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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Information Resources
Management
(PM-211A)
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATE
\v
July 1991
220N91007
Ms. Lou Tilley
Region 5 Librarian (5PL-16)
230 South Dearborn St.
Rm 1670
Chicago, IL 60604
CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE A SUCCESS!
- Mary Stevanus
INFOTERRA USA concluded it's first meeting as the Regional Service Center for the English-speaking
Caribbean countries. National Focal Point (NFP) representatives from the countries of Bahamas,
Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Dr. Woyen Lee, Director of the INFOTERRA Programme
Activity Center (PAC) in Nairobi, Kenya participated in the meeting.
The meeting focused on regional network development, strengthening the information service
capabilities of individual NFPs, and building links to other networks in the region. Participants shared
their experiences in operating NFPs, the state of the environment in the Caribbean and services they
require from the Regional Service Center to strengthen NFP operations.
Representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Latin America
and the Caribbean (ROLAC) unveiled INFOLAC, a regional telecommunications system. Designed
to "promote regional environmental cooperation through regional dialogue," INFOLAC will serve as
a model for a future INFOTERRA regional electronic mail system.
As the Regional Service Center for the English-speaking Caribbean, INFOTERRA USA will provide
support to the NFPs in the form of database searches, information exchange, telecommunications and
technical assistance in responding to information requests. INFOTERRA USA is developing plans to
provide training in computer operation and information resources management, produce promotional
materials, publish a quarterly regional newsletter, and assist with the development of
telecommunications capabilities.
JOURNAL REVIEW
—Lili Vivanco
World Press Review (formerly ATLAS) is a monthly
magazine published by the Stanley Foundation to
promote global communication. It includes articles,
photographs and cartoons from major international
newspapers and magazines. The Features section
highlights current events, fast-breaking political
happenings, and socio-economic debates. Political,
cultural, social and legislative issues are addressed
from different points of view and translated directly
from the original source newspaper.
Although the journal focuess on editorials and in-depth
commentaries rather than on news- breaking articles,
every issue includes several news excerpts from local
dailies.
INFOTERRA/USA National Focal Point
Regular divisions in the journal include an Environment
section (the June 1991 issue includes "Siberia's Gem"
from New Delhi's The Statesman and "Unnatural
Disasters" from Warsaw's Przeglad Tygodniowy),
Regional Reports, Law, Business, Resources, Books,
and Films.
Its glossy, colorful format belies its altruistic mission.
There is limited advertisement, and the Travel section
usually covers valuable tips on ecotourism. The Stanley
Foundation is a non-profit foundation that also produces
a radio program on world issues entitled, Common
Ground, and sponsors an international education
model in Iowa schools.
Printed on Rec
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION PACKAGES
(TIPs)
— Chris Holben
The Office of International Activities (OIA) is producing a
series of Technical Information Packages (TIPs) on key
environmental issues for international distribution.
The cover brochure of each TIP explains the environmental
issue, the related environmental and health effects, the standards
and regulations, the technologies for addressing the issue, and
a complete citation for each of the documents included in the
TIP. In addition, each TIP includes a list of EPA experts, a more
extensive bibliography, and contacts for access to existing
databases and training opportunities. Distribution will initially
be geared towards technical and environmental centers.
Packages on the following topics are expected to be
ready for distribution in Fall, 1991:
Industrial and Hazardous Waste
Management
Air Quality
Water Quality
Mining Waste Management
Municipal Waste Management
Environmental Impact Statements
Safe Disposal of Pesticides
Solid Waste Management
Risk Assessment
Regulating Pesticides
Pollution Prevention
Ensuring Safe Drinking Water
Access EPA
Environmental Management
TIPs are being coordinated through EPA's Office of International
Activities. For more information, call Mark Kasman at FTS 475-
7424.
For Information and assistance with locating
information on international environmental
issues feel free to contact the 1NFOTERRA
staff at FTS 382-5917. We have access to
major wire services, newspapers and
journals to help you stay on top of events
and issues on the international
environmental scene.
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
—Journal Articles cf Interest
"Bankamerica first to Donate Debt for
Forest Conservation." Multinational
Environment Outlook. VoL 17, No. 13,
June 11,1991. p. 93.
Beder, Sharon. "The Burning Issue of
A.ustralia's Toxic Waste." New Scientist.
VoL 130,No. 1770, June8,1991. pp.35-38.
Day,Diana "Australia'sFirstEnvironment
Statement" The Environmentalist. Vol.
11, No. 1, Spring 1991. pp. 9-17.
Merson, John. "Korea Wakes Up to the
Environment." New Scientist VoL 130,
No. 1770, June 8,1991. pp. 20-21.
Nitze, William A. "Improving U.S.
Lnteragency Coordination of International
Environmental Policy Development."
ILnyjrgrument. Vol. 33, No. 4, May 1991.
Pearce, Fred. "Wells of Conflict on the
West Bank" New Scientist. Vol. 130, No.
1771. June 1,1991. pp. 36-40.
Smith, Don. ""Rehabilitating Traditional
Water-systems in Afghanistan."
Appropriate Technology. Vol. 17, No. 4,
March 1991. pp. 13-16.
'TJ.S. Senators Urged to Back Ban on
Unregistered Pesticide Exports."
MultinationaljanvironmentOuflook Vol.
17, No. 13, June 11,1991. p. 94.
GET UP AND GO!
Pollution in the Metropolitan and Urban Environment.
December 9-13, 1991, Hong Kong. Environmental
issues of importance in urban areas such as
transportation, energy efficiency and the effects of
industrialization will be focused on at this meeting.
For registration information please write to: Conference
Manager, Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, 9/F
Island Centre, 1 Great George Street, Causeway Bay,
HorigKong. TEL: (852) 895 4446; FAX: (852)5777791.
EPA Headquarters L'brary
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