Information Systems and Tools

Scope

The exchange of information in a global network is a key factor in ensuring the development of good environmental practices within regional approaches to achieve sustainable development. Recent developments show an increase in the abundance of information and of ways to exchange information. Details on central web pages, conferences and fora for such information exchange will be presented and discussed.

Topics for Discussions

· How can we ensure a sufficient exchange of information and experiences in a global network involving all relevant stakeholders and regional cooperation? That is to say, how can we facilitate the transfer of information from industrial specialists to governmental authorities and public NGO; and how can we facilitate the transfer of experiences from countries with developed offshore oil and gas industry to those with developing offshore industries? Who are the providers and the customers of the information? What information is needed? Who should contribute to the development and maintenance of information systems?

· How can we improve the implementation of the existing initiatives: OEF web site; IHE course; Follow-up Expert Meetings in conjunction to the biennial SPE-HSE conferences?

· Is there a need for more specific, practical or updated guidelines regarding environmental technologies, environmental management, environmental reporting and environmental impact assessment for application in environmental care in offshore oil and gas activities? How can we improve the enforcement of existing guidelines?

Results from the Workshop on Information systems and tools

Website General
· Multiple sources of information already exist, There is need for a linking mechanism. ( Noordwijk conclusion)
· The current OEF website is operational and has + 1000 visits per month
· There is a need to increase the sense of ownership by the stakeholders

Website Needs
· Build Capability in some regions to develop internet availability and skills
· Increase marketing to build ownership
· Governments
· Companies etc etc
· Stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities to share their information, two way communication
· Seek mechanism to have translation to other languages
· UNEP to continue to provide leadership to obtain country support
· Continue to improve links
· Develop the site as a training tool, ( Interactive training etc)

Meetings
· Expert meetings are useful but delegates should be prepared to contribute on specific issues
· The attendance of multiple stakeholders is essential
· The SPE technical meeting was very valuable, it was an "excellent" precursor for this meeting
· There was no consensus on the suggestion to include onshore to the offshore agenda, this is a topic for further consideration
· There was no decision on where or when to hold the next experts meeting. ( note, the next SPE meeting is March 2002 in Kuala Lumpur, Rio+10 will be in June 2002)

Training:
· The planned training course in Delft was noted
· There are many other training courses available
· There is a need to deliver technical training locally
· There is a need to develop basic environmental education & awareness. eg. Develop modules in various languages, Booklets for children
· Develop a train the trainers course
· Utilities the web site for training