Global resource information database

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)is responsible for initiating and stimulating environmental action and awareness at all levels of society worldwide and for coordinating the environmental work of all United Nations organizations and agencies. Within this framework, UNEP has established the Global Resource Information Database (GRID) to provide the world community with access to timely, usable environmental data and access to the geographic information system, satellite image processing, and telecommunication technology necessary for each data recipient to make the best use of these data and for global science applications, wise resource management, and sustainable development planning. Through GRID, UNEP will address environmental issues at global, regional, and national levels to bridge the gap between scientific understanding of earth processes and sound management of the environment. The long-term objectives of the GRID activity are to ensure that (1) all pertinent global and regional environmental data are available through GRID network to a range of users from students to scientists to politicians; (2) all United Nations specialized agencies and most major intergovernmental organizations will have access to modern technology and the opportunity to provide the necessary information-management support within their own organizations for the description, understanding, and solution of environment-related problems; (3) all countries will have access to GRID data and technology, with most having functioning GRID-compatible monitoring and assessment centers for national environmental assessment and management support. The GRID is designed to become a network of cooperating centers in various regions of the world. At present there are GRID centers in Geneva, Switzerland; Warsaw, Poland; Arendal, Norway; Nairobi, Kenya; Bangkok, Thailand; Kathmandu, Nepal: Tsukuba, Japan; and Siox Falls, United states. Soon there will be GRID centers in Brazil, Russia, Germany, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Each of these centers has specific functions within the network. Certain centers deal with sectorial or discipline-specific information; other centers have responsibility for specific geographic areas; still others deal with new technology and general data services