IICD supported project: Environment Information Network

Countries: Ghana [GH]
Sectors: environment

Summary

Ghana has a long history of good scientific research, but over the years library and information services have deteriorated. As a result, much valuable information is difficult or impossible to find. Furthermore, there are limitations to the ways in which information can presently be packaged and disseminated to the targeted users. An improved environmental network and information system will make information gathering faster and also enhance capacity for collection, storage, processing and dissemination. It will facilitate easy and faster retrieval of information and provides the ability to repackage information in the desired format tailored to user needs. Beneficiaries of the system include decision-makers, researchers, students, private companies and the general public.

Update

Updated: 2005-02-09

(June 2001)<br />
The project is nearing its completion date as a pilot, July 2001. The
project team has received extensive ICT training enabling them to
upgrade facilities, the Website (www.epa.gov.gh) and electronic
information services on environment. The information provided through
the information system includes reports, books and articles collected
by EPA at national and international levels. EPA databases are
accessible through the Website, largely expanding electronic access to
environmental information. The public has access to these information
services at EPA head quarters and regional centres throughout Ghana (5
regions connected). To sustain the project, small fees are set on the
information services. In the second year of operations, EIN is focusing
on upgrading information services at regional centres and the
development of the same facilities and information services at partner
organisation FORIG, thereby establishing a through network of
information. In addition, the EIN project team and related facilities
are expected to play an important role in the development of the
Capacity Development and Linkages for Environmental Impact Assessment
in Africa (CLEIAA), which Ghana is managing. Ghana was assessed to have
one of the more advanced Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) systems
in Africa in terms of resource persons. So the project acts as an
African focal point in electronic information collection and
distribution of Environmental Information. <br />

Objectives

The key project objectives are:

Strengthen the effective information handling capacity in and networking between the participating institutions and improving the system of delivery of information to the users of environmental information.

The project will focus on the development of electronic information services at the national and regional centres of EPA, the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) and the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI). The services include general environmental information, bibliographies and directories on environmental information. Apart from the development of a Web-based information system, the information officers will be trained in information management, network management and Web development.

Development Impacts

The project will contribute to a better co-ordination of environmental information at all sectors in the country through electronic networking which would make information readily available to policy and decision makers, NGOs, the private sector and the general public to enhance environmental protection in the country. Environmental information in Ghana is collected, processed and analyzed by a wide array of independent institutions. The interest of the Environmental Protection Agency is that environmental information management capabilities be strengthened in all institutions whose activities are geared towards the protection of the environment.

The overall benefits to be derived would be the improvement in environmental management due to the availability of environmental information. It will also provide a better understanding of the environmental consequences of courses of action and early warning of pollution or degradation.

In particular, this project seeks to contribute to a better co-ordination through the objectives stated in the overall National Environmental Action Plan programme: Assessing use of governments and strengthening the mechanisms and networks in place to facilitate the exchange of environmental information within the country; Developing electronic mechanisms and communication networks to ensure the timely transfer of information; Avoiding duplication by coordinating the delivery of environmental information among various institutions in the country.

Market and finance

The project is sustained through the charge of cost-based fees for on-line searches (references, summaries and articles) and tailor-made services (summary reports). To allow for accessible fees, the revenues are expected to cover the operational costs of the system. However, it is not expected to be feasible to recover full depreciation costs. The projection of the number of clients is based on the number of clients using information services at EPA in 1998, adjusted for an annual growth in the number of clients and volume of services provided.

Budget

Financial Rate of Return: n.a.			Project Life: 5 years			Break-Even: n.a.
Net Profit (Loss):
	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Capital Cost		Financing Plan:
Revenues	14	16	21	26	32			Owner/Operator own contribution (1st year)	9
Operating Costs	75	33	33	33	33			External Funds:	252
Depreciation	28	28	28	28	28
Profit (Loss)	(82)	(37)	(33)	(28)	(22)
								Total	261
Working Capital Requirements							Investment Opportunity: 261

Project Owner : Environmental Protection Agency

Project Partners : Forest Research Institute of Ghana,
Building and Road Research Institute,
Internet Society of Ghana,
IICD

Contact Organisation : Environmental Protection Agency

Project Contact : Mr. Jonathan A. Allotey