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About GEIC
Last updated 2007-09-24 15:30:30.0
Introduction GEIC was established on 29 October 1996, and focuses on providing information to the major groups identified in Agenda 21. GEIC has a commitment to better involve civil society groups and people in environmental issues, and undertakes studies and activities to better involve NGOs and other organizations in international and national environmental processes. GEIC also undertakes activities that involve packaging information for use and consumption by non-experts. In this way, perhaps the term "Peoples' Think Tank" may be an easy way for people to learn about and understand GEIC. In terms of dissemination, GEIC is concerned with promoting the nexus between information development and environment. It works to find ways in which the internet may be useful to people in contemplating environmental issues. On other fronts, GEIC publishes a small newsletter (and homepage) called EarthWrap that aims to disseminate information to the major groups of Agenda 21 and involve people in environmental issues. As an environmental information centre with an Internet basis, GEIC has developed a concept of making the Web 'intelligent' for environment with its Thinkbase (the links are very useful). We also add our own information. Being based in Japan, GEIC plays a role of bringing information on Japan and environment to the world, and vice-versa. As a centre established by the UN University and the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, it maintains original data sets in its database section. Conceptual Framework The GEIC Homepage is a place to find useful information on the environment. It focuses on the provision of information to people, communities and other non-governmental organizations - the so-called 'major groups' in the Agenda 21. It also focuses on information in Japan. It is an information resource, networking tool, and think tank rolled into one. It is concerned about how these people are implementing sustainable development. How the NGOs and the governments can work together. It contains tools, in the form of practical ideas, guides, strategies, courses and methodologies; success stories, through case studies, comparisons, inspiring ideas, and best practices; articles, in the form of theoretical and practical analyses of the issues of interest; and resources, in the form of papers, finding out what works on the web, and news and information on current initiatives. Why Information? Go to any meeting on environment and sustainable development, and in the end, one quickly comes to realize that enough information exists. People are tired of information; instead they want answers. What is needed is 'information packaging', exchange, and a conduit for new ideas. Needed is the application of information for different uses that makes the concept of a safer future operational, and information that can be understood by different users as well. Considerable efforts are also made to access people in developing countries - they also need to be better informed on what is going on, who is doing what, and how to get involved. In reaching people in remote places and trying to retrieve information, nothing beats networking. At the end of the day, you can have the best product in the world, but if no one knows about it, it's worth declines proportionately. Information dissemination is very, very important. The Homepage attempts to facilitate a broader and deeper understanding of the quality and quantity of information, and in particular, in terms of the information available now, on the web, and for free. Making the Web intelligent is one of GEIC's missions. Information is not free. But the web has introduced a new type of understanding, and sharing from organizations to people, and vice-versa. Any one can set up a homepage. But a good homepage is a challenge. It takes time, effort, and a commitment to input your own resources, knowledge and understanding. Ultimately, there is much we can learn from the people, listening to them and understanding and comprehending the solutions that they themselves have developed. These solutions have used resources that are local, sustainable and accessible to them, transcending barriers that typify formal institutions and arrangements. Information is more than just data. It is putting life to the data, that information is born. Wisdom, then, is the next stage - making the information into something sustainable. A broader perspective needs to be taken, emphasizing roles for local governments, NGOs, community development issues, workers, corporations, farmers, and education, training, and networking. Guiding keywords Some of the keywords that have guided the development of the Homepage include: information packaging, innovations and best practices, policy/programme design, people, community participation, networking, partnerships, environment and Japan. Organizational aspects: GEIC Logo The logo shows the Earth being wrapped by the letter "E" for environment. The logo symbolizes the "oneness" of the environment in which we live, and the inter-relatedness of the actions we do. It also epitomises the way in which information can link us all. The comparative size of the Earth and the letter "E" highlights the fundamental universality of the environment, of unity and an enclosing community.
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Exhibition space
Location GEIC is situated on the ground floor of the UN House. It is a five minute walk from Omotedando station (Chiyoda line, Ginza line, Hanzomon line: Exit - B2) or an eight minute walk from JR Shibuya station. Nearby landmarks include the Kodomono Shiro and the Aoyama Gakuin University.
The Global Environment Information Centre
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