SYNOPSIS OF THE J C LUMMAUX PAPER ON GSDI

The paper outlines a major concern that a GSDI could have both beneficial and disadvantageous effects. We all know what the best effect could be - the benefits that it would allow but this is a potential downside.

One possible effect would be to aggravate the current dependency of the less developed parts of the world on the more developed ones (how independent would a government which did not have control over access to the information it used for decision making be). It would also have the potential to aggravate the differences between individuals having or not having access to technology.

It goes on to state that we have to be aware of these problems and take cognisance of them in creating a GSDI which will avoid or limit the effect of their consequences. This can be done by insisting that the main goal of any organisation or institutional structure created for a GSDI does not produce the infrastructure itself but facilitates and co-ordinates the activity at the global level of those who are directly concerned.

He proposes an organisation made up of regional (or continental) groups which should include representatives of countries, of funding organisations, eg, the World Bank and bilateral aid agencies of international organisations, eg, ONU and FAO, etc. These should include those with skills and the need (not the money) and of GI actors as experts.

The organisation at the global level should facilitate the harmonisation of continental standards (on contents, geometry and quality) provide a forum to make funding organisations aware of requirements and opportunities and to initiate production and training programmes. One of the first steps therefore of a GSDI would be to convince these funding organisations and the developing countries of the value of a GSDI. They should not be sensitive to the wonders of technology but to sustainable development, healthcare and self-sufficiency in food. It is necessary to sell the project and to adapt what is developed to serve their real needs.

It is important to keep in mind that 75% of the world's population is excluded from technology, and one of the goals of the GSDI must be to reduce this gap and not to increase it.