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Side Event: Agris |
24 September 2002 |
Malaysia Room |
16:30-18:00 |
1. The first COAIM in June 2000 recognized that AGRIS should become “a key enabler and catalyst to establish a new model of agricultural information management”. Furthermore, it was agreed that FAO should develop AGRIS into a capacity building initiative as well as an information system. The AGRIS network now has 201 Resource Centres, which vary in their resources and level of participation in the network, and opportunities exist to improve the effectiveness of the initiative through enhanced collaboration.
2. The document to be discussed during the side event describes a strategy for strengthening AGRIS in several ways which would go beyond merely enhancing the existing central bibliographical database. The proposal is to enable access to electronic versions of documents and publications in full text on science and technology in agricultural development and food security, including addressing problems related to physical accessibility, language, and intellectual property issues. Indeed, the series of changes proposed imply a radically new approach to network participation, based an expanded range of partners and stakeholders.
3. Delegates are invited to attend this session to discuss the new strategy for the AGRIS network. The draft document entitled “AGRIS - A strategy for an international network for information in agricultural sciences and technology within the WAICENT Framework” is available from the COAIM Secretariat.
4. The objectives of the side event will be to present and discuss the strategy paper and to formulate draft recommendations to be presented to the COAIM plenary session for endorsement.
5. Malaysia room (located building "B" second floor)
6. 24 September, 2002 (16:30 - 18:00 p.m.)
7. This meeting is open to all delegates and observers, and especially to those who are already working in the AGRIS network.
8. For further information, please contact Mr. Johannes Keizer (+3906) 570-52729