Science, Research and Development Working Group

1
NON-FERROUS METALS CONSULTATIVE
FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Science, Research and Development Working
Group The Science Research Network The Hague,
25 November 2002
2
Identifying the Need for a Network

• A need to take stock of existing science-related
  Sustainable Development activities was identified
• The Group decided a new Internet information
  resource base would be useful
• Provision was to be made for the Network to grow
  organically.

3
Building the Network

• ILZSG Secretariat compiled stock-take of existing
  SD initiatives pursued by intergovernmental
  organisations and industry associations
• Science Group members submitted names of
  researchers
• International Copper Association assembled
  information into a database
• Natural Resources Canada placed database on
  www.nfmsd.org

4
Using the Network

• Network can be accessed via navigation button
  Science Network on www.nfmsd.org
• New users are invited to join Network once they
  enter
• Completed application forms are screened by ILZSG
  Secretariat before inclusion
• Entries include full contact details, research
  specialisation and details of collaborators

5
How Large is the Network?

• Over 100 entries drawn from 19 countries, and
  four intergovernmental organisations listing
  researchers and institutions
• Network has been visited 4,000 times since mid
  2001
• Interest has climbed since WSSD in Johannesburg
  (1000 visits in a month)

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Trend in NFMSD Web Site Usage
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What type of Research is being done?

• Materials flow analysis and LCA
• Hazard waste engineering and waste reduction
• Mine closure, reclamation and remediation
• Cleaner production and production prevention
• Risk assessment (ecological and environmental
  effects)
• Bio-availability of non-ferrous metals

8
Next Steps

• Construct links to web sites of non-ferrous
  metals industry associations
• Consider registering Network as a Type 2
  Partnership Initiative within the Johannesburg
  WSSD process
• Build new links to national government science,
  research and industry web sites

9
The Science Network on the Internet
For more information on the Science Network,
visit the Web Site at www.nfmsd.org