An association for scientists, technologists, engineers and others concerned with the study of environmental science and technology and of the environment generally, and of the application of such knowledge to the development of sustainable solutions.

1. Why a Global Network?

The Network`s mission is
To support, assist and influence those who seek to conserve and improve the natural and built environments and to improve quality of life through the development and application of environmental science, technology and policy

The Global Network of Environmental Science and Technology (Global NEST) has been initiated as a response to the growing interest of the International community attending the conferences on Environmental Science and Technology, organised on a biennial basis by the University of the Aegean. This interest mainly concentrates on serving the above mission through common understanding and necessary action.

2. What does the Network aim to achieve?
The Network has wide-ranging aims and objectives which cover:

advancing the study of environmental science, technology and policy
the widest-possible dissemination of knowledge in the fields of environmental science, technology and policy
exchanging information between academics and between academia, business, industry, policy makers and the general public
bringing together scientists, technologists, engineers and others for discussion of areas of concern
influencing policy makers, business leaders and the general public
liaising with and cooperating with other organisations worldwide with similar aims and objectives.

3. How will the Network be organised?
Although legal formalities have to be completed to formally create the Network as a formal association, it is proposed that a decision will be taken at the 5th Conference on Environmental Science and Technology by the first members of Global NEST to appoint an interim Executive Committee.

At least initially, the Network will be headquartered in Greece, though national groupings will be encouraged as well. In addition to the Executive Committee, it is planned that there will be an Advisory Council comprising one representative from each country in which there are Network Members. This Advisory Council will provide the Executive Committee with invaluable input from members on the running of the Network and provide a first line of contact with each country.

The Interim Executive Committee is:

Prof. Th. Lekkas - Acting Chairman
Mr. Roger Venables - Vice Chairman (Development)
Dr. Dionysis Assimacopoulos - Vice Chairman (Editions)
Dr. Kimon Hadjibiros - Vice Chairman (Events)
Mr. Marcus Hoefken - Treasurer
Prof. Ana Mastral - Secretary

4. What will the Network do?
It is envisaged that the Network will in time grow into very wide-ranging activities, though of course it will start in a practical way with a focused range of activities. The activities envisaged include:

providing an Internet-based bulletin board for members to share information, areas of interest and questions for investigation
providing a World-Wide-Web site for the use of members and others
publishing a global-interest journal on environmental science, technology, policy and management
conducting a wide range of meetings and conferences
sponsoring or undertaking studies, research and/or demonstration projects, seeking funding for such work from appropriate national and international bodies.

Already in January 1998 Global NEST has organised an important conference with international participants, on `Olympics, the City and the Environment`, looking forward to the environmental aspects of Athens 2004.

5. What subjects will the Network cover?
Initially, it is envisaged that the Network will address the following major areas though precise projects will need to be formulated in consultation with members:

dealing with global change
delivering sustainable development
water resources
the development and implementation of environmental policies to effect the changes necessary in individual, corporate and national environmental performance.

6. Which are the benefits of the members?

The best benefit, a qualitative one, is being part of the Global NEST.
Access to information about other members to enable you to take advantage of worldwide contacts.
Access to a Bulletin page on which they can place requests for information, comments on new or recurring environmental issues or to respond to other members` messages.
Reduced price for the Journal and the events.

7. What next?
Those who wish to join Global NEST are invited to commit themselves to become founding members of the network by completing the form accompanying this announcement. They will then be contacted when the legal formalities of forming the Network as an Association have been accomplished.