Friends of the Earth [1] has just launched a new public access environmental information service on the global Internet "Information Superhighway" [2].

The service - dubbed "FoEnet" - is the first on-line system of any environmental pressure group in the world to make extensive use of colour multimedia pictures, "enviro-maps" and text. Access to FoEnet is available through the Internet "World Wide Web", and is open to anyone with a connection to the Internet.

The FoEnet service aims to provide electronic versions of many of FoE's popular publications, as well as details of environmental campaigns across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Environmental information available on-line right now includes: the Green Guide to Christmas, High Street Banks and Rainforest Destruction, Fighting Motorway Madness, environmental information projects and maps, information for schools, FoE press releases, FoE's trading catalogue, membership details, FoE International, how to find your nearest FoE local group using your postcode, and advice on how the public can take practical environmental action. FoEnet also provides links to other useful environmental services around the globe.

Richard Weatherley, Friends of the Earth's IT Manager said:

"The Internet is an important communications medium for the 1990s and beyond. It differs from the traditional media because it provides new opportunities for public empowerment and participation in the emerging global information culture. It offers Friends of the Earth further scope to confront Government and industry with the facts about the environment - and potential solutions. Through FoEnet, we are making environmental information available in an interactive way to an important new audience."

Neil Verlander - Press Office 071 566 1649

The service is aimed at Government, industry, the research community, schools and the public, in the UK and internationally. There are details of research into threats to "protected" wildlife sites, landfill sites leaking toxic chemicals to groundwater, river quality, acid rain and the dirtiest power stations in England and Wales, and the illegal mahogany trade.

FoE hope to extend the information service in the future. New facilities may include keyword document retrieval, short video clips, and context-sensitive environmental maps which display local environmental information at the touch of a "mouse" button.

Friends of the Earth's FoEnet World Wide Web service can be found on the Internet at the following address:

http://www.foe.co.uk

Friends of the Earth acknowledges the support of Sun Microsystems (UK) Ltd who kindly donated a SPARCserver 20 computer for use in the FoEnet project.

CENTRE FOR ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY ON THE WEB

In a related move, the Centre for Alternative Technology, Europe's premier display site for sustainable practices and technology, is also joining the World Wide Web.

David Thorpe, from CAT Publications, said:

"When you access CAT's page - located at Friends of the Earth's FoEnet service - you'll find a vibrant and informative array of comprehensive information about many of the Centre's activities, and how to access them. Did you know that the Centre has a thriving mail order service - or extensive organic gardens - and a free information service on all matters green? Find out too about reed beds, water power and much more."

CAT's home page is located at:

/CAT

You can reach CAT on email at [email protected]

ENDS

Neil Verlander - Press Office 071 566 1649

PAGE 3 - FRIENDS OF THE EARTH

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] Friends of the Earth is the largest international network of environmental groups in the world, represented in over 52 countries world-wide. Friends of the Earth (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) is one of the UK's most influential national environmental pressure groups, with more than 200,000 supporters and a network of 250 local groups. Friends of the Earth campaigns on more issues than any other environmental group in the UK. Friends of the Earth has achieved great success with the banning of CFCs, the removal of pesticides and nitrate from drinking water, the cancellation of new nuclear power stations, the exposing of health-threatening traffic pollution levels, the uncovering of secret toxic waste dumps, and reduction of trade in rainforest timber.

[2] The Internet is a vast collection of computer networks reaching into companies, governments, universities, schools and homes worldwide. It can be accessed in over 100 countries. The Internet is the "superhighway" which connects over 18,000 separate networks, 3 million computers and about 30 million regular users. Current estimates indicate that the Internet is now doubling in size every five months. The Internet provides a fast and reliable means of electronic communication with people around the world. It offers services such as electronic mail, file transfer, electronic information publishing, news and subject-oriented discussions.

Neil Verlander - Press Office 071 566 1649