New needs and perceptions in environmental information

A European conference "Bridging the Gap: New Needs and Perspectives in Environmental Information" will be held in London, United Kingdom, from 3 to 5 June 1998. The conference will be jointly sponsored by the European, Dutch and British Environment Agencies.

A range of topics on environmental information will be presented at the conference by representatives of the European Commission, the European Environment Agency, the United Nations, the British and Dutch governments, NGOs and academics. The main objectives of the conference will be as follows:

- To specify the data and information required for "State of the Environment" reporting and for the current and prospective environmental policy agendas;
- To assess current monitoring and modelling arrangements in the light of the above needs analysis;
- To identify both how old needs can be met more efficiently and more cost-effectively, and how new needs can be met from both existing and future monitoring and modelling programmes, at European, national and regional levels.

A series of workshops during the conference will address topics such as:

- The role of communication in policy development and public participation;
- Biodiversity: Making the most of very little;
- Transport: New perceptions and indicators on costs and benefits of transport;
- Environmental information on new and existing chemicals;
- Integrated indicators: Synthesizing sense from environmental data;
- Improving monitoring efficiency through new surveillance and modelling techniques.
For further information, please contact:

Environment Agency
Mr. James Hunt
Rio House
Waterside Drive
Aztec West
Almondsbury
Bristol BS32 4UD
United Kingdom
Tel. +44-1454-624365; Fax +44-1454-624034
E-mail: james.hunt@environment-agency.gov.uk

or

JG&A Conferences and Events
Ms. Anna Preedy
Tel. +44-1905-724734; Fax +44-1905-724744
E-mail: jgilboy1@aol.com