Box 5: Issues for consideration in setting up an environmental resource centre
• Clearly define the rationale for setting up the resource centre
• Carry out an information audit – determine REMA’s in- formation resources and identify the information needs Recruit and train staff to manage the centre
•
• Define services to be provided by the library • Budget for and manage the finances of the centre •
Set up the resource centre based on recommendations from the audit. This would include premises, design and technical requirements. Lessons can be learned fromoth- er resource centres such as NEMA in Uganda and ENFO in Ireland.
• Develop a system to ensure regular acquisition, storage, organization and dissemination of information materials in various media
•
Establish networks and other resource centres to facili- tate sharing and exchange of information, facilities and expertise
• Pursue alternative sources of support for the library in- side and outside the organization
• Develop and carry out an outreach programme for the resource centre, including marketing and advertising
• Develop and implement an information policy to guide the functioning of the resource centre.
The REIN should undertake activities to promote the use of environmental information in decision-making processes at all levels within the country. One possible methodology could involve working on a suitable ‘outcome’ that will bring the network members together. Having all institutions work on providing their ‘data layers’ will help to solve issues of data compatibility and coordination; thus collectively facilitating the proper and smooth functioning of the network and im- plementation of its activities. One such product could be the SOE, which could be adopted as a core product of the REIN. The data layers would then be the data type for which any and each of the network members has the institutional mandate. Future reporting of SOE could be structured to include major input from the key network members to start with, with room for expansion as the process continues. If the SOE project
40
is considered too big at the outset, other suitable options could be to update a map sheet of an identified area in Rwanda. Whatever the selec- tion of project, REIN activities must be carried out within the framework of Rwanda’s obligations to national development goals and targets. Each network member would thus con- tinue to provide information sup- port to national priorities such as the EDPRS while still fulfilling their own mandate. In order to address the is- sue of lack of awareness of the exist- ence and availability of environmen- tal information, it is necessary that all participating institutions develop a system of documenting their data through the development of meta- data. The existence of metadata will help to address this type of problem.
An outreach strategy will be required to enhance dissemination and use of information, generate and increase awareness of the REIN. Improved perceptions amongst the public and policy makers would contribute to improved attitudes towards data and build confidence across the network. By remaining relevant to key national development processes,
the REIN
will at the same time be ensuring its own future sustainability.
Policies and strategies to guide ac- cess to and management of envi- ronmental information need to be developed. This would strengthen the provisions for information man- agement that already exist under the environment law.
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