A new concept in handling news source material

The World Press Centre (WPC), based m London, is a new electronic clearing house for press material. Subscribing journalists can access on their screen any news release, briefing paper, report, announcement, profile, or feature relevant to their needs, from key sources worldwide. Authentic Third World source material will have a high priority, and WPC aims to strengthen media in these countries. Among the services recently initiated by the World Press Centre are several of relevance to the developing world: tropical forestry, development, environment, land, biological diversity, women's rights, international organizations, information technology, science and technology, innovations in biotechnology, agriculture, energy, transport, health, and the world's geographical regions. All these services are available in English, French and Spanish. The Tropical Forestry Service offers current information for those involved in international tropical forestry affairs (official agencies, trade and NGOs) and for journalists from both North and South. Its news coverage (immediate news, agenda items, background items, feature material and electronic discussion about reporting) will be built around key events and will include reports on the hearth of forests, and the well-being of forest peoples as well as material from international NGOs. One major organization - the FAO with its Tropical Forestry Action Plan - is geared to halting deforestation and to developing tropical forests in a sustainable fashion. The professional forestry advisers to the states of the developed world, who guide the aid given by such donor nations, meet regularly to formulate and apply a global strategy to previously uncoordinated efforts. After one such meeting: of the steering committee of forestry advisers it was decided that the Tropical Forestry Action Plan will use the WPC Tropical Forestry Service in order to improve the coordination of its information flow by making more material accessible to news media and to other TFAP participants. User-groups of the Tropical Forestry Service, such as TFAP and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) can circulate any item among themselves, even those which are confidential, thus improving planning and coordination among participating agencies in activities such as advisers' meetings review exercises, project preparation, and dissemination of information. For more details, contact: World Press Centre Southgate Office Village 284a Chase Road Southgate London N14 6HF - UKThe World Press Centre (WPC), based m London, is a new electronic clearing house for press material. Subscribing journalists can access on their screen any news release, briefing paper, report, announcement, profile, or feature relevant to their..