
will depend on how we set up our own (UNCED) Global Environment
Information system to feed the preparatory process. Will keep
you informed on this.
Best regards
Janos Pasztor