Focal Point Communication and Internet Seminar
in The Hague, 16 April 1999

A one-day seminar was held at Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment (MinVROM) in Den Haag, hosted by the VROM-Raad, to familiarize Councils with how to make most effective use of the Focal Point website. The seminar covered briefly the general understanding of the Internet and then concentrated on the use of the Homepage as an essential tool for communication through the Focal Point.

Handout

Seminar Programme

09:30–09:45

1.  Introduction

Welcome and opening words by Hubert Wiggering and Ingeborg Niestroy, Focal Point Information Service, Umweltrat. (15 min)

09:45–10:30

2.  The Focal Point – for Whom and Why?

An introduction to the "Focal Point" network: Has international collaboration improved with the Focal Point? (30 min + 15 min discussion)

  • Cooperation between European Environmental Advisory Councils
  • European Environmental Advisory Councils Active in the Focal Point
  • The Focal Point – European Forum for Joint Objectives and Activities in Environmental Policy
  • The Focal Point – Information Base on Environmental Aspects of Political Issues in the European Context
  • Focal Point Information Service and Steering Committee

10:30–11:30

3.  The Focal Point Web Site – a New Tool for Communication

How has international collaboration changed since we have gone on the Internet? (45 min + 15 min discussion)

3.1  The Focal Point Goes Online
  • Internet and eMail · Documents for Download · eMail Circulars · Discussion Platforms
3.2  The Focal Point Web Site – an Information Source on Individual Environmental Advisory Councils and Their Activities in Europe
  • Background, Mission, Working Programme, Publications, Contact Information
  • What We Need to Drive the Focal Point: Your Contribution!

11:30–12:30

4.  Tools and Tricks of the Trade – an Essential Introduction to the Internet

4.1  Technical Basics and Requirements for the User

Not technical equipment and connectivity needed to have access to the Internet ("hardware"), but an overview on the "software" needed to go online and how to configure it properly; terminology haunting you. (30 min incl. discussion)

4.2  Using the Internet – Efficiently

What you do, when you are online, to make the most efficient use of the Internet and get to see what you are looking for. (30 min incl. discussion)

12:30–13:30 Lunch break

13:30–14:30

5.  How to Use the Focal Point Web Site

What it looks like and how it works. What you find where on the web site. How you find your colleagues and how you get in touch with them. (60 min incl. discussion)

14:30–15:15

6.  Communication via eMail

Contact your colleagues fast, easy, and at low cost – individually or altogether. Don't fax – go digital: eMail! (45 min incl. discussion)

15:15–15:45

7.  General Discussion

Does the web site work for you? Is it adequate for communication on the European Council level? Do we need other ways to communicate? (30 min)

15:45–16:00

8.  After the Seminar

Individual talks and demos – questions and problem solving (on request)

The seminar was prepared and held by Dietmar Schallwich

Copyright © 2000-2004 by European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils, Den Haag. All Rights Reserved.