Cleaner production and sustainable industrial development
In the industrialized world, new methods and theories for
environmental assessment and analysis (e.g. for industrial
development planning, siting, etc.) are in a phase of expansion.
These focus on the combined application of Decision-Support Systems
(DSS), Expert Systems (ES), Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and Remote Sensing (RS) input and output, bringing a massive
expansion in the analytical capabilities available today in the
field of environmental applied research and pollution
prevention.
Under the ICS programme, support was given to the diffusion,
integrated use and application of the above instruments and
methods. In addition, international cooperation with developing
countries was enhanced by adapting DSS to local situations.
This means presenting a common 'interface' and way of tackling
problems directed through networking and technology transfer.
The activities covered training in new techniques and
demonstrations of practical case studies, developed in situ or with
close connection with the local environment. In addition,
channels have been established for sharing results,
knowledge, standards, methodologies, etc. and projects have been
developed in close cooperation with national counterparts. One goal
is enhancement of existing investment. Apart from acquiring
knowledge in computational application techniques in integration of
GIS, DSS, RS and image engineering, programme beneficiaries (local
authorities and decision-makers) are made aware of the need to
develop shared information resources. To date, their costs and
inaccessibility have been a major barrier to environmental
scientists, planning offices and decision-makers.
IT tools exploited under this subprogramme are Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) and Process Simulation.
General approach adopted
- Introduction of concepts of image engineering etc., allowing technicians and industrial planners to work together
- Development of regional projects studying impact of industrial development on peri-urban areas, and of environmental plans for pollution control
- Strengthening of national research capacity
- Enhancement of a dynamic training network in integrated environmental applications
- Promotion of regional cooperation