UNEP showcases computer database<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
\nshowcased a computer database yesterday aimed at helping
\nfacilitate the transfer of green technology from industrialized
\nto developing countries.<\/p>\n
UNEP Deputy Director Lilia G.C. Casanova said the database
\nprovided access and transfer of scientific and technological
\ninformation concerning environmentally sound technologies (ESTs).<\/p>\n
Casanova said information accessible through the so-called
\nmaESTro program was \"on institutions promoting ESTs all over the
\nworld, on sources of information about sustainable development
\nall over the world, and on specific green technologies\".<\/p>\n
More than 80 countries around the world, mostly industrialized
\nones, use the information system which has been developed since
\n1995 by the UNEP-International Environmental Technology Center,
\nshe said.<\/p>\n
\"It's still an improving software program ... and it's
\nprovided for free to all, governments, academics, NGOs,
\netcetera,\" Casanova told a media conference at an international
\nseminar on the EST information system in Serpong, West Java,
\nyesterday.<\/p>\n
Delegations from seven countries; Malaysia, Indonesia, China,
\nThe Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, were participating
\nin the three-day seminar co-organized by UNEP, the Environmental
\nImpact Management Agency (Bapedal), and the office of the state
\nminister of environment.<\/p>\n
Casanova said the maESTro program could help the government
\ngather necessary information needed for formulating effective
\nsustainable development policies.<\/p>\n
\"Many governments cannot formulate effective policies on
\nsustainable development because they lack the access to
\ninformation on ESTs,\" she said.<\/p>\n
The transfer of ESTs, as identified in Chapter 34 of Agenda 21
\n-- a document resulting from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de
\nJaneiro, Brazil -- is one of the indispensable elements for
\nachieving sustainable development.<\/p>\n
Bapedal Deputy Chairman Brig. Gen. (ret) Sukardi, who was
\nrepresenting State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja
\nat the media conference yesterday, said the Indonesian government
\nhad started using the program in the agency's command post.<\/p>\n
\"It's just a matter of time (before it is developed further),\"
\nSukardi said, reiterating Casanova's earlier statement that
\nmaESTro was still a long way from perfection.<\/p>\n
Bapedal's director for technical development, Liana Bratasida,
\nsaid Indonesia was committed to the implementation of ESTs.<\/p>\n
She said 20 of more than 60 companies -- including textile,
\npulp, plywood, cooking oil and steel firms -- which have
\nvoluntarily developed cleaner production strategies have gained
\nISO 14001 certification, recognizing their technologies'
\nenvironmental friendliness. (aan)<\/p>",
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