Report on Discussion Forum on Information Services in the Asia-Pacific and ACRIS/CARIS in the 21st Century: An Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation

Abstract

"Many forestry projects in the Asia-Pacific region now encompass information as part of their mandate, including, for example, assistance with publishing, creation of information centres, document delivery and technology development. A number of organisations in the region share common objectives to develop capacity in the forestry research sector. To this end, representatives of the ASEAN Forest Tree Seed Centre (AFTSC) Project, ASEAN Institute of Forest Management (AIFM), Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), International Development Research Council (IDRC) and CAB International (CABI), and the Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia and the Pacific (FORSPA) have proposed solutions through collaborative activities.

"A proposed regional forum of key people in the Asia-Pacific, to discuss forestry information services needs and opportunities, was preceded by data gathering from specific institutions in the region. Aquestionnaire surveyed the facilities and support for information services units in forestry institutions throughout the Asian-Pacific region.

"This report details the results of that survey and the proceedings of the Discussion Forum on Information Services in the Asia-Pacific held at Bogor, Indonesia, from 30 October to 1 November 1996. The list of perceived needs generated by the survey guided the deliberations of the Forum. Participants identified priority goals, action plans for their achievement and responsible agents/agencies, expected time frames and likely costs. The priority goals agreed upon by the group were: --To demonstrate the value of information in contributing to a country's development. --To improve the ability of Information Services Unit (ISU) staff to pro-actively meet user demands. --To establish a core of well-trained ISU staff and users through an integrated programme of training. --To improve effectiveness of forestry information services by providing access to e-mail and the Internet, and establishing a list server."