An Olympiad of values

To face the unprecedented challengesof our times, new ethics in society are

crucial. As environmental deteriorationis growing into a compelling issue of glob-al importance, the need for an environmentalvision with staying power becomes urgent.A new strategy, reaching beyond sustain-able development, can broaden our hori-zons and lead humanity to a brighter future.By focusing on the fundamental human rightof living in a clean environment, everyendeavour can contribute to the reversalof destructive trends and to the buildingof ethics and values for a global appreci-ation and protection of bios.

The opportunity exists in the formof the Olympic Games. Why keepwasting this opportunity by limit-ing the Olympics to sports and featsof the body? The Olympic Spir-it and the world�s positivelyfocused attention at thetime of the OlympicGames can play a lead-ing role in uniting theforces of culture and technology to instilthe appreciation of the aesthetic value oflife on our planet. An Olympiad of valuesand not merely of physical prowess mustevolve

The Greek word �athlos� means achieve-ment, therefore, the term athletics encom-passes all possible achievements of human-ity, be they physical, professional or intel-lectual. It is thus imperative that the con-cept regain its original significance andbecome redefined on the basis of a sys-tem of diachronic values.

Every profession participates inthe Bios Olympiads

International competitions take placein various fields, but represent a frag-

mented view of human achievement. In orderto re-establish the harmony and unitybehind all expressions of creativity, Biopol-itics has proposed the award of Bios Prizesas an overall recognition of achievementin the arts, science, technology, politics, eco-nomics, and a variety of other disciplines,with the goal to ultimately include everyprofession. Legislators, architects, cor-porate leaders, farmers, street-cleaners, teach-ers, doctors, could all be considered Bios

Prize candidates for including environ-mental protection in their work. All

human accomplishments are con-sidered in the Bios Olympiads.

As proposed by B.I.O. in 1985,international committees could

be set up in various disciplinesto assess progress and nom-

inate candidates at sev-eral levels. At the finalstage of the selection

process, three candidates would be con-sidered for the awards.

A. The global community would nom-inate candidates.

B. International committees wouldreceive the nominations and propose upto 150 candidates for awards.

C. An elected 30-member interna-tional committee would select 15 nominationsfor final consideration.

D. A 3-member committee wouldaward 3 Bios Prizes to the finalists.

Inspiring society with new models

Society is going through a crisis in val-ues, which has led to severe environ-

mental deterioration and is threateningthe continuation of life on our planet. Toreverse this crisis new role models areurgently needed. Role models that placepeople and the planet before profits. Todraw attention to the importance of lead-ership with a vision, B.I.O. has awardedBios Prizes to distinguished individuals

whose contribution has brought new hopeand inspiration to humanity.

The first Bios Prize was awarded toJacques Cousteau in 1996, for his unpar-alleled achievements in the protection ofthe biggest part of our planet, the oceans.In 1999, Mstislav Rostropovich and otherleaders, including Dr. Anton Rupert,Founder of the Peace Parks initiative inSouth Africa, Kitty Kyriacopoulos, lead-ing Greek industrialist, and the Founderof the Right Livelihood Award, BaronJakob von Uexkull, were honoured withBios Prizes during an inspirational cere-mony at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.In 2002, Ted Turner was awarded the BiosPrize for recognising the importance of aunited world through his groundbreak-ing contribution in telecommunicationsand his support for the United Nations.

Continued on page 7

Bios Olympiads � Every individual winsin the race to save the environment

What is ÂÉÏ 2Goals, sponsors, editorial

BIO Progress 3,6,10,11Latest activities & events

Bio-Policy 3,6Environmental securityBioethics, bio-economics

Bio-Education 4,5,10,16e-Learning, networkingBio-Syllabus for European EnvironmentalEducation

Bios Olympiads 6,7Cease fireParalympic games

Bio-Culture 8,9Mythos and the environment

Bio-Agriculture 10,11Common Agricultural Policy

Bio-Diplomacy 12,13,14,15European Union ideals

BIO Publications 4,5CD-Roms, books, web publishing

Bio NewsBio NewsNO. 38 - APRIL 2004 Bios may serve as a lever to lift the spirit of the world www.biopolitics.gr

Contents

Athlos means achievement.

All human achievements can be

honoured by the Olympic Spirit.

B.I.O. in Portugal

At the initiative of Professors DanielSerrao and Rui Nunes of the

Department of Bioethics, School ofMedicine, Oporto University, a Por-tuguese Division of the BiopoliticsI n t e r n a t i o n a lO r g a n i s a t i o n(B.I.O.) was recent-ly established. ItsBoard of Directorsis comprised of thefollowing distin-guished personal-ities, who havepledged their com-mitment to the pro-motion and implementation of theideals of biopolitics in Portugal:- Professor Rui Nunes, President- Dr. Maria Barroso Soares- Professor Daniel Serrao- Dr. Jose Belmiro- Professor Cristina Nunes- Professor Guilhermina Rego- Dr. Sandra Aparicio

The goal of the B.I.O. Division inPortugal, which has its headquarters

at the Department of Bioethics atOporto University, is to promote issuesof biopolitics and environmental ethicsin Portugal and to help in the fur-therance of bio-education and other

projects on a world-wide level.

At a time whensociety urgentlyneeds powerfulinstruments to devel-op and enforce pol-icy for quality of life,environmental har-mony, education,peace and security,

social enterprises, civic groups, uni-versities, academic leaders and otherpeople of influence can join forcesand contribute new perspectives forthe future. It is hoped that the B.I.O.branch in Portugal will be one of theinstitutions contributing these newperspectives and that it will serve as alighthouse of values, providing guide-lines and a vision for global environ-mental policy and action.

Biopolitics online

The future is now.Education and technology

guarantee the survivalof the jungle (see page 16)

SymposiumHellenic-Turkish Day

Hellenic-Turkish Coopera-tion in Biopolitics � On theRoad to European UnionIdeals (see pages 12-15)

MythosRivers & Mountains

of Greece

The new B.I.O. CD-Romlinks the environment andmythology (see pages 8-9)

AMAZONICAProtecting the forest

What's new in BioNews

The Royal Swedish Academyof Sciences andthe BioFocus Foundationhonour the B.I.O. Presidentwith their prestigious2004 Biopolicy Award

International Media Coverage

�EuroHorizon�Extensive coverage of B.I.O. inEuroHorizon magazine, includingan interview with the President

Policy Consultant, Dr. KeithSuter, comments on B.I.O.'s workon Australia�s Radio 2GB�s BrianWilshire Programme � page 7

What's new on the B.I.O. website

B.I.O. branch created in Poprtugal under the auspices of Oporto University

AfricaAlgeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso,

Chad, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia,

Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Libya,

Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania,

Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria,

Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan,

Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

The AmericasArgentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda,

Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia,

Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico,

Panama, Peru, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela

ÁsiaArmenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh,

Cambodia, China and Hong Kong, Georgia,

India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan,

Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nepal,

Pakistan, The Philippines, Saudi Arabia,

Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand,

United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan

EuropeAlbania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium,

Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Estonia, Finland, France, FYROM,

Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy,

Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,

Moldova, Monaco, The Netherlands,

Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,

Russia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine,

UK, Vatican, Yugoslavia

OceaniaAustralia, New Zealand, Papua New

Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands

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SSSS PPPP OOOO NNNN SSSS OOOO RRRR SSSS2222000000003333 ���� 2222 0000 0000 4444

Hellenic Ministry of Foreign AffairsHellenic Aid

National Bank of Greece

Kitty P. Kyriacopoulos

European CommissionLeonardo da Vinci Programme

ÏÔÅ / ÏÔÅnet

Hellenic Ministry of EnvironmentPhysical Planning and Public Works

Hellenic Ministry of Culture

DHL International

The Michael Marks Charitable Trust

Hotel Herodion

Irene Vassilopoulou

Action Link/Action Synergy S.A.

Ioannis Vassiliou

Maramenos & Pateras

Hellas-on-Line

Xerox Hellas S.A.

BIO GoalsINTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION FORBETTER UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATIONOF BIOS (LIFE) AND THE BIO-ENVIRONMENTThe environment recognises no ideological or geographical boundaries, no East-West, North-Southor developed-developing countries. Bios provides the unifying force for the harmonious co-existence of allforms of life, leading to a new era of bio-diplomacy.

BIO-CULTURE - BIO-ENVIRONMENTTwo essential dimensions for building new societal values for the millennium.

PROMOTION OF BIO-EDUCATIONThe International University for the Bio-Environment(I.U.B.E.) was launched to reform education world-wide by promoting biocentric curricula and satelliteeducation.

BIO-ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGYA diachronic search for new societal values will chan-nel technological progress in a direction that leads to abetter quality of life through environmetal appreciation.

INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION ON BIOS RIGHTSIt is important to protect all forms of life by enacting rulesthat prevent the deterioration of bios and ensure the fun-damental right to a clean environment and to a betterquality of life.

A WORLD REFERENDUM This would allow people throughout the world to expresstheir commitment to preserve bios on our planet.

RAISING AWARENESS OF THE RAMIFICATIONS OFTHE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCESMore people would realise that progress in the biolog-ical sciences relates to their own field of interest. Thisacknowledgement may lead to new fields of human en-deavour, such as bio-legislation, bio-medicine, bio-ethics, bio-arts, bio-linguistics, bio-economics, bio-ath-letics, bio-communication, bio-history, bio-educationand bio-diplomacy.

ENVIRONMENTAL OLYMPICS - BIOS PRIZESBios Prizes for every discipline with the participationof every member of society to reward excellence inenvironmental protection.

CEASE-FIRE DURING THE OLYMPIC GAMESSince the 1980�s, B.I.O. has promoted the introductionof a cease-fire during the Olympic Games, a proposalwhich has been adopted as a Resolution by the UNGeneral Assembly.

PROPOSED ACTION

a Bio-Syllabus and new curricula for every level ofeducation, as well as electronic and audio-visualmaterials on issues related to bios and the envi-ronment

a Green Salary in place of benefits for the unem-ployed, with the commitment to contribute to theprotection of the environment

Environmental Action Groups drawing both onthe enthusiasm of the young and the experienceof senior citizens to tackle local issues

a Bios-Supporting Economic Strategy to replacedestructive policies and promote a world-wideinterdisciplinary exchange of information on theappreciation of the environment

an electronic Bank of Ideas to create a rich repos-itory of information and reflections on bios.

This is a time of dynamic changes,where policy must be continu-

ously developed and adapted tonew issues and challenges. Presentchoices lead to dead-end roads, ashumanity seems to be addicted topatterns of hate and destruction.We are wasting our time and ener-gy in keeping people enslaved, inexploiting children, in devising waysof destruction and deceit. We can-not have a future, unless we avoid the mistakes of the past.We urgently need a renaissance of values, a new awaken-ing of the mind and spirit.

Technology provides uncountable new choices which,with the proper assessment, can help us to increase ourknowledge, to reach a common understanding and to estab-lish a platform for action. However, to be effective in respond-ing to the challenges of our times, we have to cease re-inventing the wheel.

The wisdom of every individual is a treasure we need toappreciate. An electronic �Bank of Ideas,� where any inter-ested party may contribute information or thoughts concerningthe environment, can promote an expedient transfer ofknow-how that will help to harness pollution and environ-mental deterioration and put an end to wasteful and dam-aging practices.

Information, ideas and cultural values are a crucial fac-tor in the development of society. Every culture, languageand tradition must be preserved. This is the wealth andbeauty of our planet, along with the awe-inspiring diversi-ty of bios. To exit the present crisis in values, we need to imple-ment policy with a vision. As proposed in 1992 by Biopol-itics, cease fire at the time of the Olympic Games can inspirehumanity to come together in a global appreciation of theenvironment and life on our planet. This B.I.O. proposalwas adopted as a United Nations resolution by 75 countriesin 1993.

No one can profit from destruction. Defence �for� lifeshould be our goal for the millennium. We need the will tochange. Without hurting any vested interests, we can con-vert existing war equipment to clean the oceans, to protectthe ozone layer from further deterioration, to save animalpopulations from extinction, to protect precious forest andwater resources from acid rain.

Global environmental governance based on a life sup-porting strategy for the planet can provide the necessaryframework to end wars and civil strife and to achieve a worldin which large scale poverty has been eliminated.

Bio Newsis published by the

Biopolitics International Organisation

Publisher and Editor � Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis

Deputy editor � Helen Papadimitriou

Production design � Thanasis Kontogiannis, Dimitris Moschos

Editorial consultants � Ernest Vovakis, Margarita Sotiriou,

Maria Freitas Tsouris, Ifigenia Vrettopoulou

ISSN 1106 - 5117

BIOPOLITICS INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION10 Tim. Vassou, Athens 11521, Greece

Tel: (30210) 6432419, Fax: (30210) 6434093E-MAIL: bios@otenet.gr l URL: www.biopolitics.gr

E d i t o r i a lE d i t o r i a l

Dr. Agni Vlavianos-ArvanitisB.I.O. President and Founder

page 2/Bio News BIO NEWS APRIL 2004

Annual World Bank Conference on Development Economics � ABCDE EuropePalais d' Egmont, BrusselsMay 10-11, 2004

The post-Cancun challenges andMonterrey commitments in a

regional and global perspective willbe discussed by leading economists,theorists and other experts at the Annu-al World Bank Conference on Devel-opment Economics, otherwise knownas ABCDE-Europe, to be held by theOffice of the Prime Minister of Belgiumand the Ministry of Development Coop-eration of Belgium, at the Palais d�Eg-mont in Brussels on May 10 and 11, 2004.The Conference is themed �BetweenMonterrey and Cancun: Getting Backon Track,� and will address key issues

such as: Global governance and devel-opment; the investment climate indeveloping countries; policy coher-ence and the development process ineast Asia; trade flows; human capitalflows; migration and its impact ondevelopment; for-eign direct andtechnolog ica ltransfer; millen-nium developmentgoals.

The ABCDEhas become a keyevent in Europe for the discussion ofdevelopment issues. It is a unique plat-form for many of the world's finestdevelopment thinkers and experienced

policymakers to present their per-spectives and to challenge researchersand senior staff of the World Bankand other multilateral organisationswith their views.

The ABCDE-Europe has beendesigned to expandthe flow of ideasbetween thinkers,practitioners andpolicy-makers with-in the field of inter-national develop-ment, and to pro-

vide a forum for discussion on keyinternational development issues. Bybringing together an array of aca-demics, politicians, institutes, think

tanks, students and journalists, theABCDE-Europe provides an excel-lent opportunity to foster an exchangeof knowledge on and understandingof development issues.

Speakers at this year�s ABCDEwill include: Romano Prodi, Presi-dent, European Commission; JamesD. Wolfensohn, President, World Bank;Guy Verhofstadt, Prime Minister, Bel-gium; Jean-Francois Rischard, Vice-President for Europe, World Bank;Marc Verwilghen, Minister of Devel-opment Cooperation, Belgium; Fran-cois J. Bourguignon, Chief Economistand Senior Vice-President, WorldBank; Pascal Lamy, Commissionerfor Trade, European Commission;

Andre Sapir, Economic Advisor, Groupof Policy Advisors, European Com-mission; Annika Soder, State Secretary,Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden;and other leaders.

ABCDE has become a key

event in Europe for the

discussion and understanding

of development issues.

Environment, Securityand Sustainable DevelopmentThe Hague Conference

Experts predicted that environ-mental change was to be the secu-

rity concern of the 21st century. Today,however, competing crises brought onby terrorism, infectious diseases andeconomic instability are at the top ofthe security agenda. Is the environ-ment still a security concern? Howdoes a focus on environmental secu-rity help us in coming up with practi-cal solutions formaking theworld a saferand more sus-tainable place?

How do thevarious inter-national envi-ronmental con-ventions relate to environmental secu-rity? Are new approaches to gover-nance needed? Or is it just a matterof better implementing the existingones? Can new and innovative finan-

cial mechanisms and pay-ment systems for environ-mental goods and servicespromote global environ-mental security? How caneducation, training and aware-ness building programmescontribute to meeting emerg-ing environmental securitychallenges?

These and other issueswill be the focus of a com-prehensive internationalConference on Environ-ment, Security and Sus-

tainable Development, to be attend-ed by senior decision makers and rep-resentatives from governments, NGOs,development institutions, the privatesector, and academia, at the PeacePalace in The Hague, from 9 to 12May 2004. The Conference is an ini-tiative of the Institute for EnvironmentalSecurity (IES). The Biopolitics Inter-national Organisation (B.I.O.) hasbeen invited to participate in the Organ-ising Committee, which is comprisedof the following prestigious institu-tions: Adelphi Research, Andlug Con-

sulting, Biopol-itics Interna-tional Organi-sation (B.I.O.)Brookings Insti-tution, CarnegieFoundation,Environment& Develop-

ment Resource Centre (EDRC), Envi-ronmental Change and Security Pro-ject of the Woodrow Wilson InstituteCenter for Scholars, EuroCampusInstitute, European Centre for Public

Affairs (ECPA), European Commis-sion - DG ENV, Green Globe Net-work, Global Environmental Gover-nance Project, Yale Center for Envi-ronmental Law and Policy, Institutefor Environmental Security, Interna-tional Institute for Sustainable Devel-opment (IISD), IUCN - World Con-servation Union, Ministere de l'E-cologie et du Developpement Durable,France, Ministry of Housing, SpatialPlanning and the Environment, TheNetherlands, Permanent Court of Arbi-tration (PCA), SarVision, TransGlobalVentures, Inc. (TGV), United NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP),University for Peace.

Pathways to Environmental Security

The ultimate objective of the con-ference is to promote more sus-

tainable relationships between peo-ple, their environment and the natu-ral resources they depend on for theirwell-being on the basis of precaution,equity, efficiency and choice. This willrequire building understanding of therelationship between the environmentand security, and how this relation-ship affects sustainable development.

The Conference also has as itsshort-term goal to:4 Define integrated science-based,

diplomatic, legal, financial and edu-cational approaches for increasingenvironmental security for all, as abasis for sustainable development;

4Demonstrate the need for and moti-vate policy changes among govern-ments, international organisations,environment and conservation organ-isations, the military and security

community, development organi-sations and donor agencies, and theprivate sector;

4Bring together key actors in this fieldand forge new partnerships amongthem; and,

4Define the framework for a multi-sector initiative by the internation-al community to identify and imple-ment cost-effective tools for enhanc-ing environmental security, therebyreducing the growing human andeconomic costs of humanitariancrises.

Themes and Speakers

Distinguished specialists will beasked to present their views and

exchange ideas on some of the most press-ing issues of our times:4The Environment and Security Chal-

lenge4Managing Resources and Sources

of Conflict4Designing International Law and

Global Governance4Investing in a Secure and Sustainable

Future4Environmental Opportunities for

Peace Building4Building Environmental Knowledge

Capital for the 21st Century4Science Based Approaches to Envi-

ronmental Security4Impact of Military Conflict on the

Environment4Pathways to Environmental Secu-

rity4The Way Forward: From Policy to

Practice 4Education - Preparing Civil Society

and Nurturing tomorrow�s LeadersSpeakers will include, among oth-

ers: Tom Spencer, Visiting Professorof Global Governance, University ofSurrey and Former Chairman of theForeign Affairs, Security and DefencePolicy Committee of the EuropeanParliament; Tjaco van den Hout, Sec-retary General, Permanent Court of Arbi-tration; Ronald A. Kingham, DeputyDirector, Institute for Environmen-tal Security; Steven Lovink, PresidentTransGlobal Ventures/Vice-chair IES;Professor John McNeill, Cinco Her-manos Chair of Environmental andInternational Affairs, Walsh Schoolof Foreign Service, Georgetown Uni-versity; Wouter Veening, Director,Institute for Environmental Security;Former Policy Director, NetherlandsCommittee for the IUCN; Klaus Topfer,Executive Director, United NationsEnvironment Programme; Frits Schlinge-mann, Director and Regional Repre-sentative, Regional Office of Europe,United Nations Environment Pro-gramme; Maria Ivanova, Director,Global Environmental GovernanceProject, Yale Center for Environ-mental Law and Policy; Mohamed El-Ashry, former CEO, Global Envi-ronment Facility; Margaret Brusas-co-Mackenzie, Member Green GlobeNetwork / former Advisor for Sus-tainable Development DG Environment,European Commission; AlexanderCarius, Co-founder and Director,Adelphi Research; Gottfried Leib-brandt, Chairman, EuroCampus Insti-tute and Former Director-General forHigher Education and Research, TheNetherlands; Nigel Purvis, BrookingsInstitution; and Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, President, Biopolitics Inter-national Organisation.

Ånvironmental Security in the 21st Century � Peace Palace, The Hague

How does a focus on

environmental security help us in

coming up with practical solutions

for making the world a safer

and more sustainable place?

APRIL 2004 BIO PROGRESS Bio News/page 3

Seventh German World BankForum, Munich

Responsible growth in southeastEurope will be the topic of the

Seventh German World Bank Forum,to convene on May 12, 2004, at theBayerischer Hof hotel in Munich. Theevent is placed under the auspices ofJames D. Wolfensohn, President ofthe World Bank; Dr. Otto Wiesheu,Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs,

Infrastructure, Transport and Tech-nology; and, Randolf Rodenstock,President of the Bavarian Business

Association. As a region of high poten-tial for economic growth and devel-opment in various sectors, southeastEurope offers many opportunities andchallenges. Government representa-tives, high-ranking experts, and otherleaders will exchange ideas and presenttheir views on these opportunities andchallenges at plenary sessions andworkshops with the following themes:Governance; connectivity; human andsocial development; and, private sec-tor development.

Among the distinguished officials

and experts asked to participate inthese discussions are: Thea Petrin,Minister for Economy, Slovenia; GoranPitic, Minister of International Eco-nomic Relations, Serbia; AnastasAngjeli, Minister of Economy, Alba-nia; Dragan Doko, Minister of For-eign Trade and Economic Relations,Bosnia and Herzegowina; Lydia Shoule-va, Minister of Economy, Bulgaria;Laszlo Magyari, Deputy Minister forEconomy and Transport, Hungary;Radmila Sekerinska, Deputy Prime Min-ister, FYROM; Heinrich von Pierer,President and CEO, Siemens AG;Mikolos Marschall, TransparencyInternational, Germany; Erhard Busek,Special Coordinator of the StabilityPact for South-East-Europe; MichaelRutkovski, Director Human Devel-opment, The World Bank, and oth-ers. The B.I.O. President was invitedby Jean Francois Rischard, WorldBank Vice President for Europe, toattend the Forum.

Bioethics and Human DignityDignity of human reproductivetechnologies � anthropologicaland ethical aspects

The Pontifical Academy for Life�sTenth General Assembly con-

vened at the Vatican�s New SynodHall on February 19-22, 2004, in orderto discuss issuespertaining to thedignity ofhuman procre-ation and repro-ductive tech-nologies, as wellas their anthro-pological, psychological, spiritual,moral and ethical extensions. These issueswere studied from an interdisciplinaryviewpoint, including scientific, anthro-pological, theological, ethical and legalaspects.

The B.I.O. President is a Corre-sponding Member of the Academy

and was invited to participate in theGeneral Assembly�s deliberations.

Respect for all forms of life onour planet is the core of the B.I.O.philosophy, which promotes bioethicsand the preservation of bios as ourprimary responsibility towards futuregenerations. Within this framework,reproductive technologies are seen as

a means torespect humandignity and topromote andprotect life.

This year'sGeneral Assem-bly at the Vati-

can coincided with the tenth anniver-sary of the foundation of the Acade-my. The Pontifical Academy for Lifewas created by Pope John Paul II in1994. Its purpose is to offer analysisand advice on how the Catholic Churchcan defend and promote the dignityof human life.

A region of high potential for

economic development,

southeast Europe offers

many opportunities

and challenges for growth.

Respect for all forms of life

is the core of the B.I.O.

philosophy, which promotes bios

as our primary responsibility.

Responsible Growth in South East Europe

Biocentric Education and Olym

Proceedings

DiplomacyBio-Syllabus forEuropean Environmental Education

Seminars � Events

e-Learning programmes in environmental educationCall for participation

Based on its pioneering �Bio-Syllabusfor European Environmental Educa-

tion,� B.I.O. is ready to launch of series ofe-learning courses, placing environmentaleducation at the fingertips of every con-cerned citizen. The courses will cover top-ics such as health, agriculture, waste man-

agement and bioethics � with several moreto follow � and will soon be availableonline. The purpose of these courses is toraise awareness of current trends and pro-vide information and know-how in certainkey areas of environmental concern, includ-ing agricultural practices, prevention ofhealth hazards, and options for safe wastemanagement. The hope is to also stimu-late interest in further research and study.

As promoted by B.I.O. since it s incep-tion in 1985, the role of bio-education is toplace environmental thinking at the core ofeducational curricula everywhere. Bio-edu-cation raises awareness of our responsibil-ity to appreciate life and to protect the envi-ronment as a duty to our future. A futurepresently at stake due to the absence ofuniversal values in policy and governance.

Time is of the essence, yet humanity ischoosing pathways of destruction insteadof embarking on a coordinated effort for peace.

The environment touches every aspect ofour lives, and concerns every professionand every initiative. Increasingly, with infor-mation and communication technologiesempowering individuals everywhere, ourfuture rests with environmentally commit-ted leadership. Through a truly integratedbio-education we can achieve a develop-mental framework that places people andthe planet before profits. Allowing for cul-tural differences to emerge as the beautyand wealth of our planet, can inspire soci-ety with new values and strengthen effortsfor international cooperation and peace.

If you or your university/organisa-tion/business/public sector depart-ment are interested in information onhow to enrol, please contact our officesat the following e-mail address:bios@otenet.gr

B.I.O. PUBLICATIONSPROCEEDINGS

4 BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - VOLUME I, A.Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Ed. First BIO International Conference, May1987 (English, 400 pp.) 1988

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - VOLUME II, A.Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Ed. Second BIO International Conference, Oct.1988 (English, 543pp.)1989

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - VOLUME III, A. Vla-vianos-Arvanitis, Ed. Fourth BIO International Conference, Jan. 1991(English, 683 pp.)1991

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - VOLUME IV, A. Vla-vianos-Arvanitis, R. Keles, Eds. Fifth BIO International Conference,Istanbul, May 1992 (English, 303 pp.) 1993

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - VOLUME V, A.Vla-vianos-Arvanitis, Ed. Sixth BIO International Conference - Interna-tional Sakharov Festival, Athens, July 1994 (English, 671 pp.) 1996

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - VOLUME VI, A. Vla-vianos-Arvanitis, J Morovic, Eds. Seventh BIO International Con-ference, Bratislava, June 1997 (English, 527 pp.) 1998

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - VOLUME VII, A.Vlavianos-Arvanitis, L. Kapolyi, Eds. Eighth BIO International Con-ference, Budapest, September 1998 (English, 271 pp.) 1999

4BIOPOLITICS - BIO-CULTURE - BIOS OLYMPIAD, A. Vla-vianos-Arvanitis, Ed. BIO International Conference, Ancient Olympia,August 1999 (Greek, 299 pp.) 2001

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - VOLUME VIII, A.Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Ed. BIO International Conferences, 2000-2001(English, 335 pp.) 2001

BUSINESS4BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT I

(Greek), A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. First Conference on Busi-ness Strategy for the Bio-Environment, Athens, Nov. 1992, 132 pp.,1994

4BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT II(Greek), A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. Second Conference on Busi-ness Strategy for the Bio-Environment, Athens, Dec. 1993, 180 pp.,1994

4BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT III(Greek), A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. International Conferenceon Profit and the Bio-Environment, Athens Chamber of Commerceand Industry, Oct. 1995, 271 pp., 1996

4BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT I(English), A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. Proceedings from the Sec-ond Symposium on Business Strategy for the Bio-Environment, Athens,Dec. 1993, 168 pp., 1995

4BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT II(English), A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. Proceedings from a CorporateSymposium, Harvard Club of New York City, Feb. 1995, 105 pp., 1996

4BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT III(English), A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. International Conferenceon Profit and the Bio-Environment, Athens Chamber of Commerce andIndustry, Oct. 1995, 239 pp., 1996

DIPLOMACY4BIOS IN THE NEXT MILLENNIUM, A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Edi-

tor. Proceedings from a Francophone Symposium, October 19874BIOS IN THE NEXT MILLENNIUM, Lecture by the Right Honourable

Lord Ennals sponsored by the British Council and BIO, May 1988 4BIOPOLITICS - PROTECTING THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT, Lec-

ture by His Excellency The Ambassador of Israel, Mr. Moshe Gilboa,at the Third BIO International Conference, June 1989

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT, Presentation at theGeneral Assembly of the Academy of Athens by Academician Pro-fessor C. Bonis (Greek), March 1990

4THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPER-ATION, A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. A Hellenic-Turkish Sym-posium, Athens City Hall, May 1990 (English, 79 pp.) 1990

4BIO-DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION,A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. Proceedings from a Hellenic-RussianSymposium, Athens, December 1991 (English 74 pp.) 1993

4POPULATION GROWTH, FOOD SECURITY AND EQUITY,A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. Proceedings from a Hellenic-IndianSymposium, Athens, April 1993 (English, 47 pp.) 1993

4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT - BIO-CULTUREIN THE NEXT MILLENNIUM, A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. Pro-ceedings from a Hellenic-Czech Cultural Symposium, Athens Cham-ber of Commerce and Industry, April 3, 1995 (English, 104 pp.) 1995

4BIOPOLITICS - BIO-CULTURE, A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, Editor. Hel-lenic-Ukrainian Symposium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Athens,October 20, 1998 (Greek, available electronically)

TEXTBOOKS4BIOPOLITICS - DIMENSIONS OF BIOLOGY A. Vlavianos-Arvani-

tis (Greek, English, French) 19854BIOPOLITICS - METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION A. Vla-

vianos-Arvanitis (Greek, English) 19854BIOPOLITICS - BIO-SYLLABUS OUTLINE A. Vlavianos-Arvani-

tis (Greek, English) 1989, 19904BIOPOLITICS - THE BIOS THEORY A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (Greek,

English) 1990, 19914THE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY FOR THE BIO-ENVI-

RONMENT A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (English 1991, Greek 1991-1992)4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT: BIO-SYLLABUS

A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis and A. Oleskin (English 1992, Russian 1993)4BIOPOLITICS - THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT- BIO-CULTURE

A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (Greek, 192 pp.) 19944BIOPOLITIQUE - LE BIOENVIRONNEMENT A. Vlavianos-

Arvanitis (French, 48 pp.) 19984BIOPOLITICA - EL BIO-AMBIENTE A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (Span-

ish, 48 pp.) 19984BIOPOLITICS - BIOS OLYMPIAD A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis (Greek,

111 pp.) 20004BIO-SYLLABUS FOR EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL EDU-

CATION (English, 880 pp.) 2003

PERIODICALS4BIONEWS Newspaper, English and Greek (1987, 1994�2003)

CD-ROMS4BIOPOLITICS�THE BIO-ENVIRONMENT (English) 19994BIO-SYLLABUS FOR EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL EDU-

CATION (English) 20024PATMOS�BIO-ENVIRONMENT�BIO-CULTURE (2002)

VIDEOS4ENVIRONMENTAL OLYMPICS � BIOS PRIZES, St. Petersburg,

Russia, September 1999 (English, Greek) 19994ENVIRONMENTAL OLYMPICS � BIOS PRIZE, The Kogi , Santa

Marta, Colombia, October 1999 (English, Greek) 19994ENVIRONMENTAL OLYMPICS �BIOS PRIZE, R. Lubbers,

UNHCR, March 2003 (English) 2003

page 4/Bio News BIO-EDUCATION APRIL 2004

For our Spanish speakingfriends in many parts of the

world, information on our goals, activities, publications andprojects is available online.

Programmes and proceedings fromrecent events, including the Sym-

posium on �Hellenic-Turkish Cooperation in Biopolitics:On the Road to European Union Ideals,� held in Athens onFebruary 9, 2004 (see pages 12-15).

See what peoplearound the world

have published or broadcast about our work.

Cast your vote in B.I.O.�s WorldReferendum and join in the

race to save the environment. Voice your willingness to savebios on our planet.

All issues of BioNews to dateare available online. Please help

us to save on mailing costs by asking for the online edition.We will also inform you regularly by e-mail on our new activ-ities and projects.

Comments and feedback on B.I.O.�sleading �Bio-Syllabus for European

Environmental Education� from scholars, civic leaders andother people of influence in 124 countries.

mpic Values � the Â.É.Ï. Vision for a Brighter Future

Periodicals

B.I.O. web-links

Culture and the environment � CD-Roms

Business Strategy

APRIL 2004 BIO-EDUCATION Bio News/page 5

An extensive e-Library on the envi-ronment is available on-line. Con-

tributions from high-level international experts on key envi-ronmental issues of global concern.

Bio-Syllabus

Publications

As proposed byB.I.O. in 1992 and

endorsed by leaders worldwide, cease fire and the Olympicspirit can inspire every citizen in the world to actively engagein the race to save the environment.

Cease fire and the Olympics

Bio-culture encourages thecooperation of technology

and the arts in environmental protection with a view to cre-ating a �biocentric� society. Every human endeavour cancontribute to the reversal of destructive trends and to thepromotion of bios.

Bio-Culture

The Royal Swedish Academyof Sciences and the BioFocus

Foundation honour the B.I.O. President with their prestigious2004 Biopolicy Award in recognition of her leading contri-bution to global environmental awareness and policy.

Royal Swedish Academy

BioNews

World Referendum

International Media Coverage

Recent Events

Information in Spanish

Olympics and the environment B.I.O.'s pioneering contribution to the �green-ing� of the Olympic Games is recognised byProfessor Donald Huisingh, Advisor to theOrganising Committees of the Lillehammer andSydney Olympics.

Environment & agricultureB.I.O.�s contribution to two European pro-grammes in environmental education. Train-ing modules and e-learning courses in envi-ronmentally sustainable agriculture and ruraldevelopment.

Bio-tourismBio-tourism, environmentally friendly tourismpromoting the appreciation of our natural andcultural heritage, is the subject of B.I.O.�s CD-Rom on the Greek island of Patmos. Viewentire CD-Rom on the web.

Bio-education at your fingertipsBio-Syllabus for European EnvironmentalEducation is available on CD-Rom. Links toB.I.O.�s pioneering electronic library, providea wealth of information and cross-referenceson a variety of environmental topics.

Youth Bios OlympiadsSt. Petersburg, RussiaThe IXth Annual Youth Bios Olympiad, a cel-ebration of science and the arts, will be held inSt. Petersburg, Russia, in September 2004. BiosSchools, with the participation of university stu-dents and school children, are also held annuallyin the St. Petersburg region.

International Court of the EnvironmentB.I.O. fully supports the efforts for the creationof an International Court of the Environmentto handle environmental disputes and promotea vision of environmental harmony and hope.

These efforts have been launched by leading justices, legislatorsand scholars from around the world.

B.I.O. CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS2004 Past Years

What's new on the web

The Bio-Syllabus in Australia � Keith Suter Comments

Environmentalissues have once

again been in thenews headlines thisweek. There are var-ious major environ-mental problems thathumankind has todeal with. One

response is to encourage greater atten-tion to this subject in educational insti-tutions.

I have just been reading one of theworld�s leading publications that willbe of great use to people wishing todevelop their own environmental edu-cation courses: �Bio-Syllabus for Euro-pean Environmental Education�.

The Biopolitics International Orga-nization (B.I.O.) is based in Greeceand headed by Dr Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, who edited this book. �Bios�,by the way, means �life�. The declineof the environment threatens the con-tinuity of bios � life � on this planet.Dr Vlavianos-Arvanitis decided in 1985

to do something about that threat. We now take awareness of envi-

ronmental issues for granted but twodecades ago that was not the case. Afterall, back in 1985, Australia�s Departmentof the Environment was then only 13years old � and it was already one ofthe world�s oldest. In 1985, there wasa lot of work to be done.

B.I.O. was formed to raise aware-ness of current envi-ronmental problemsand to acceleratethe implementationof new and moreeffective approach-es to safeguardingthe earth for thegenerations to come. It has a networkof contacts in 123 countries. This wasthe vision of Dr. Vlavianos-Arvanitis,who had spent the previous two decadesteaching and researching into biologyand who is now one of the world�s mostfamous champions of internationalenvironmental education.

This book is one of the heaviest Ihave ever picked up! It has almost 900pages, A4 size. Luckily the generoussponsorship of DHL International hasenabled her to get the book distribut-ed around the world.

Although the book�s title refers to�European� environmental education,in fact the material could be appliedjust as easily in Australian schools, uni-

versities and othereducational institu-tions. The coursematerial has uni-versal applicability.

The book exam-ines 10 subjects(architecture, diplo-

macy, economics, energy, ethics, health,history, law, assessment of technologyand tourism) from the point of view ofgiving attention to environmental con-siderations. In other words, instead ofjust creating yet another course � �theenvironment� � and adding it to theeducational system, Dr. Vlavianos-

Arvanitis and her team have taken theexisting subjects and given them anadditional dimension. This is a veryinnovative approach. It builds on whatis already being taught. It should there-fore make it easier to introduce thismaterial into educational institutions.

For each of the 10 subjects, thishuge book gives information on: a the-oretical background; key environmentalquestions; information on current con-cepts, facts and trends, policy and action;models for study and implementation;directions for further research; a com-prehensive bibliography; and a list ofcross references from B.I.O.�s exten-sive reference library (which is alsoaccessible through the Internet).

Australian teachers in a variety ofeducational institutions could use thisbook immediately to design educa-tional courses. The work has all beendone for them. Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis has been nominated for theNobel Peace Prize � she certainlydeserves it.

Bio-education online

OTEnet, a leader in telecommuni-cations and the biggest internet ser-

vice provider in Greece, is lending itssupport to Biopolitics for the devel-opment and dissemination of a seriesof e-learning courses that will soon be

launched worldwide. The goal is tomake bio-education available to everycitizen on the planet and to place avariety of educational materials andinformation on bios at the fingertips ofstudents, scholars and educators in 124countries.

Education is evolving. More thanever, educators and trainers are seek-ing innovative ways to achieve quali-ty teaching and motivate students. Inthe digital age, the tools provided bytechnology can promote higher orderthinking and make knowledge acces-

sible to virtually every citizen on theplanet. B.I.O. is working harder thanever to make a wealth of education-al material and resources availableonline and to prepare a broad rangeof e-learning courses promoting pio-neering dimensions in bio-education.

Culture and the environmentB.I.O.�s weekly TV programme

In cooperation with a prominent tele-vision station in Athens, B.I.O. has

launched a weekly hour-long televi-sion programme, hosted by the B.I.O.President. The programme is themed�Biopolitics � Culture and the Envi-ronment� and features a differentguest speaker every week.

The programme aims to stimulatethinking in environmental issues andto raise awareness of the intricate link

between culture and the environment.In an informal discussion setting, theB.I.O. President and her guests exchangeviews and ideas on a variety of topicsincluding business, science, health,nutrition, international cooperation,history, mythology and the arts.

Some of the distinguished speak-ers that have participated in the pro-gramme include:

Panayotis Koutsikos, GeneralSecretary of the Athens Chamber ofCommerce and Industry; DimitrisEfraimoglou, Chair of the Founda-tion of the Hellenic World; PanayotisKarafotias, Professor of Internation-al Relations at the University of Indi-anapolis Athens Campus; ProfessorMarios Nikolinakos, Chair of theOlympia Forum; Dr. ConstantineKourogenis, Head of the Policy Plan-ning Directorate at the General Sec-retariat for Research and Technology;Professor Theoharis Provatakis, Direc-tor, Ministry of Culture; and Dr. Chris-tos Efthymiopoulos, Center of Astron-omy and Applied Mathematics, Acade-my of Athens.

Biopolitics on the air and online

Stability and cooperation in the Euro Atlantic area

Greek Association for Atlantic& European Cooperation13th Annual Symposium

The Greek Association for Atlanticand European Cooperation held

its 13th Annual Symposium in Athens,on 12-13 December 2003. The Sym-posium was chaired by TheodossisGeorgiou, Chairman of the GreekAssociation for Atlantic and EuropeanCooperation (GAAEC) and by Dr.Aliki Mitsakos-Georgiou, Chairmanof the Education Committee of the

GAAEC, and covered a wide range ofchallenging themes and topics.

The B.I.O. President was invited tospeak at the session on �Security Per-ceptions Through Gender,� and focusedon the importance of environmentalcooperation for the attainment of glob-al security and peace.

Her contribution received enthu-siastic comments from many partici-

pants, and Professor Panayotis Karafo-tias, f. Director of the United NationsOffice for Greece and Israel, recom-mended that it be sent as a resolutionto all NATO and UN headquartersworldwide.

Themes and speakersAsymmetrical threats, solutions to

combating terrorism, the role of NATOand the EU, the Euro-Atlantic inte-gration of Southeastern Europe, secu-rity and civil society in the 21st centu-ry, the role of the economy in securi-ty and stability, as well as other issueson solidarity and defence, were dis-cussed by many distinguished diplo-mats, scholars, civic leaders and mem-bers of parliament, including: StefanSofianski, Mayor of Sofia, FormerPrime Minister of the Republic of Bul-garia; Pavli Zeri, Vice Minister ofDefence of Albania; Gian PaoloCavarai, Ambassador of Italy in Greece;Bruno Delaye, Ambassador of Francein Greece; Loic Bouvard, MP and f.President of the NATO ParliamentaryAssembly, France; Ram Aviram, Ambas-sador of Israel in Greece; Atef Halasa,Ambassador of Jordan in Greece;Bernardino Gomes, President, AtlanticCommittee of Portugal; Troels Frol-ing, Secretary General, Atlantic TreatyAssociation, Denmark; Dusan Batakovic,Ambassador of Serbia and Montene-gro in Greece; Arian Starova, MP,

President, Albanian Atlantic Association;Radu Podgoreanu, MP, Chairman ofForeign AffairsCommittee, Par-liament of Roma-nia; Wilhelm VanEekelen, Senator,The Netherlands.

The B.I.O. vision for stability andpeace

The environment and diversity innature and culture are the true wealthof humanity. To protect this wealth weneed to influence decision-makers toavoid mistakes of the past and to builda new society of hope, one based onprinciples of defence for life. Everytrace of civilisation, language and reli-gion must be preserved. Respect forour cultural heritage is not a threat; itis the beauty of our world. Can weimagine the earth with only one typeof tree growing on it? Diversity in theforms of life and in human culturemakes us all richer.

NATO could emerge as the agentneeded to meet the pressing challenges

of our world. Thereis an ongoing wararound us. Polaricecaps are melt-ing, fish popula-tions are declin-ing, the ozone layeris being depleted,

natural resources are being polluted,and more than half of the world's pop-ulation lacks safe drinking water andfood. Who will stand to profit fromthis destruction?

The greatest challenge for the 21stcentury is to eradicate poverty andengage in a collective endeavour indefence of the environment and civilsociety. Harmony and coexistence canreplace destruction if we have the willto use technology to protect bios.NATO can be a leader and beacon ofhope in this effort, by providing thepower and vision necessary to urgehumanity to join together in a battle fora brighter future.

Winning the fight against

poverty and desolation requires

a renaissance of values. This is

our goal for the millennium.

The war is ongoing.

Polar icecaps are melting, fish

populations are declining, the

ozone layer is being depleted.

Olympic values

Dr. Keith Suter � Consultant for Social Policy Comments Broadcast on 23 January 2004 on Australia�s Radio 2GB's Brian Wilshire Programme

Olympia Forum

The Olympia Forum aims to createa permanent international organ-

isation promoting dialogue and dis-cussion, in the spirit of the Olympicprinciples with headquarters in Olympia,Greece. This ini-tiative is headed byMarios Nikolinakos,Professor of Eco-nomics, and is sup-ported and pro-moted by an impor-tant number ofnotable Greek andinternational personalities.

The B.I.O. President, as a Memberof the Board, supports this initiativeand participates in several of its activ-ities. She was recently invited to takepart in the opening of a major confer-ence on �Olympic Values,� sponsoredby the Foundation of the HellenicWorld, as well as in a seminar at the Cham-ber of Commerce of Patras. Both eventsaimed at strengthening the role of theOlympics as a vehicle for peace.

Youth Bios Olympiads

Thanks to the support and unfailingcommitment of Professor Alexan-

der Shishkin, the IXth Youth BiosOlympiad is scheduled to be held in St.Petersburg, in September 2004.

The Youth BiosOlympiads are amanifestation ofcreativity and vision� a celebration ofscience, culture andthe environment.Through educa-tional projects, song,

dance, music and athletic competi-tions, the Youth Bios Olympiads imparta message of environmental appreci-ation as a vision of hope for the future.

Bios Schools, a project comple-mentary to the Youth Bios Olympiads,are also organised every spring and fallin the St. Petersburg region. The pur-pose of this initiative is to encourageschool children and students to devel-op a greater awareness of nature andthe environment.

B.I.O. - OTEnet cooperation

to make e-learning courses

available online.

page 6/Bio News BIO PROGRESS APRIL 2004

B.I.O. is one of the world�s

most famous champions

of international

environmental education.

Wheel of the environment

Out of radiant light and energy

arise new forms

orderly connections

and communications blossom

Out of molecular attractions

in a primordial soup

sprout origins of life

Despite recapitulation

new dimensions lead to variety

the wheel of the environment

leads to evolution

Is this a game of choices

of unlimited combinations

or an ordered pathway

in the crossroads of infinity?

A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, 1983

Bios Olympiads � Every individual wins in the race to save the environmentContinued from page 1

In 2003, UN High Commissioner forRefugees and f. Premier of The Nether-lands, Ruud Lubbers, was awarded theBios Prize for his contribution as anenlightened statesman and steward ofthe environment.

Humanity can seek inspirationfrom the cultures of the past in orderto build a millennium of hope. Toimpart this message globally, B.I.O.awarded a Bios Prize to the Kogi ofColombia in 1999. The Kogi are anindigenous people of the Sierra Neva-da. They have retained their ancientculture and are closely connected tonature. The preservation of the time-spanning values of our world can helpus to embrace a new perspective inattaining the future.

Progress and values

Greed and short-term planning areendangering our planet�s health

and survival. Have we the wisdom tocontrol progress or is it leading us todestruction? Phaethon, son of the sungod Helios, failed to control his father'scelestial chariot because he lacked thewisdom to assume such a responsibil-ity. Technology is a revelation of the truth,but also a tremendous responsibility.It can lead to light, it can also lead todestruction.

We have to use the knowledgegained from science and technologyto improve quality of life and create abetter world for the generations to

come. We can be inspired by the beau-ty and wealth of cultural and historicaldiversity and build a society of hope,one that fully respects the environmentand bios. Waves of energy and light, wavesof communication, can bring us togeth-er as a global community to decide ona joint pathway forthe future. Newethics have to gov-ern our action andthought, in orderto make full use ofthe benefits ofprogress and elim-inate destructivetrends.

We wish that humanity will chosepathways of hope and show respectfor the rights of future generations.Better public health, the alleviation ofpoverty and the conservation of bio-diversity constitute a �genuine profit�for society.

Drawing inspiration from mythosand culture

Science and technology alone cannotcope with growing environmental

challenges. To be effective in revers-ing destructive trends, we need to drawinspiration from the deeply rooted pastand seek wisdom in the time-spanningideals that have defined human cul-ture and tradition. �Mythos� and theancient traditions of the world could helpus to restore the vital equilibriumbetween nature and society that weseem to have lost.

In all human cultures, the originsof myth pre-date written records. Theyrelate to all aspects of human life andexperience, blending the divine withthe mortal, man with nature, heaven withearth. Ìyths convey beliefs, supersti-tion, ritual, social ideas, philosophy

and ethical values.They speak of theorigin of the uni-verse and of man,of the deluge, ofepic battles amongthe gods, and of menwho knowingly andunknowingly inter-act with the gods.

The wonders of nature come alive, andour interdependence with all livingbeings acquires more tangible dimen-sions.

We cannot envisage a future ofhope without access to culture, activeand full participation, meaningful cit-izenship. Meeting these challengesrequires new ways of stimulating cre-ativity in politics and policy-making,in technology, industry and commerce,in education and the arts, and in socialand community development. Cul-ture, tradition and mythos can inspirethis creativity and help us to achieve abrighter future.

Environmental governance

Global environmental governancewith a vision can play an impor-

tant role in preventing conflict, restor-ing peace, and creating a society that

can resist destructivetendencies. Policieswith no considerationfor human rights, socialwelfare, economicequity or environ-mental damage can-not be accepted.Bioethics � the ethicsof bios � must exitthe confines of med-ical science and applyto every humanendeavour. TheOlympic spirit and thediachronic ideals it represents canbecome the cornerstones of a societythat respects all its citizens, be theyyoung, old, weak or handicapped. Thissociety, if realised in the future, couldallow for the continuation of bios.

Building a society of peace

Hope and new perspectives for peacecan arise from the Olympic spir-

it, and the globalcommunity can learnto appreciate thevalue of a harmo-nious co-existenceas a vehicle for a bet-ter quality of life. Inthe spirit of bio-cul-ture, B.I.O. has been promoting therevival of the ancient ideal of cease-fire during the Olympics, a proposaladopted as a UN resolution in 1993and endorsed by leaders . The hope isthat the environment will act as a uni-

fying force for peace, leading to a newsocial structure, where respect for bios� life � will be at the core of every actionand thought.

But time is running out, and imme-diate action is of the essence. A soci-ety based on environmental ethics andideals can be a lighthouse of values, sodesperately needed by humanity. Newethics, �green� diplomacy, culture,education and an international effort

in defence of theenvironment, canpromote techno-logical and societaldevelopment witha view to a globalappreciation andprotection of theenvironment.

Bios is a gift shared by all livingbeings. It is a message of joy and hope,a source of inspiration and encour-agement. The joy of possessing biosshould infuse every aspect of our livesand lead to creativity and vision.

Vision and values for an equitable society

From 18 to 23 September 2004, ath-letes from all nations will come

together in Greece, to compete in atop-level sporting event - the 2004 Par-alympic Games. By focusing on the

athlete and not on the disability, the AthensParalympic Games will provide thespectators, viewers and volunteers witha unique experience. The Paralympicathletes� strength and skill to competeat the highest level will inspire theworld to celebrate this great sportscompetition, leaving a legacy for the gen-erations to come.

The Paralympic Games have evolvedinto a major sports event, second onlyto the Olympic Games. They origi-nated at Stoke Mandeville hospital in

Aylesbury, England, where games forpeople with spinal injuries were first heldin 1948. The games were organised tocoincide with the London OlympicGames by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, whorealised that sporting competition pro-vided real physical and mental bene-fits to his injured patients. Four yearslater, competitors from the Nether-lands joined the games, and an inter-national movement, now known as theParalympic movement, was born. Dr.

Guttman died in 1980, but his messageof the healing power of sporting activ-ities left a legacy that has grown intoan inspiring symbol of human achieve-ment and athleticism.

Olympic-style games for athletes withdisabilities were first organised in Romein 1960, immediately following thesummer Olympics. These games wereconsidered the first official ParalympicGames. About 400 athletes from 23countries competed in eight sportingevents, six of which (archery, swim-ming, fencing, basketball, table tennis

and athletics) are still part of the Par-alympic Competition Programme. Sincethen, the Olympics and the Paralympicshave almost alwaysmoved across theglobe together;being held in thesame city, or in thesame country, everyfour years.

The funda-mental philosophyguiding the Para-lympic movement is that elite level ath-letes with physical disabilities shouldhave opportunities and experiencesequivalent to those afforded elite ath-letes without disabilities. The Para-lympics are recognised by the Inter-national Olympic Committee (IOC)and are governed by the Internation-al Paralympic Committee (IPC).

A new page in Paralympic historywas written when, in 1988, the Para-lympic Games were held immediate-ly following the Olympic Games inSeoul, Korea, using the same facilitiesas the Olympic Games. History wasrepeated in 1992 when Barcelona wel-comed the athletes of the IXth Para-lympiad to twelve days ofglory and spectacle thatattracted over 1.5 millionspectators and receivedunprecedented interna-tional media coverage.The 2000 Sydney Para-lympic Games featured4000 athletes, from sixdisability categories, tak-ing part in 18 differentsports. Wheelchair rugbyand sailing were the twonew medal sports for theseGames. The other disci-plines included archery, swimming andequestrian events.

There have been eleven Summerand eight Winter Paralympic Games since

their official birth in 1960. The Para-lympics have grown immensely in sizesince their start in Rome. The num-

ber of athletes, thenumber of coun-tries and the num-ber and scope ofevents programmedhave all increaseddramatically sincethe first ParalympicGames. Also, newtechnologies have

facilitated the participation of athleteswith varying degrees of disability.Amputees use sophisticated prosthet-ics made out of advanced materialssuch as titanium and carbon fibre tohurl themselves down the track oracross the courts. Wheelchairs are nowhighly engineered and tailored for par-ticular sports.

Accessibility and social justice

Environmental values and ethicsmust be directed towards the

enhancement of quality of life as definedby all the stakeholders in society. Asociety that is open and accessible to

all should be our goal forthe millennium. Barriersto the disabled need tobe identified and removed.Poverty and social exclu-sion can be tolerated nolonger. Changing atti-tudes towards people withdisabilities in the area ofemployment is a key issue,along with accessibilityand social justice. Theenvironment belongs toall. It is a precious gift, afundamental human right.

Accessibility to all elements of societyand the environment is a critical respon-sibility we have towards the presentand the future. Barriers to access are

not only related to physical obstacles.The concept of access is much morepervasive, encompassing informationservices, economic activity, job avail-ability, education, culture, religion,and language, as well as the physical envi-ronment. In addressing the need for

universal access, we must take intoaccount conceptual, political and prac-tical perspectives, and encourage theinvolvement of every citizen in thedevelopment of a truly civil society.

Paralympic Games � The second largest sporting event in the world

The Paralympic Games have

evolved into a major sports

event, second only to the

Olympic Games.

1960196419681972197619801984

1988199219962000

Rome, Italy Tokyo, JapanTel Aviv, IsraelHeidelberg, Germany Toronto, CanadaArnhem, The NetherlandsStoke Mandeville, UKNew York, USA Seoul, Korea Barcelona, SpainAtlanta, USA Sydney, Australia

400 athletes from 23 countries390 athletes from 22 countries750 athletes from 29 countries

11000 athletes from 44 countries1600 athletes from 42 countries2500 athletes from 42 countries4080 athletes from 42 countries

3053 athletes from 61 countries3020 athletes from 82 countries3195 athletes from 103 countries3843 athletes from 123 countries

Year City Participants

On the day of the Opening

Ceremony of the 1948

London Olympics, the

International Wheelchair

Games were first held.

The 2004 Paralympic Games

will constitute a

top-calibre athletic event

integrated with a unique

historical, cultural

and natural environment.

APRIL 2004 BIOS OLYMPIADS Bio News/page 7

Cease-fire and the Olympic

spirit can inspire creativity

and vision and help us

to build a society of peace.

We cannot envisage

a future of hope

without access to the

environment, culture, and

meaningful citizenship.

The rich mythology of the ancientGreek world comes alive in the

rivers and mountains of modern Greece.The myths related to these rivers andmountains explain the origin of lifeand illustrate the intricate linkagesbetween gods, men, and nature; oth-ers express cultural and moral values,and others create a rich and mysticalportrait of the universe, blending the divinewith the mortal, man with nature,heaven with earth.

All of these myths are available ona new CD-Rom, soon to be issued byB.I.O. A brief preview is presentedbelow, continuing the series begun inthe October 2002 issue of BioNews.

PENEIUS The legend of the Peneius River

in Thessaly, a region of central Greece,speaks of a river god, the son of Oceanusand Tethys, who married the nymphCreusa, or �sovereign being,� and gavebirth to Ipsea, Andreus, king of theLapiths, and Stilve. Stilve became themother of the Lapiths and the Cen-taurs, creatures who were half man andhalf horse. One of the most famousCentaurs was Cheiron, a great teach-er and doctor, who raised Jason, lead-er of the Argonauts.

JasonWhen he first descended from

Mount Pelion on his way to Iolcus,Jason encountered the goddess, Hera,who had fallen in love with him. Sheassumed the appearance of an oldwoman and, standing on the bank ofthe Peneius River, asked him to carryher across. In doing so, Jason lost oneof his sandals.

The waters of the Peneius River passthrough theTempe gorge betweenMount Olympus and MountOssa, enroute to thesea. Áncient histo-rians and geogra-phers believedthat the gorgeof Tempe wasthe product ofan earthquakeand claimedthat Poseidonhad split themountains,while othersattributed thiswork to Heracles.

ApolloIn any event, the

pass of Tempe was associat-ed with the worship of Apollo, who wasbelieved to have gone there to receivepurification after the slaughter of the

serpent Python and afterward to havereturned to Delphi, bearing in his handa branch of laurel from the valley. Tocommemorate this event, the Delphi-ans sent a procession of well-born youthsto Tempe every ninth year. Their lead-er plucked a branch of laurel and broughtit back to Delphi. On this occasion, asolemn festival was celebrated at Tempein honour of Apollo Tempeites. Inhab-itants of neighboring areas also tookpart.

Leto and ZeusThe Peneius River is also linked to

the story of Leto, the mother of Apol-lo and Artemis, the virgin goddess of thehunt. Pregnant by Zeus and persecut-

ed by his jealous wife,Hera, Leto searched fora place to give birth. Set-ting out from Arcadia,she travelled to Thebes,Achaia and, finally, Thes-saly. However, at eachstop, the evil Hera causedthe cities to disappearbefore her eyes just asLeto reached them. InThessaly, the river Anau-rus, the city of Larissa

and Mount Pelion all disappeared.When she reached the river Peneiusand saw it disappearing as well, shebegged the river god Peneius to take pityon her. Peneius was moved to tears byher plea and agreed to accept her inhis waters regardless of the conse-quences. But Ares, the god of war,became very angry at this prospect, andcaused an earthquake in the area toeliminate the river. Upon seeing this,Leto refused Peneius' hospitality andcontinued her search for refuge.

STRYMON The Strymon River originates in

present-day Bulgaria, flows across theHaemus Peninsula, and empties intothe Aegean Sea. In mythology, Stry-mon was a river god and the king ofThrace.

HeraclesHeracles' tenth labour

was to steal the oxen ofCeryones, which were

located on the mythicalisland of Erytheia and were

guarded by Orthus, a two-headed hound. Hercales pro-

ceeded to kill Orthus, Ceryonesand the herdsman, and then drove

the cattle back to Mycenae, encoun-tering many adventures. When he final-ly reached Thrace in northern Greece,the goddess Hera caused the oxen to

become mad. In their pursuit, Hera-cles came to the Strymon River wherehe made a road across it by means ofhuge blocks of stone, allowing the oxento cross. It is believed that Heraclesrendered the upper course of the rivershallow and unnavigable by castingstones into it.

DionysusThe Strymon River is

also connected withDionysus, the godof wine, who in hiscrazed wander-ings, travelledfrom Greeceto Egypt,Syria, Phry-gia and Lydia,near MountT m o l o n .From there hecrossed to Edo-nis, a land onthe bank of theStrymon River, inwhich Lycurgus wasking. Lycurgus tookoffense at Dionysus, andinsulted and expelled him, taking theBacchic women and satyrs who wor-shipped Dionysus as prisoners. Thegod took refuge in the sea, returning laterand causing Lycurgus to go mad. Theinsane king killed his own son with anaxe, thinking that he was cutting downa vine. As a result of this brutal murder,a famine fell upon Edonis. Speakingthrough an oracle, Dionysus proclaimedthat the scarcity would be lifted only ifLycurgus was put to death. The Edo-nians obeyed by taking him to MountPangaeum and tying him to his hors-es which tore him apart. In compensa-tion for their prior early rejection ofDionysus, the Edonians became famousfor their orgiastic worship of the god.

EUROTAS The Eurotas River crosses Laconia,

in the south of the Peloponnese penin-sula, flows through a gorge betweenMounts Taygetus and Parnon and reach-es its mouth in the Laconian Gulf. Inancient Sparta, the river was used forbathing, and gymnastics were performedon its banks.

The Mythical King EurotasÁccording to the famous ancient

Greek geographer Pau-sanias, Eurotas was theson of Miletus, king ofLaconia and grandsonof the native King Lelex.His reign was consid-ered important becausehe dried up the Laconi-an Plain by draining theswampy waters to thesea. He named the result-ing river after himself.Eurotas married thenymph Eurydice and had

only one daughter, Sparte, whom hemarried to Lacedaemon, the son ofZeus and the nymph Taygete. As hehad no sons, Eurotas left his kingdomto his grandson Amyclas.

The Birth of HelenAccording to Homer, the beautiful

Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeusand Leda, the wife of a Lacedaemoni-an named Tyndareus. In order to seducethe fair Leda, Zeus turned himself intoa swan and pretended to be persecut-ed by Hermes, who had metamorphosedinto an eagle. Supposedly fright-strick-en, the swan looked for shelter in the

arms of the unsuspecting Leda. Onething led to another and Zeus mated withher on the banks of the river Eurotas.From this mating, Leda gave birth to anegg, from which Helen came into theworld.

ACHELOUS The Achelous River in Acarnania,

a region in western Greece, is alsoknown as �the white river,� due to

the white sediment it collects fromthe many gorges it passes through.

Achelous was the most pow-erful of the river gods. He wassaid to be the son of Oceanusand Tethys, a primevalcreative force accordingto Homer�s Iliad. Tethyswas the daughter of

Uranus (sky) and Gaea (earth); shewas a female titan, the sister and wifeof Oceanus and mother of 3,000 Oceanidesand an equal number of rivers. Ache-lous became the husband of the museMelpomene and the father of Callirhoe.

Achelous and HeraclesLegend tells how Achelous fought

with Heracles overDeianera, the princessof the Aetolian Calydon.During the fight, Ach-elous metamorphosedhimself first into a snake,then into a bull and,finally, into a humanbearing bull�s horns.But Heracles broke offone of his horns anddefeated him.Heracles latertook pity onAchelousand gavehim backthe hornso that hecould com-pete again. Ingratitude, Ache-lous offered Heraclesthe Horn of Plenty, which gaveas much food or drink as one couldwish for. According to another versionof the tale, when he lost his horn, Ach-elous became so ashamed that he fellinto the river, which would take hisname, and drowned.

Hermes and AphroditeHermes, messenger of the gods,

is also associated with this site. Her-mes loved Aphrodite, but, initially, shewould have nothing to do with him.Zeus took pity on his son, Hermes, andsent his eagle to steal one of Aphrodite'sgolden sandals, as she bathed in theAchelous River. Hermes took the san-dal and offered to give it back in returnfor her favours. Aphrodite was swayedby this kindness and eventually bore him

two sons, named Hermaphroditus andPriapus.

TAYGEÔUS Mount Ôaygetus is the highest

mountain in the Peloponnese. It risesto its greatest height immediately aboveSparta. The slopes of Taygetus are cov-ered in pine, which also abounded inancient times.

Mount Ôaygetus was named afterTaygete, the daughter of Atlas andPleione. By Zeus, she became the moth-er of Lacedaemon and of Eurotas.According to some traditions, Taygetedid not want to yield to Zeus, and inorder to protect her from him, Artemisturned her into a cow. Taygete showedher gratitude towards Artemis by ded-icating to her the Ceryneian Hind, adeer with golden antlers, whose cap-ture later became one of the laboursof Heracles.

Dionysus and CaryaCarya was a daughter of Dion, king

of Laconia in the vicinity of MountTaygetus. Apollo endowed her and hersisters with the gift of prophecy inreturn for Dion's hospitality. Howev-er, this gift was given on condition thatthey did not betray the gods or seekforbidden things.

Dionysus, the god of wine, fell in lovewith Carya, but her sisters prevented himfrom seeing her. Since this violated a con-dition of Apollo's gift, the sisters werepunished with insanity and climbed tothe top of Mount Taygetus, where theywere metamorphosed into rocks. Caryawas changed into a nut tree, and theLacedaemonians, on being informedof this by Artemis, dedicated a templeto Artemis Caryatis.

PINDUS The Pindus is the chief mountain

range of Greece, extending southerly160km through northwestern Greece,

in the regionof Epirus,b e t w e e nthe Ambra-

cian Gulfand Illyria,

known today asAlbania.

Aegimius Versus the LapithsAegimius, king of the Dorians, was

a just and wise king whose people livedpeacefully. The Dorians' neighbours, how-ever, were the Lapiths, a savage andwarlike clan, who dwelled about MountOlympus. Their king was Coronos, sonof Caeneus.

Due to a border dispute, the Lap-iths declared war against the Doriansand invaded their land. Aegimius pre-pared to confront them, but, as the Lap-iths outnumbered the Dorians and dan-ger was imminent, he realised that hehad to ask for help. He thus turned toHeracles, offering him, in return, onethird of his kingdom. Heracles arrivedwith a contingent of Arcadians and, inthe ensuing battle, he defeated the Lap-iths, killed Coronos, as well as their ally

Mythos � Rivers & page 8/Bio News BIO-CULTURE APRIL 2004

King Laogoras of the Dryopians, forc-ing the Lapiths to return to their home-land.

Nymphs of the PindusThe gorges of the Pindus range was

the area where the river god Peneius mar-ried the nymph Creousa and gave birthto Ipsea, Andreus, and Stilve, who

became moth-er of the Lap-iths and theCentaurs.

The Pinduswas also home tothe Nymph Cyrene,who lived in the forests to pro-tect her father's herds. One day, Apol-lo saw her fighting and defeating a lion,and he instantly fell in love with her.He abducted her on his golden chari-ot and guided her to Libya, flying overmany lands and seas. From his affairwith Cyrene, Apollo had a son, Aristaeus,and the land of Libya became knownas Cyrene.

AthamasThe Pindus is also where King

Athamas of Boeotia, a region in cen-tral Greece, settled after being exiledfrom his homeland where he fell victimto a plot and killed his son Learchus. Tofind out where he would settle, Athamasconsulted the Delphic Oracle, receiv-ing the answer to dwell in whateverplace he was entertained by wild beasts.After much wandering, he reached theslopes of the Pindus and saw a pack ofwolves devouring a herd of sheep. Assoon as they sensed his presence, the wolvesabandoned their kill and fled. Athamasinterpreted this as the oracle's fulfil-ment and settled inthe area. From then on,the land was calledAthamantia.

PELION Mount Pelion is

a tall mountain on theeastern mainland. Itshighest summit standsabove the ancient cityof Iolcus, from where

the Argonauts set sail for Colchis ontheir perilous mission in search of theGolden Fleece.

Origin of the CentaursMount Pelion is mostly known as

home of the Centaurs. According toearly accounts, the Centaurs were arace of crude and savage men, whoranged over the mountains and forestsof central Greece like wild beasts. Laterwriters describe them as mythical crea-tures, the upper half human, and thelower half, horse. They were born fromthe concert of Ixion and Nephele, acloud, which Zeus had made in theshape of Hera. From this affair Centaurwas born, and, from his union with thewild mares that dwelt on Mount Pelion,the Hippocentaurs, or Centaurs, orig-inated. Certain scholars maintain that

the half-man, half-horsenature of the Cen-

taurs was due tothe fact that

the Thes-s a l i a n smay havebeen thefirst to

m o u n thorses. The

Greeks, evenin Homeric times,

yoked their horses tochariots but never rode them.

The Centaurs and the LapithsOften lecherous and inebriate, the

Centaurs would abduct women andpersecute men. They appeared at thewedding of Peirithus, king of the Lap-iths, and Hippodameia. Peirithus hadinvited the king of the Centaurs, Eury-tion, to the wedding feast. Under theinfluence of drink, Eurytion attempt-ed to abduct the beautiful bride. Inpunishment, Peirithus slit his nose andears and chased him away. Eurytionhastened to his companions, who, inunited strength, attacked the Lapiths.A frightful battle ensued in which theLapiths and their guests, under theleadership of Theseus, king of Athens,succeeded in defeating the Centaursand driving them back towards thefoothills of Mount Pelion.

There also existed among the Cen-taurs both wise and good individuals.Pholus and Cheiron were distinguishedas tutors and healers.

The CentaurCheiron

Cheiron hadthe reputationof being the wis-est and most justof all the Cen-taurs. He was theson of Cronusand Philyra andlived on MountPelion with theother Centaurs,until he wasexpelled by theLapiths.

Cheiron'soriginal home

was his cave/sanctuary on the summitof Mount Pelion. He received instruc-tion from Apollo and Artemis, and wasfamous for his ability in hunting, medicine,music, gymnastics, and the art of prophe-cy. The most celebrated heroes, such asJason, Achilles, Asclepius and Actaeon,were pupils of Cheiron in these arts.Asclepius inherited Cheiron's vastknowledge of medicine, while Actaeonbecame extremely proficient at the

sport of archery. Cheiron was also avery talented sculptor, and when Actaeonmet his unfortunate end at the handsof Artemis for having caught a glimpseof the goddess bathing in the nude withher female companions, Cheiron fash-ioned a statue of the hunter to com-fort the lonely hounds he left behind.

Heracles was a friend of Cheiron's,but during a struggle with the otherCentaurs, Heracles accidentally shotCheiron with a poisoned arrow. Che-iron, though immortal, chose to dieand gave his immortality to Prometheus.Cheiron was married to Nais, and hisdaughter, Endeis, was the mother ofPeleus, father of Achilles.

The Birth of AchillesFollowing an unfortunate incident

with Acastus, the son of the king of Iol-cus, Peleus married Thetis the Nereid,by whom he became the father of Achilles.Thetis had been wooed by both Posei-don and Zeus, but upon hearing thatThetis' son would become more illus-trious than his father, both suitors with-drew. Zeus, moreover, decreed thatshe should marry a mortal. The wisecentaur Cheiron informed Peleus ofthis decree and instructed him on howhe might win Thetis, as she could eas-ily evade anyone using her power tochange into different forms. Peleus,following Cheiron's instructions, lay inwait for Thetis in Sepia, the southernpromontory of Magnesia. There, heconquered the shape-changing Nereidwho was reluctant to marry him, byrefusing to let her escape his stronggrasp.

All the gods attended their wed-ding on Mount Pelion. Cheiron waslater entrusted with the upbringing oftheir son, Achilles, whom he educatedand instructed in the arts of riding,hunting, and playing the phorminx.Cheiron fed his pupil the hearts of lionsand the marrow of bears. Cheiron alsoinstructed him in the art of healing,using medicinal herbs which abound-ed on Mount Pelion.

Jason and the ArgoSaved from assassination by his rel-

atives who pretended he was dead,Jason was entrustedto Cheiron for his edu-cation. According tosome, he came fromMount Pelion to Éolcus,found his aged father,Aeson still living, anddemanded the thronefrom Pelias, who hadusurped it. Pelias con-sented to surrenderthe throne but on thecondition that Jasonfetch the Golden Fleecefrom the land of Colchis.

The Argo, the famous ship of fiftyoars that sailed with Jason and the Arg-onauts to the Black Sea in search ofthe Golden Fleece, was constructedfrom timber from the Pelion region,under the supervision of Athena. TheArgonauts, a band of fifty heroic men,supported Jason on his quest to redeemhis birthright, the throne of Iolcus. Thefamous Greek poet, Hesiod, relatesthat Jason and Medea finally settledhappily in Iolcus and that their sonMedeius was educated by Cheiron onnearby Pelion.

IDE Mount Ide, commonly known today

as Psiloreitis, is the central and highestpoint of the mountain range that tra-verses the island of Crete from west to

east. Mount Ide was the locality oftenconnected with the legends of Zeus; acavern on its slopes was sacred to him.The common tradition was that Zeuswas born on Crete either on MountDicte or Mount Ide, and that his moth-er, Rhea, concealed his birth from hisfather, Cronus. She entrusted the babyto the Curetes and the nymphs Adrasteiaand Ide, the daughters of Melisseus,the king of Crete. The king's daughtersfed Zeus with milk from the goatAmaltheia, and the bees of the moun-tain provided him with honey.

King MinosEvery nine years, King Minos of

Crete was said to withdraw to MountIde. He isolated himself in the cavewhere Zeus grew up and remainedthere for a considerable period of time.When he returned to his people, healways brought a new set of laws withhim. No one ever saw him writing theselaws, and some said that while inside thecave, Minos consulted Zeus, who wasalso his father and who had made himking of the whole of Crete.Others said that they heardZeus' voice dictating whathe was to write, addingthat Zeus not only gave hisson the laws to be imposedon his people but, withparental care, had edu-cated Minos since theage of nine and taughthim how togovern.

The Birth ofParis

M o u n tIde was alsoassociatedwith the birthof Paris. Beforehis birth, hismother, Hecabe,had a terribledream. She dreamtthat she gave birth toa burning torch whichdripped blood and set fire to Troy. Theseer Aesacus, an illegitimate son ofPriam, the father of Paris, advised himto kill the child as soon as he was born;otherwise Troy would be destroyed.However, Priam did not want to kill hisown child, so he entrusted the task toone of his slaves. instructing him to take

the infant to Mount Ide and kill it there.At the last minute, the slave took pityon the baby and left it in the wilder-ness, certain that the beasts of the moun-tain would devour it. Instead, the childwas found by Archelaus, a shepherd,who, on seeing how beau-tiful it was, decided tokeep it as his own. Asthe child was too youngto stand on its feet, theshepherd lay it down inhis bag, his �pira,� fromwhich he gave it the nameParis.

The Judgement of ParisMount Ide was also

the site of the famousJudgement of Paris.

When Zeus' daughter, Thetis, marrieda mortal, Peleus, on Mount Pelion,gods as well as mortals attended thefeast and celebrated together. All thegods were present and offered gifts,except for Eris, who was not invited.This snub made Eris very angry. Inorder to take revenge, she threw an

apple into the midst of thegathering, saying that itshould be given to themost beautiful woman.Instantly, the three greatgoddesses, Hera, Athena

and Aphrodite, all claimedthe coveted prize. To resolve

the issue, Zeus ordered Her-mes to lead the goddesses to

Ide, where Paris was tending hisfather's flock. Paris was directed to

judge the contest. When the procession of goddess-

es reached Mount Ide, Paris was star-tled and he ran away in fear. Hermesrestrained him, giving him Zeus' order.In the proceedings, the three goddess-es exchanged bitter words, and eachproproclaimed her own merits. Herasaid that she was the wife of the Kingof Heavens. Athena claimed that she wasdistinguished for her sword. Aphroditesaid that she was able to offer the giftof love to mortals and gods alike. Eachgoddess also made certain promises toParis if he would pronounce her thewinner. Hera promised to make himthe king of all Asia and Europe. Athenavowed to make him a strong warrior, andAphrodite promised to offer him the loveof Helen, the most beautiful woman inthe world.

Paris chose Aphrodite's gift andgave her the apple leaving the othertwo godesses embittered. With the aidof Aphrodite, Paris carried Helen toTroy, leading to the epic ten year strug-gle for the City of Troy.

Mountains of Greece

Photos: Í. Arvanitakis

APRIL 2004 BIO-CULTURE Bio News/page 9

Reducing agricultural risks to humanhealth and the environment

Citizens everywhere are becoming increas-ingly concerned about the impact of agri-

culture on the environment and human health.Agriculture's long-term vitality and prosperity dependon its ability to co-exist with the natural envi-ronment.

Water pollution from agriculture can imposeeconomic costs on farmers, other industries, andthe public, as well as cause negative environ-mental effects on ecosystems and biodiversity.The link between farming and the quality of sur-face and groundwater has long been recognised,and it is now a key environmental and healthissue. To reduce water contamination and the asso-ciated negative health effects, it is important tofind ways of using existing water more efficientlyand learn to farm with less water. In addition, prop-erly guided biotechnology can enhance agricul-ture through management practices that limitagricultural wastes, such as pesticides and nutri-ents, from entering into water courses.

Farming methods and practices produce dif-ferent types and levels of emissions and createnew management options for improving air qual-ity and helping to mitigate the atmospheric accu-mulation of greenhouse gases. Some of these

options may reduce the emission of a number ofair pollutants at the same time. For example,improving manure management practices canreduce the emission of gases responsible forunpleasant odours, as well as those that con-tribute to climate change. Some soil conserva-tion practices can reduce emissions of particu-late matter, such as dust and smoke.

Ensuring compatibility between biodiversity and agriculture

Biodiversity, which comprises genetic resources,and species and ecosystem diversity, is of

great importance to agriculture, since it pro-vides many environmental and economic bene-fits to agro-ecosystems. As an industry based onnatural resources, agriculture depends on ahealthy biodiversity and has a direct impact onthe protection of this biodiversity.

Agricultural practices which include wet-lands drainage, grazing, and use of fertilisersand pesticides can adversly affect biodiversity,although, when applied properly, the impact onwild flora and fauna is minimised. In most partsof the world, the conversion of wetlands andwooded areas to agricultural land has reducedwildlife habitat extensively and has also broughtabout soil degradation.

Soils are crucial to our survival and well-being, and their degradation from wind andwater erosion, salinisation, loss of organic mat-ter, or compaction, is a concern in every agri-cultural region of the world.

Farmers depend on healthy soil for theirlivelihood and, therefore, have a direct economicincentive to ensure it is sustained as a mediumfor growing crops. Less well known are otherways in which agricultural soils benefit society,such as by providing habitat for some species, retain-ing and filtering water, and by sequestering car-bon, thus helping mitigate the greenhouse effect.Through good soil management practices, farm-ers can enhance the public benefits of soils.

Educational activities in agricultureand health

These and other issues are extensively anal-ysed and presented in two educational mod-

ulesprepared by the Biopolitics International Organ-isation (B.I.O.), within the framework of its par-ticipation as a core partner in the �Bios & Envi-ronment Transnational Network� project. Theproject is sponsored by the European Commis-sion�s Leonardo da Vinci Programme, SecondPhase 2000-2006, and is coordinated by ActionLink/Action Synergy S.A. The Network com-

prises partners from 16 different countries andaims to provide a platform for environmentaleducation, offering information and training ona European and international level. The educa-tional material available is based on the exten-sive work and experience of B.I.O., which has

paved the way for the environment to exit theconfines of pure environmental science andbecome part and parcel of every academic dis-cipline and professional initiative.

More information about the Network, its activ-ities and the partners involved can be found atwww.bios-environment.net

Agriculture and health � �Bios & Environment Transnational Network�

page 10/Bio News BIO-AGRICULTURE APRIL 2004

Agriculture is no longer the driving force ofthe Cyprus economy, but careful water man-

agement, the adoption of more modern meth-ods of farming, an increased emphasis on theearliness of production, and the opportunity ofa larger market as results from the European Union,

can ensure that it remains a vital and importanteconomic sector.

Cyprus has a small agricultural sector, whichis highly protected. Due to the very important his-toric socio-economic role of farming, it has beennecessary to also provide the maximum possiblesupport to the agricultural sector. Governmentirrigation projects, subsidies, and tax policieshave encouraged farming's existence, as hasresearch in new crops and new varieties of crops

already in cultivation. Despite its relatively low contribution to

GDP (approximately 5.5%) because of extraor-dinary growth inother sectors of theeconomy, includ-ing tourism and ser-vices, agriculturein Cyprus stillaccounts for about8% of the fulltimelabour force. Thisshare of employ-ment is much greater if we take into accountpart-time farmers, who are complementing theirincome trough farming. As Cyprus prepares toofficially join the EU in May, the first challengeis to create the conditions for strengthening exist-ing agriculture, so as to be able to maintain farm-ing on a competitive basis and develop new areasof farming that can effectively compete and con-tribute to EU farming. The desire is to mobilisefarmers to meet these challenges and to secure,in the medium and longer-term, better standards

of living in a friendly and secure environment. The agricultural sector spans a diverse range

of activities, including animal husbandry, forestry,fishing and crop production with pota-toes, other vegetables, citrus fruits,grapes and cereals being the main cropproducts. The scarcity of water and theprecariousness of rainfall constitute the

major single prob-lem for agriculturein Cyprus. This isparticularly truein the case of cere-als, which dependentirely on rain-fall.

Agriculturalexports are sea-sonally concen-trated with citrusproducts makingtheir way to Europe

mainly in the winter, and white seedless andblack grapes being in demand in the summer.

Recent years have also seen a major expansionof out-of-season salads and vegetable exportsto the European Union with items such as okraand tomatoes doing especially well.

The Cyprus-EC Customs Union Agreementhas boosted the island's exports of fresh fruits andvegetables. Total agricultural exports to Euro-pean Union countries reached C£60 m by 1995.The first ten-year period of the Agreement pro-vides for the gradual abolition of duties and anincrease in quotas for major items such as grapesand potatoes. Reference prices, one of the mainforms of European Union protection in fruitand vegetables, were also adjusted in favour ofCyprus for oranges, lemons and table grapes.At the same time, European Union financial aidand Government incentives, such as low inter-est loans for greenhouse construction or invest-ment expenditure for the promotion of mecha-nisation, have helped agriculture in Cyprus to improveand have enabled the exploitation of marketopportunities.

Sources: www.cosmosnet.net/cyprusreference.allrefer.com/country-guide/Cyprus

New challenges for agriculture as Cyprus joins the European Union

Cyprus, Greece, UK, Italy, Poland, Czechia,and Slovenia cooperate in agriculturaleducation

At the initiative of Intercollege�s Research andDevelopment Center, one of the leading edu-

cational institutions in Cyprus, a partnershipbetween ten associations in Cyprus, Greece, theUK, Italy, Poland, Czechia, and Slovenia wasrecently formed to promote agricultural educa-tion and the environ-ment within the frame-work of the EuropeanCommission�s Leonar-do da Vinci VocationalTraining Programme.The partnership willdevelop a project themed�Youth-Farm,� whichaims to promote com-petitiveness in agricul-ture and entrepreneur-ship among young farm-ers in candidate countries, thus contributing tothe restoration and enhancement of the com-petitiveness of rural areas and to the creationof new employment opportunities in those areas.

The goal is to provide young farmers with crit-ical knowledge and information on areas that, despitetheir important role in the survival and mod-ernisation of agriculture, have not been addressed

before in such a holistic approach. These areasare: a) The European Union and the CommonAgricultural Policy, b) Environment and agri-culture, c) Occupational health & safety in agri-culture, d) Quality and safety in food produc-tion and e) Non-agricultural complementaryeconomic activities.

The specific objectives that the project willstrive to fulfil include:4 evaluation of existing educational materials

in the above mentionedareas and review of exist-ing literature4 identification of theneeds of young farmersin candidate countries4 development of aninnovative educationalkit that will meet theidentified needs, aimsand objectives of thetarget group4 testing of the devel-

oped educational kit through a series of trainingseminars4evaluation of these seminars and the adaptationof the educational kit according to the resultsof this evaluation4 dissemination of the final product to poten-tial users

The project is aimed at farmers between 25

and 35 years of age and was conceived in anattempt to assist candidate countries to tackle struc-tural problems in rural areas, to help young farm-ers from these countries to overcome the majorchallenges that joining the EU�s single marketand common agricultural policy presents, andto pave the way for their integration into thecommon agricultural policy. Restructuring isnecessary in order to make farming competi-tive. This is why it is impor-tant to support the devel-opment of new skills andcompetencies amongyoung farmers.

�Youth Farm� iscoordinated by Profes-sor Andreas Theo-phanous, Director General of Intercollege�sResearch and Development Center, and is com-prised of the following partner organisations:Biopolitics International Organisation, Greece;Department of Environmental Studies, Uni-versity of the Aegean, Greece; TechnologicalEducational Institute of Kalamata, Greece;Advanced Research Partnership (ARP), a con-sortium of six universities in the UK; ItalianAgricultural Confederation (CIA); Agricultur-al Federation of Ammochostos, Cyprus; Institutefor Building, Mechanisation and Electrificationin Agriculture (IBMER), Poland; Departmentof Education (DE) of the Czech University of Agri-

culture (CUA) in Prague; Institute for Sustain-able Development, Slovenia.

Concerns and future prospects

Over the coming years, agriculture in theEuropean Union will have to adapt to new

realities and further changes in terms of marketevolution, market policy and trade rules, con-

sumer demand and pref-erences and the Euro-pean Community's nextenlargement. In the future,farmers will not be paidfor overproduction, butfor responding to whatpeople want � safe food,

quality production, animal welfare and a healthyenvironment. These changes will affect not onlyagricultural markets, but also local economies inrural areas in general. As a result, farmers willneed the necessary qualifications to make agri-culture greener, healthier and more consumer-friendly.

Vocational training in agriculture representsone of the main EU tools in its effort to enhancethe implementation of the CAP. It is hoped thatthe Youth Farm project will assist farmers tobecome competitive and successful entrepreneursin the complicated environment of an enlargedEuropean market.

�Youth Farm� � Promoting entrepreneurship among young farmers

Youth-Farm promotes

competitiveness in agriculture and

enterpreneurship among young

farmers in candidate countries.

The agriculture sector in Cyprus

employs more than 8% of the

fulltime labour force and provides

materials for local industry.

Biotechnology and medicine, agri-culture, industry, the environment,

food products, nanotechnologies, bio-geotechnologies, innovations, businessand finance, education, fundamental

research, and the problems of biosafe-ty and bioethics, were some of the top-ics addressed at the II InternationalCongress on �Biotechnology: State ofthe Art and Prospects of Develop-ment,� which convened from 10 to 14November 2003, at the building of theMoscow Government. The Congresswas organised by the Moscow Gov-ernment, the Ministry of Industry, Sci-ence and Technology of the Russian Fed-eration, the Ministry of EconomicDevelopment and Trade, the Ministryof Education, the Ministry of Healthand Care, the Ministry of Agriculture,

the Russian Academy of Sciences, theRussian Academy of Medical Sciences,the Trade and Manufacture Chamberin Moscow, the Russian Academy ofAgricultural Sciences, and MaximaJSC. The organising committee washeaded by Professor Pavel Sarkisov,President of the D.I. Mendeleyev Chem-ical Society of Russia.

Professor Sarkisov invited the B.I.O.President to participate in the Pro-gramme Committee and in the closingPlenary Session of the Congress,themed �Problems of Biosafety andBioethics.� Other distinguished speak-

ers included: Professor M.P. Kir-pichnikov, First Deputy Minister ofIndustry, Science and Technology of theRussian Federation; Professor Y.M.Lopukhin, Chairman of the Russian Min-istry of Health and the Russian Acade-my of Medical Sciences Bioethics Com-mittee; Professor B.G. Yudin, Direc-tor of the Human Research Instituteof the Russian Academy of Sciences;and, Professor K.G. Skryabin, Direc-tor of the Bioengineering Center ofthe Russian Academy of Sciences.

In her speech, the B.I.O. Presidentnoted that: �The general tendencies

of the development of the world econ-omy define the role of biotechnologyas the driving force of scientific andtechnological progress, indicating thatbiotechnology is a priority in the nation-al strategies of the leading countriesof the world.

It is hoped that through the bio-assess-ment of technology � as proposed byB.I.O. since 1985 � the right bioeth-ical guidelines will be set, in order tomake full use of the potential of this valu-able tool in agriculture, medicine andindustry, without jeopardising humanhealth or the environment.�

Fairer World ForumBrussels, December 2003

The third Fairer World Forum tookplace at the Bibliotheque Solvay

in Brussels on December 1, 2003. Over40 senior figures from the worlds ofcommerce, science, trade unions, gov-ernment and NGOs attended the con-ference, allowing an exchange of ideason a wide range of globalisation top-ics. The conference dealt with two mainquestions: 1) Are multinationals the�unsung heroes� of development aid?and, 2) How are global commodities mar-kets rigged against the Third World?

Among the distinguished speak-ers present were: Klaus Leisinger,President and Executive Director ofthe Novartis Foundation for Sustain-able Development; Niels ChristiansenVice President Public Affairs, Nestle;Simon Webley, Research Director atthe Institute of Business Ethics; Antho-ny Sampson, Director of CorporateSocial Responsibility at Aviva; DwightJustice from the International Con-federation of Free Trade Unions;Colum Joyce, Global E-Business Strat-egy Manager for DHL; Marcello Palazzi,President of the Progressio Founda-tion; Anton Mifsud-Bonnici, Adviserin Corporate Responsibility at BP; Dr.Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, B.I.O. Pres-ident and Founder; Brigid Gavin, Unit-ed NationsUniversity;L i s e l o t t eI s a k s s o n ,from theE u r o p e a nC o m m i s -sion's Direc-torate Gen-eral forD e v e l o p -ment; Gon-zague de Beer, Director of Max Have-laar Belgium; Rudolph Deutekom ofUNICEF; Eric De Keuleneer, Exec-utive Director of the University Foun-dation; and, Karl-Friedrich Falken-berg, Director responsible for FreeTrade Agreements in DG Trade of theEuropean Commission.

Getting Down to Detail in theGlobalisation Debate

In providing a forum for the discus-sion of diverse and complex issues per-

taining to globalisation, the third Fair-er World Forum highlighted impor-tant areas of both agreement and con-flict. New approaches to old issueswere advocated and suggestions were

made as to how to tackle emergingissues like genetically modified organ-isms (GMOs). The role played by multi-national corporations is seen as vital,but in need of clarification, in helpingto manage the forces of globalisation.Forging links between seemingly dis-parate areas is of great importancewhen seeking to devise an integratedworldwide approach to globalisation.

During the discussion on GMOs,it was suggested that GMOs could beanother way to get the current systemworking for the world's poor. Howev-er, ever since the Green Revolution inIndia in the 1970s, GMOs have received

a mixed press. It is arguedthat they are more expen-sive and require more fer-tilisers than normal seeds,but that their yields aregreater and have a greaterresistance to disease.

The B.I.O, President wasinvited to present her views, which fol-low below:

Changing role of biotechnology

Biotechnology has important impli-cations in healthcare, agriculture,

food production, trade and environ-mental protection. Applications ofplant biotechnology have been trans-ferred to developing countries in orderto address the critical need for a moresustainable agriculture that could pro-vide sufficient food and a cleaner envi-ronment. These applications have notbeen without controversy, however, asgenetically modified organisms (GMOs)have been associated with very seri-ous effects on the environment, foodsafety and human health.

Concerns over issues of biotech-nology and genetic engineering is notnew. In the 1960s, when Massachusettslegislation banned genetic research,scientists moved to California. Mas-sachusetts then changed its legislationand the scientists returned. Biotech-nology is a reality which cannot beignored. We have opened Pandora'sbox and need to face the consequences.Short-term thinking and poor plan-

ning have created a crisis in valueswhich needs to be reversed. UnlikePandora, we have the option of controllingthe consequences of our actions throughproper priorities and ethics.

Up to now, bioethics has been lim-ited to medical issues such as deathand euthanasia, organ transplants, stemcell research and cloning. It is time forbioethics to exit the confines of medicineand apply to every human endeavour.Ethical guidelines such as the Hippo-cratic Oath need to be developed andimplemented in all fields: the sciences,business and trade, education, policy.The �bio-assessment of technology�offers this needed expansion in bioethicsand underlines our responsibility for equi-table development which respects�bios,� all life on our planet. Withinthis framework, the environment and

biological and cultural diversity becomethe cornerstones of future society.

GMOs and the food sector

Biotechnology is certainly revolu-tionising the food chain. By means

of genetic manipulation, seeds can bemodified, products can be transformed,and totally new varieties more resis-tant to pests can be created, thus reduc-ing the need of pesticides. Over thelast 15 years, applications of plantbreeding and agronomy have result-ed in steady, substantial increases in

yield in many parts of the world. How-ever, caution has to be applied, as theeffects of the introduction of new bio-logical elements in ecosystems maytake years or decades to be sufficient-ly understood. The emerging globaldebate on GMOs is a case in point.

It has been proven that many GMOsare harmful to the environment andhealth. The dissemination of pollenfrom genetically-modified plants onweeds makes them more resistant to her-bicides, pests, and other treatments.Thirty percent of the bees that con-sume pollen from genetically-modi-fied plants die within a few days, withdisastrous consequences for pollina-tion. Birds and other animals face therisk of dying from the lack of insects,which are eliminated by using high lev-els of pest control chemicals on cropsgenetically-modified to resist suchdosages. Transgenic plants render othercrop species unproductive, a phe-nomenon that affects both the ecosys-tem and agricultural production, andis a devastating problem for poor coun-tries. For example, in India, food pro-duction has been severely affected bythe lack of traditional plant varieties andthe introduction of genetically manip-ulated seeds.

Corporate social and environmental responsibility

To succeed in capturing new markets,the enterprises of the future will have

to align their growthstrategies with pro-viding solutions to theworld's most press-ing challenges: cleanenergy, the protec-tion of naturalresources, water andsafe food. Corporatesocial and environ-mental responsibility have entered themainstream, as companies are facinggrowing pressure to be responsible cit-izens. The production of GMOs whichharm the environment, jeopardise pub-lic health and create unfavourable mar-ket conditions forfarmers and con-sumers, is notconsistent with acorporate strat-egy that seeks tobe environmen-tally and social-ly responsible.

When companies minimise theirenvironmental risks and foster ethicalpolicies, they may also gain a compet-itive advantage by reducing costs,

improving the quality of their prod-ucts and services, and gaining access tonew markets. As many public and pri-

vate investors refuse to endow com-panies that pollute the planet and placethe health of the world's populationat risk, investments are increasinglydirected towards businesses that meetthe basic standards of environmentalresponsibility.

Green stockmarkets

Around the world, corporate citi-zenship is being influenced by

deeper social changes that make it nec-essary for companies to espouse envi-ronmental standards. According to anarticle recently published by �The Con-ference Board,� France requires allcompanies listed on the Paris StockExchange to include information abouttheir social and environmental per-formance within their financial state-ments. Socially aware investors canchoose among some 230 mutual funds,

and more than 800independent assetmanagers who identifythemselves as man-agers of socially respon-sible portfolios forinstitutional investorsand high-net-worthindividuals. Indexesof social and envi-

ronmental performance - like the DowJones Sustainability World Indexesand FTSE4Good - are becoming sig-nificant market factors in screeningfor good citizenship. These indexesdrop companies that fail to meet social

responsibilitystandards. Withpro-env i ron-mental share-holders enteringinto dialogue withdecision makers,c o r p o r a t ebehaviour on the

environment can be steered towardsa direction that can meet the needsand demands of the global public andcivil society.

To help save bios, ethical

guidelines such as the

Hippocratic Oath need to

be developed and

implemented in all fields.

Bio-assessment of technologyEthics and guidelines for equitable trade and food security

Technology has made enormous progress, offering numerous new tools for education and learning. These tools can increase human potential, especially in deprived

regions of the world, and provide a new and expanded vision in improving quality of life and creating a better world for the generations to come. No human

resource should remain untapped. With the proper guidance, every human endeavour can contribute to saving biodiversity and ensuring a future of hope.

If companies are actively

participating in the discussions

on ethics and GMOs, then

they should not feel

threatened by the process.

Prospects for development in biotechnology � II Moscow International Congress

APRIL 2004 BIO-TECHNOLOGY Bio News/page 11

If companies worked hard

and bioethics discussions

were not limited to medical

issues, guidelines on GMOs

could exist in six months.

Hellenic-Turkish Cooperationin Biopolitics

On the Road to European Ideals

Monday, 9 February 2004

Symposium ProgrammeSymposium Programme

Office of the European Parliament

Greetings, introductionsmeeting the Press4Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, B.I.O. Pres-

ident and Founder4George Cassimatis, Director, European Par-

liament Representation in Greece4Yigit Alpogan, Ambassador of Turkey4Professor Rusen Keles, Ankara University4Professor Constantine Stephanou, Panteion

University4Professor Nicholas Markatos, f. Rector,

National Technical University of Athens 4Panayotis Koutsikos, President, Hellenic-

Turkish Chamber of Commerce

National Bank of Greece

Chairs4Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, B.I.O.

President and Founder4Professor Rusen Keles, Ankara University

International cooperation & bio-diplomacy4 Lefteris Antonacopoulos, Chairman

and CEO, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation

4 Yigit Alpogan, Ambassador of Turkey4 Nicholas Papageorgiou, President, Hel-

lenic National Commission for UNESCO4Alejandro Diaz, Ambassador of

Mexico4Jannie Momberg, Ambassador of South

Africa

Environmental education4Professor Christos Halkias, Dean, Athens

Information Technology Center4Professor Zafer Erturk, Rector, Eastern

Mediterranean University4Professor Ersi Abatzi Kalfoglu, Istanbul

University4Professor Berna Alpagut, Faculty of Let-

ters, Ankara University

Business and the media4George Ioannidis, Managing Director,

OTEnet4Panayotis Koutsikos, President, Hellenic-

Turkish Chamber of Commerce4Stefanos Êostopoulos, President, Hellenic-

American Chamber of Commerce4Constantine Kanonis, President, Hellenic-

Russian Chamber of Commerce4Stathis E. Nazos, CEO, ABN AMRO Asset

Management

Agriculture and rural development4Professor Ilhami Unver, Faculty of Agri-

culture, Ankara University4Professor Umit Erdem, Director for Envi-

ronmental Studies, Aegean University, Izmir

An environmental vision in governance4Professor Kelly Bourdara, Deputy Mayor

of Athens4Fahri Yucel, Governor of Edirne4Hasan Canpolat, Governor of Sivas4Iris Senturk, Mayor of Antakya4Professor Constantine Stephanou, Panteion

University

Hellenic-Turkish Cooperation in BiopolitCivic leaders, business executives,

scholars and diplomats fromGreece and Turkey met in Athens,on February 9, 2004, to discussimportant issues in internationalcooperation. The initiative wasthemed �Hellenic-Turkish Coo-peartion in Biopolitics � On theRoad to European Union Ideals�and was organised by the B.I.O.President, Dr. Agni Vlavianos-

Arvanitis, under the auspices of theAmbassador of Turkey, Mr. YigitAlpogan. The meeting convenedwith great success at the Office ofthe European Parliament and theNational Bank of Greece.

Following the success of previ-ous conferences and symposia inIstanbul (1992), Ankara (1997),Trabzon (1989, 1993), Adana (1995)and Athens (1990), which focused

The European Parliament, whichI have the honour of representing

here in Greece, hails and supportsthis meeting within the framework

of the general spirit of Hellenic-Turkish friendship and cooperation.All initiatives promoting this friend-ship must be commended and sup-ported.

Cooperation in environmentalissues is a particularly fruitful ground

for the devel-opment ofinternation-al under-s t a n d i n g .Experiencehas shownthat globaland regionalenvironmen-tal problems have no borders and,as such, they cannot be solved on anational level only. Greece andTurkey can work together in findingthe right solutions.

This place has a great symbolicmeaning, as it represents the suc-cess of 50 years of European integrationand is a tribute to those whose effortshave made this integration possi-ble. Modern Greece has benefitedgreatly from European integrationand we wish Turkey every success.

Over the last four years, Turkeyhas been assisted by Greece in

complex and complicated EU mat-ters, and there has been extensive col-laboration in many and diverse fieldswithin the framework of the Euro-pean Union. There is a sustainedprocess of negotiations between thetwo countries, in order to resolvepast differences, and, once both sidesare ready to overcome dividing issues,bilateral relations will improve andthere will hardly be any issue leftfor politicians or technocrats to pon-der over. The only thing left will beto further Greek and Turkish coop-eration.

One important issue that Greeceand Turkey have been discussing isthe transporta-tion of naturalgas from Turkeyto Greece andthen to Europe.Two agree-ments weresigned veryrecently concerning the construc-tion of a pipeline which has alreadybegun in Turkey and is also about tostart in Greece. We will connect ournatural gas systems and then we willbe in a position to supply gas to theEuropean Union, thus conveying amessage that Turkey and Greeceare helping each other and cooper-ating, not only for their own bene-fit but also for a larger cause, name-ly being suppliers of natural gas toEurope.

Our Minister of Transport washere about ten days ago, and anoth-er historic agreement was signedconcerning the Egnatia highway.

The highwayis now beingconnected toTurkey; thep o r t i o nb e t w e e nThessaloni-ki and Istan-bul will bejoined and,hopefully, this will be of assistanceto the European Union as well. Wewill complete it together; thereforethis huge network of roads in Greecewill not end at the Turkish border,but will be connected to Turkey andwill also provide Turkey with a high-way system to reach Europe.

In the field of business, tax cutshave created new opportunities forthe business communities in bothcountries. In the field of the envi-

ronment, uni-versities aredevelopingmany anddiverse jointprojects. Thisevent is anexample of the

constructive cooperation betweenthe two countries.

I would like to express my appre-ciation to Madame Arvanitis whois the real driving force behind thismeeting. Without her help or con-tribution, none of these events wouldhave materialised. At the conclu-sion of this meeting, we hope thatTurkey will become a member ofthe European Union as well. With-in the framework of the EuropeanUnion, cooperation in Biopoliticswill contribute to this end. Biopol-itics is a very modern and new sci-ence, and the Turkish scientific com-munity will have a lot to gain.

George CassimatisDirector, European ParliamentRepresentation in Greece

Yigit AlpoganAmbassador of Turkey

Morning Session

Afternoon Session

Greece has benefited

greatly from European

integration and we wish

Turkey every success.

Biopolitics is a very modern and

new science, and the Turkish

scientific community will have

a lot to gain from it.

Opening session at the Office of the European Parliament

On the road to European Union ideals

page 12/Bio News BIO-DIPLOMACY APRIL 2004

Principle 9 of the Rio Declara-tion emphasises the need to

strengthen capacity building for sus-tainable development by improvinginternational understanding throughan exchange of scientific and tech-nological knowledge. In fact, thereare vast opportunities for closercooperation between the two neigh-bouring countries, Greece and Turkey,in the field of the environment, sincewe both share similar geographic,historical, economic, social and envi-ronmental fea-tures. B.I.Ohas always beenone of theNGOs that,apart from itsimmediate spe-cialised con-cerns, contributed greatly to theenhancement of a sustainable friend-ship between the peoples of Greeceand Turkey. I believe that the onlyjustification for me having the priv-ilege and honour of sharing the AbdiIpekci Special Peace Prize in 1993lies exclusively in the constructivework of B.I.O.

Two years after the first B.I.O.Hellenic-Turkish symposium, theRio Declaration advised that nationscooperate in a spirit of global part-nership to conserve, protect andrestore the health and the integrityof the Earth's ecosystem. B.I.O. hadalready launched its worldwide pro-gramme for international coopera-tion to safeguard natural assets andthe historical heritage of mankind.

Sustainable development canbe achieved only by increasing thegoverning ability of the state. In fact,sustainable development is not attain-able without a sustainable state,which can undertake the responsi-bility to steer society towards sus-tainable development, and to plan

and imple-ment towardsthis end.

It is oftenasserted thatwide-spreadglobalisation,with its poli-cy directivesof liberalisa-tion, deregulation and privatisation,tends to favour the overall interestsof society as a whole, including envi-ronmental values through the max-imization of private interests. Butrecent experience in most Mediter-

ranean coun-tries suggeststhat, in orderto achieve thepolicy objec-tives of sus-tainable devel-opment, we will

require, for a long time, considerablepublic intervention in environmen-tal matters, so as to harmonise thelong-term interests of society withthose of the present generations.

With all these considerations inmind, I believe that our generationis faced with an important ethicalresponsibility for ensuring respectfor all the biotic and non-biotic ele-ments on Earth, and that B.I.O willcontinue to contribute in the future,as in the past, to the happiness ofthe peoples in our region and in theentire world.

Professor Rusen KelesAnkara University

Our generation is faced with an

important ethical responsibility

to ensure respect for all

the biotic elements on Earth.

�When the UN Commission on Environment and Development,

headed by Prime Minister Brundtland, made public its discovery of

the method of sustainable development in 1986, we, as the founders

of B.I.O, were already discussing its implications for our nations in

Athens. When the first B.I.O. Hellenic-Turkish meeting took place

in 1990, the UN Summit in Rio de Janeiro had not yet happened. It

is not too unrealistic now to express the hope that the next Hellenic-

Turkish symposium will take place at a time when both Greece and

Turkey appear as full members of the European Union.�

Professor Rusen Keles, Ankara University

From left to right: Ms. Iris Sen-turk, Mayor of Antakya; Dr.Hasan Canpolat, Governor ofSivas; Mr. Yigit Alpogan, Ambas-sador of Turkey; Mr. GeorgeCassimatis, Director of the Euro-pean Parliament Representationin Greece; Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, B.I.O. President andFounder; Mr. Fahri Yucel,Governor of Edirne; ProfessorRusen Keles, Ankara University.

tics On the Road to European Union Ideals

The present meeting constitutes anappropriate and timely initiative

for both countries, which have workedhard over therecent years tocreate a positiveclimate and toresolve theirpolitical differ-ences. Greeceand Turkey arepartners in meet-ing environ-

mental challenges. The European Union framework

is very valuable for both countries,which should work together in resolv-ing international environmental prob-lems and in implementing internationalconventions and treaties, such as thoseconcerning transborder pollution.

Of the many EU conventions signed,the Arhus Convention of 1998 pertainsto access to information, public par-ticipation in decision-making and accessto justice in environmental matters. Itis a model of participatory governance.And the area of the environment is thefirst area where participatory gover-nance is being introduced.

on Hellenic-Turkish cooperationand strengthened the friendshipbetween the two countries, B.I.O.held this event in an attempt to pro-mote bio-diplomacy, education, andenvironmental governance as theneeded vision for the future.

The B.I.O. President thankedAmbassador Alpogan and expressedthe hope that the meeting would pro-vide a forum for the promotion of

dialogue and cooperation in the mostconsequential task, that of preserv-ing the environment and bios - life -on our planet.

�Arrogance and disrespect haveled humanity to the edge of a cliff. Inter-national cooperation and bio-diplo-macy, as proposed since 1985 byB.I.O., can inspire a new vision in soci-ety and lead to a future of hope. Newethics, with the environement at the

core of every endeavour, can help usto overcome negative stereotypes andbuild a truly civil society, where respectfor all life will constitute the prima-ry asset.�

Professor Constantine StephanouInternational and European Studies, Panteion University

The environment is a very complexand fragile issue, so it is not very

easy to develop environmental poli-cies and apply them effectively in thereal world. In many cases there is enoughwill but not a large enough budget or

the regionalcapacity requiredto apply efficientenvironmentalpolicies. Toaccelerate mat-ters, it is neces-sary to searchfor coordinationand technical

support mechanisms on an interna-tional level.

Sivas is the second largest provincein Turkey. We have 8 rivers, which aremain basins of Turkey, 12 lakes andmany wetlands. Water and soil arethreatened by pollution from villagesand some municipalities and industri-al areas, and by soil erosion, becauseof lack of enough forest land. Whatwe are planning to do in order to solvethese problems is to implement a region-al development plan extending from

now until 2023. We have started defin-ing all the polluting points and theproblems. We have invested enoughmoney in our plan to solve these envi-ronmental problems and we are goingto protect natural areas by developingeducational programmes for Sivas andfor its people. We are also opening anenvironmental and cultural �house ofart� in our 16th district, to provideknowledge, especially to young peo-

ple, on environmental subjects. Weare planning to establish an urban for-est, and we are in the process of estab-lishing cultural parks promoting thecultural and historical heritage of Sivas.

I would like to thank all the peo-ple of the Biopolitics InternationalOrganisation and to congratulate youfor organising this very successful meet-ing on such an important subject

Dr. Hasan CanpolatGovernor of Sivas

Culture transcends national bor-ders. In both government and pri-

vate enterprise,there is no prob-lem that cannotbe solved oncecooperation hasbeen achieved.Cooperat ionamong nationsreaches beyondboundaries. Clos-er cooperation between Greece andTurkey will benefit both peoples. Elect-ed officials, ambassadors and govern-ment agents can all work together toachieve this goal.

My mission as Mayor of Antakyais to protect the environment and thehistory of the city. I am an environ-mental specialist by training and I tryto implement environmental policy.My first priority was to create urbangreen spaces and environmentally

friendly housing, as well as open recre-ational areas for children and theirfamilies.

Antakya, one of the most cele-brated commercial capitals of the ancientworld, has a rich cultural heritage thatmust be preserved. We have built muse-ums, theatres and cultural centres, withthe aim of contributing to our citizens'well-being. For our efforts in this area,we are candidates for UNESCO's Cityof Peace prize. You are all invited tovisit Antakya and get to know the peace-loving nature of our city.

Iris SenturkMayor of Antakya

The environment is a

complex and fragile issue.

It is not very easy to develop

environmental policies and

apply them effectively

in the real world.

There is no problem

that cannot be solved

once cooperation

has been achieved.

APRIL 2004 BIO-DIPLOMACY Bio News/page 13

In the quest of a new vision in publicadministration, quality of life, hope

and harmony arethe buildingblocks of theenvironment thatwe should wish toachieve. Athensis a city with greatresponsibility.The past, alone,without a goodstrategy for the present and a visionfor the future, cannot lead to the changeswe desire. Today, the present is enrichedby this meeting, and we would like towork closely with all the participants inthe quest for hope and peace.

The 2004 Olympic Games are agreat moment for our city. Athens ispreparing a series of initiatives, such asthe unification of archaeological sitesand the reconstruction of streets andsquares. Reformation works in tenstreets in the historical centre of Athensare already complete. For the successof the Games, it is necessary to ensurethat everyone embraces the environmentand includes environmental consider-ations in their day-to-day activities.

In the context of Olympic values,the city of Athens warmly supportstoday's meeting of Hellenic-Turkishfriendship and cooperation. The envi-ronment, as promoted by the Biopol-itics International Organisation, canbecome the core of a balanced andhopeful society.

Professor Kelly BourdaraDeputy Mayor of Athens

An environmental vision in governance

The environment, as

promoted by B.I.O., is the

core of a balanced and

hopeful society.

At the conclusion of the morn-ing session at the Office of

the European Parliament, Olympicchampion Christos Papaniko-laou declared that the GreekOlympic champions fully sup-port the Biopolitics Internation-

al Organisation, which they con-sider a global effort in defence ofthe environment.

�We support your struggle fora new society, based on modelsof education and sportsmanship.We would therefore like to pro-

pose a meeting of Greek andTurkish Olympic champions,cultural agents and business lead-ers, to be held under the B.I.O.auspices in view of the 2004Olympic Games in Athens. Wewould also like to ask the Ambas-

sador of Turkey to place this ini-tiative under his aegis. In thisway, we hope that we can furtherpromote the ideals of Biopoliticsfor a better environment and asociety of culture, education andsportsmanship.�

A society of culture, education and sportsmanship

Environmental protection and watermanagement are issues of prima-

ry concern incross-bordercooperation pro-jects. It is par-ticularly impor-tant to developa n e t w o r kbetween Turkeyand Greece toc o o r d i n a t e

efforts and promote joint projects intourism and development.

Our shared geography requirescross border collaboration. The Mar-itsa river, which comes from Bulgariaand empties into the Saros gulf, formsthe natural border between Turkey

and Greece. Intensive rice growingand the presence of wetlands haveresulted in a large mosquito populationin the region, especially during thesummer season. There has been effec-tive cooperation between Turkey andGreece in solving this problem throughnegotiations and joint activities.

The other important river in ourregion is the Ergene. Industrial anddomestic waste pollution in the riverhave prompted the investigation com-mission of the Turkish National GrandAssembly to prepare a report con-cerning the pollution of the Ergeneriver basin and to suggest solutions.

The economic, social, and politicalconditions that shape environmental deci-sion-making are evolving quickly, andthe challenge for good environmentalgovernance has become more com-plex. In the framework of nationaldecisions and arrangements, the par-ticipation of local and regional actors,universities and NGOs in environ-mental decision-making is important.I believe that the Biopolitics Interna-tional Organisation and meetings suchas this will make a vital contribution toour work in this field.

Fahri YucelGovernor of Edirne

It is particularly important

to develop a network

between the two countries

to coordinate efforts and

cooperation in tourism

and development.

Distinguished participants from left toright: Governor Hasan Canpolat,Ambassador Yigit Alpogan, Mr. GeorgeCassimatis, Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvani-tis, Governor Fahri Yucel and ProfessorRusen Keles.

On behalf of the Chairman andCEO of the Hellenic Telecom-

municat ionsOrganisation,Mr. LefterisAntonacopou-los, I would liketo congratulatethe B.I.O. Pres-ident for hervision and tire-less efforts for a

better future for all. Biopolitics helpsin the creation and expression of the com-mon interests of nations by replacingconfrontation with cooperation.

The protection of the natural envi-ronment has emerged, in recent years,as a primary problem on a global scale,a problem facing international organ-isations, multinational and large cor-porations, leaders of great countriesas well as everyday people. Hence it isnecessary to stress collectivity in theattempt to face these issues. The solu-tion to environmental problems mustbe based on cooperation and not con-flict. This is exactly the essence ofbiopolitics and bio­ diplomacy; to pro-vide an overall and binding framework

of addressing and confronting theseproblems of the new era. Today, theimportance of bio-diplomacy is self-evident, as we have an abundance ofinternational agreements that are bind-ing to states. What is lacking is thebuilding of common interests and asense of urgency. The rapid growth ofinformation technology and telecom-munications provides a solution, bystrengthening the role of citizens indecision-making.

In today's world, characterised bycomplexity and interaction, telecom-munications are of vital importance forthe development of a healthy environ-mental conscience. In this context, rapidexchange of information and ideas rein-forces and shapes this participatoryprocedure to the benefit of the envi-ronment. By applying all its forces and

acknowledging current trends, the Hel-lenic Telecommunications Organisa-tion is adopting �bio­environmentallyfriendly� actions in the fields of education,employment and culture.

Agriculture and rural development � Soil protection and agrotourism

Biopolitics helps in the

creation and expression of the

common interests of nations

by replacing confrontation

with cooperation.

George ArgyropoulosChief Technology Officer, HellenicTelecommunications OrganisationPresident, Hellas Sat

International cooperation and bio-diplomacy

Mexico, is committed to enhanc-ing environmental protection

fully aware of thechallenges con-cerning sustain-able develop-ment, such asclean water man-agement, forestprotection, soundagricultural prac-tices, responsi-

ble trade, implementation of renew-able energy sources, care of wetlands,effective pollution control and also the

promotion of ecotourism. We havedeveloped close cooperation with ourneighbours in the north and south. ThePlan Puebla Panama is a joint effortbetween Mexico and seven countries ofMesoamerica, from Belize to Panama,to raise the standards of living in thesecountries. There are many treaties writ-ten and signed for a better world, butwith two minor inconveniences: devel-oping countries lack the capabilities,the money or the will to enforce theagreements; and some developed nationsevade their responsibilities by not rat-ifying important treaties. In these cases,diplomacy has to intervene to find wisesolutions to common problems andrestore international cooperation. Solu-tions exist and it is up to us to identifythem and to put them into practicethrough bio-diplomacy.

Solutions exist and it is up

to us to identify them and

to put them into practice

through bio-diplomacy.

Alejandro DiazAmbassador of Mexico

To preserve the environment, in themanner in which the Biopolitics

International Organisation envisages,technology and the arts need to joinforces and contribute to a society ofpeace. In many areas throughout theplanet, peace remains fragile. Povertyand conflict endanger human safetyand dignity, as well as human justice.

The attempt to maintain peace inall dimensions is a continuous chal-lenge for the international community,especially under the conditions of glob-alisation. We have an obligation tomake various efforts to find better and

more adequateways to deal withthese multiplechallenges.

This searchmust be basedon universallyshared values,while preservingthe uniquenessof individuals and civilizations, andmust aim at the urgent needs of theless privileged and isolated groups or geo-graphical regions. Firmly bound todemocracy, human rights, and basicfreedoms, the key to this search is dia-logue, as it is only through dialoguethat long-term understanding andpeace may be achieved.

Nicholas PapageorgiouPresident, Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO

Iwould like to thank Dr. Agni Vla-vianos-Arvanitis for her tremendous

enthusiasm for Biopolitics and for thededication to organise this event. It isalso a great honour to be here today, underthe auspices of my very good friend,the Ambassador of Turkey, Mr. YigitAlpogan.

In September 2002, my country,South Africa, hosted a very successfulWorld Summit onSustainable Devel-opment in Johan-nesburg. We wereproud that our youngdemocracy was givensuch a huge responsibility and we werepleased when the whole world said �welldone.� At the conclusion of that con-ference the delegates issued a jointstatement in which they reaffirmed theircommitment to sustainable development.

Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, in

1994, you statedthat �guaran-teeing a betterquality of life forevery citizen inthe world holdsthe key to ourharmonious andpeaceful globalsociety in the nextmillennium.� South Africa became freein 1994 and inherited a vast legacy of pover-ty and crime, but a lot has been achieved

since then. Of the 11million people with-out clean water, todaymore than 9 millionhave access to water.

We know thatwithout sustainable development wewill not survive. May this symposiumfurther enhance the growing strengthof the relationship between the Hel-lenic Republic and Turkey and maythis be a building block for a better lifefor all.

May this symposium

be a building block for

a better life for all.

Jannie MombergAmbassador of South Africa

As global population increases, thereis a greater demand for food

resources. Hence,maintaining pro-ductive soils iscritical. A healthysoil providesclean air andwater, bountifulcrops and forests,productive range-land, diverse

wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. Unfor-tunately, few of us are aware of the factthat it is the soil and the viable biolog-ical communities in it which help, notonly to ensure long-term rangelandsustainability, but also clean water andclean air.

Soil is a vital implement for agriculturalproduction, yet is in increasingly exposedto diffuse or specific attack from a vari-ety of sources, which makes it morevulnerable to degradation. Soil degra-dation is thus frequent and rapid, where-as the reconstitution process is as slow

as ever, if not impossible. Sustainingthe multi-functionality of the soils is aprimary principle in soil protection.

Soil protection should be system-atically taken into consideration in allother policies, in particular farming,forestry, min-ing, industry,tourism, trans-port, urbanplanning andspatial devel-opment policy.Where there isa risk of seri-ous damage to one of the ecologicalfunctions of soil and when there is sci-entific uncertainty as to the extent of futuresoil deterioration, caution and emergencymeasures should be adopted wherenecessary.

Participation is key in any protec-tion policy. Women, local people,landowners and growers are among theprimary potential participants. Anydecision or operation should be abso-lutely based on the participation prin-ciple. Soil is a vital and largely non-renewable resource and has not beenthe subject of comprehensive EU action

so far. However, in response to con-cerns about the degradation of soils inthe EU, the European Commission hasoutlined the first steps in a strategy toprotect soils. Protection measures havebeen given particular importance in

the 6th Envi-ronment ActionProgramme,which propos-es a new the-matic strategyfor soil protec-tion, with par-ticular empha-

sis on reducing soil erosion, soil dete-rioration, contamination and deserti-fication.

Soil is a repository of natural andhuman history, and underlies and shapesthe landscape. The different sectorsusing land and soils have had their ownpolicies and strategies on preventingsoil degradation. For example, the pro-tection of soils started as a secondaryfocus in water conservation and wastemanagement. Air pollution control,nature conservation and efforts for theprotection of our cultural heritage havealso promoted soil protection.

Professor Ilhami UnverFaculty of AgricultureAnkara University

Anti-life and ad hoc activities havecreated a wave of extinction in

biotic commu-nities. An extinc-tion of habitatsby ten to onemeans an anni-hilation of biotaby 50%. Landdegradation inthis sense is�ecocide� and

needs to be considered a crime.During last two decades, the Euro-

pean continent has lost 5 million hectaresof arable land due to degradation fromsalinisation, physico-chemical and bio-logical factors, erosion, urbanisationand industrialisation. In Izmir, over5,000 ha are being used for non-agri-cultural purposes annually. The totalcultivated area in 1970 was 30,000 ha,but was reduced to 6,000 ha in 1990and to nearly 5,000 ha in 2000.

Agrotourism is an alternative activ-ity in the rural development process, which

combines agriculture and tourism,improves natural resources, and con-tributes to the rural area both sociallyand economically. The introduction ofagricultural activities in urban areas isa way to educate urban people in thecontribution of agriculture to quality oflife and the economy. More specifi-cally, agrotourism:4Helps to protect agricultural areas andthe rural landscape.4Creates diversity in agriculture andcreates job opportunities in rural areas.4Provides opportunities for the mar-keting of agricultural products.4Increases the welfare level of thelocal population.4Establishes social and economic rela-tions between urban and rural dwellersand acts as a bridge between rural andurban areas.4Meets the tourism and recreationneeds of urban people.4Improves the respectability of agri-cultural activity from the urban popu-lation�s point of view.4Educates urban people on the con-tribution of agricultural activities tothe improvement of quality of life andthe economy.

Professor Umit ErdemDirector of Environmental StudiesEge University, Izmir

page 14/Bio News BIO-DIPLOMACY APRIL 2004

There is an ongoing war aroundus. Polar icecaps are melting,

fish populations are declining, waterresources are being polluted, soilsare eroded, the hole in the ozonelayer is increasing in size. Who willstand to profit from this destruction?

The enemies are countless, andwe cannot face them in isolation.

Governments, multinational cor-porations and every individual onthis planet should join forces andwage war against environmental pol-lution and abuse.

Âio-diplomacy, as propoundedby B.I.O. since its inception in 1985,is an opportunity for the aspirationsof sovereign states and civil society

to converge in pursuit of long-terminternational environmental policyand action. Bio-diplomacy activelysupports efforts to maintain biolog-ical and cultural diversity and pro-motes international cooperation inenvironmental protection to enhancequality of life and strengthen effortsfor freedom and peace. AVA

Bio-Diplomacy � an international effort in defence of the environment

We have the desire and energy to

cooperate to prevent environmental

deterioration and we are very

pleased that the 2004 Olympic

Games will be held in Athens.

Business and the media

APRIL 2004 BIO-DIPLOMACY Bio News/page 15

Biopolitics helps us to divert ourattention from the human being

in the sense of selfish and, quite often,short-sighted pursuit of personal strate-

gies, dismissivelyreferred to as�micro politics�in organisation-al theory . Con-versely, it spursus to focus onthe human beingas an integralpart of the envi-

ronment, who can exist within this envi-ronment and can perform satisfacto-rily while, at the same time, respect-ing it. This approach can lead us toadopt strategies of conscious supportof the working and social environment,as well as all types of environment. Itcan also lead us to a point where theoverall benefits are maximized, whichis often referred to as a �win-win� sit-uation.

It is this approach of harmoniousco-existence and mutual respect thatshould govern the issues concerningGreece and Turkey. Businesses as wellas nations at the government level arebound to find grounds for cooperationbased on the concept of mutual bene-fit. The internet constitutes a new envi-ronment and its use can result in restruc-turing relations in economy, politicsand society in general.

Being the leading internet serviceprovider inGreece, OTEnetplays a major partin the buildingof the �informa-tion society� and,from a wider per-spective, theshaping of a new �digital� environ-ment. This new technology allows smallcountries, such as Greece, to partici-pate, on equal terms, in the EuropeanUnion market as well as new global

markets. It also allows other coun-tries, such as Turkey, to take rapidsteps towards modernisation and closethe gap that sets them apart from theadvanced countries of the West.

Bio-diplomacy is the branch ofBiopolitics which aims to achieve envi-ronmental targets through diplomat-ic channels. The internet can renderbio-diplomacy a part of a common pub-

lic sphere, acces-sible to every cit-izen. Our com-mon problems,which very oftenrelate to the nat-ural environ-ment we all

share, bring us together. What weshould really be looking for is discus-sion for joint action for common prob-lems with due respect for the humanbeing and the environment.

Following the problems created byour permissive and consumer soci-

eties, what wereally need is a�good society.�In order to cre-ate a good soci-ety we mustaccept the fol-lowing : Real ful-filment in life willcome from striv-

ing with all of our physical and spiritu-al might for a worthwhile objective thathelps others and that is larger than self-interest. We must also use our educa-tion, talent, and energy to build a world

community that considers knowledgea gift to be shared, a healthy planet aplace to be cherished, and human dig-nity and opportunity fundamental con-ditions to be enjoyed by all people. Toachieve this goal, we need creative ideas,high technology infrastructure, riskcapital and passion.

Professor Christos HalkiasDean, Athens InformationTechnology Center

The internet can render

bio-diplomacy a part of a

common public sphere,

accessible to every citizen.

George IoannidisManaging Director, OTEnet

Environmental education

Business and the media are the reflec-tors of societal values. The media

d i s s e m i n a t einformation tothe public. Theirprimary objec-tive is to presentunbiased infor-mation. How canthis be achieved?Only if there isa true separa-tion of the media and business. A trueseparation of the media and businesspromotes social welfare. In order toenforce this separation, appropriatesets of rules have to be applied, rulesthat are cross-country, cross border,and independent of cultural biases.

Stathis E. NazosCEO, ABN AMROAsset Management

Commercial relations between Greeceand Turkey have greatly improved

over the pastfour years. In1999, businesstransact ionsbetween the twocountries totalled200 million dol-lars and reached1.2 billion dol-lars by 2003. Atreaty cancelling double taxation fur-ther enhanced commercial relationsbetween the two countries.

However, economic developmentis inadvertently related to environ-mental problems. It is important tonote that an agreement between Greeceand Turkey, regarding environmentalprotection in the Aegean Sea area andproviding for the governments andauthorities of both countries to coop-erate in environmental protection, isone of nine bilateral agreements signedin the framework of the improvementof Hellenic-Turkish relations and coop-eration.

We cannot allow further squan-dering of natural resources. The diplo-matic communities of both countries,together with the Biopolitics Interna-tional Organisation, could cooperatein the organisation of seminars toinform industrialists and business exec-utives on how to avoid developmentthat harms the environment.

Panayotis KoutsikosChairman, Hellenic-TurkishChamber of Commerce

We are living in an old world withall its offerings. People who deal

with the envi-ronment gener-ally take intoaccount onlyphysical changes,biological fea-tures and othersuch factors.However, wemust not forgetthat we also live in a cultural and asocial environment. Most probably,these aspects of the environment aremore important than the ones whichdefine its physical features.

Architecture and environmentalissues are the most convenient subjectfor international cooperation on theroad to European Union ideals. Anopen European area for higher learn-ing carries a wealth of positive per-spectives, which respect diversity butwhich also require a continuous effortto remove barriers and to develop aframework for teaching and learningthat enhances close cooperation. Thereare numerous projects that could beimplemented, and we could all worktogether to enhance cooperation andcreate a better future. We are all on thesame road for a new and better world.

Professor Zafer ErturkRector, Eastern MediterraneanUniversity

Bio-education is a bridge of coop-eration between all peoples of the

world and, in this context, the role ofnatural historymuseums in thepreservation ofour natural andcultural heritageis crucial.

Natural his-tory museumshave the possi-bility to invent

new ways of approaching art, theatre,music , literature and science, and toconceive global cultural policies encour-aging an effective debate with thebroadest possible public participation.In the development of these policies,it is essential for natural history muse-ums to take into account the mostrecent aspects of biology and the envi-ronment, as well as the new challengesencountered.

Biopolitics, through its e-learn-ing programmes, can bring Greekand Turkish scientists together incollaboration. It is a great pleasure tobe participating in this Hellenic-Turk-ish symposium, and I would like tothank Ambassador Alpogan, Dr. Vla-vianos-Arvanitis and Professor Kelesfor their timely initiative.

Professor Berna AlpagutFaculty of LettersAnkara University

Viewed as one regional market of morethan 115 million people, Southeast

Europe is certainly a strong enoughmagnet for most companies interest-ed in foreign direct investment. This iswhy the American-Hellenic Chamberof Commerce has initiated a plan that

calls for coop-eration amongthe region's bi-national Amer-ican Chambers.Under the coop-eration agree-ment, events, pre-sentations, andinternet-based

resources are in the process of redefin-ing a new market that offers opportu-nities in almost every sector. Moreover,we have actively encouraged increasedtrade and investment between Greeceand Turkey and have urged business-es in the USA to take note of the hugepotential that improved commercial

relations between the countries of South-east Europe would bring. In the trans-portation sector, reconstruction anddevelopment plans call for new andimproved roads, highways, train lines,airports and sea ports, illustrating thepotential for cross-border cooperation.

As Turkey prepares itself for EUmembership, it is eligible for a varietyof funds to upgrade infrastructure, theenvironment and its financial systems.Greece, as an EU member, has theexperience of knowing the hows andwhys of many of these programmes.The USA also offers know-how that isvery often the best available.

The current level of trade betweenGreece and Turkey is 800 million dol-lars and will soon reach 1 billion dol-lars. We believe that this level couldincrease by another 20%, if more syn-ergies are created so that Greece andTurkey become not only trading part-ners, but trading hubs, transport hubs,and tourism hubs. This can constitutea significant step toward promotingsoutheast Europe, and giving credibil-ity to a region that deserves the seri-ous attention of foreign investors.

Stefanos CostopoulosChairman, American-HellenicChamber of Commerce

In the past, environmental consider-ations were not taken into account

by financial institutions. This is whypresent society is neither as civilisedas we imagine nor as healthy as wethink.

For many decades we have financedpollution. International organisationshave been moreresponsive withrespect to thebio-environmentthan commer-cial banks.Today, all inter-national organ-isations requireenvironmentalcompliances and assurances for everyproject they finance. This is true forthe World Bank Group, the Interna-tional Finance Cooperation, EBRD,

and others. On the 1st of January 1997,a group of 93 commercial banks formedand signed a declaration on the envi-ronment and sustainable development.I am very proud that my bank, the Com-mercial Bank of Greece, or EmporikiBank, has joined, following my sug-gestion, this visionary group of banks.

Constantine KanonisChairman, Hellenic-RussianChamber of Commerce

Present society is neither as

civilised as we imagine nor

as healthy as we think.

As a scientist extensively involvedin pollution research, I can affirm

that pollution is an international prob-lem and providesfertile groundfor the devel-opment of bio-diplomacy.

Technologyis neither goodnor evil. Glob-alisation entailsthe problems ofexpansionism and, to counter thisthreat, a new culture and way of life aboveand beyond technology are needed.

Cooperation between Greece andTurkey is vital in this effort, and Greek-Turkish friendship is something towhich I fully ascribe.

Professor Nicholas Markatosf. Rector, National TechnicalUniversity of Athens

The environment controls ourbehaviour both socially and genet-

ically. Behaviour,however, canoften be crimi-nal. The impor-tance of inter-national coop-eration in organ-ised crime pre-vention is a vitalconcern of mod-

ern society. Within the framework of Euro-pean integration, Greece and Turkeycan work together to combat crime andimprove quality of life.

Via education, universities in bothcountries can be key players in thisendeavour, and international cooper-ation can be maximally beneficial. Thiscooperation is a potential reserve for thefuture of the region. Understadingthrough education can help to over-come even the most negative stereo-types. In fact, cooperation at every levelis the only solution to enable us tostrengthen peace.

Professor Ersi Abatzi KalfogluIstanbul University

Modern life and ancestral culture in full harmony with nature

Things work out when the right peo-ple meet in the right place at the

right time. This is what happened in

Ecuador five years ago. Leaders of theindigenous peoples of the Shuar, Achuarand Lowland-Kichwa met MaschaKauka, the German publisher andfounder of �INDIO-HILFE,� an NGOworking with indigenous populationsin South America.

�After such a long time and basedon my experience, I knew I had to makeseveral big steps forward to improve thesituation,� says Mascha Kauka. �Pro-jects like school meals und chickenbreeding are okay, but they don't real-ly change anything.� At the end of the1990s, when she was managing a pro-ject on medical care in the Amazon

region of Ecuador, Maschawas already thinking about anew plan to save the tropicalrain forest by encouraging thedevelopment of its aboriginal popu-lation. It began when some indigenousintellectual leaders asked her for adviceand support for their initiative: theyintended to live in the forest retainingtheir tradition, while espousing a mod-ern way of life. They wished to offer afuture to their youth and to protect theenvironment. Only if the indigenouspeoples are able and willing to live intheir ancestral forest territories, willthey have the motivation and strengthnecessary to protect them. They under-

stand that all of us share one singleglobal biosphere and are prepared toassume responsibility. �With commonsense all dreams can be realised,� notesJuank Papue, a Shuar leader.

For three years the indigenous peo-ples worked together with Mascha andher NGO to prepare their project,

AMAZONICA, now a regis-tered trademark. The projectwas first implemented in pro-totype communities, with theaim of including other forest com-munities in the Amazon Basin,once all the objectives andplanned measures had ripened.�To propagate the essentials ofthe project, we shall install thePrimeval Forest Academy witha consultative function,� explainsMascha. �I hope we will beready to start by 2005. Otherindigenous peoples could learnand teach here, as well as stu-

dents and professors from industri-alised nations.�

However, before inviting others tojoin the project, there is still a lot tobe done. For example:

4 All-round community develop-ment.4Protection of indigenous terri-tories by nature reserve surveysadministrated by the local Indios.4 Introduction of renewable ener-gy sources for home use and forcommercialisation purposes. Useof decomposing materials and garbagebags made of potato starch.4Education in areas such as basic

literacy, agriculture and hand-icrafts.4 Preservation of culture.4Protection of primary for-est resources and reforesta-tion of former cattle fields

with commercial timber.4 Creation of

small enter-prises.4 Intro-ductionof a taxsystem,basedon con-

t r i b u -tions in

m o n e y ,natural goods

or work, to enablethe independent exe-

cution of community duties andmedical care.4 Ecotourism development.

�Right now I am very happy,� saysMascha. �Everything works well. I haveto keep my fingers crossed! Soon we arehaving the first AMAZONICA meet-ing with the three indigenous peoplesinvolved. The Shuar have invited rep-resentatives of the Achuar and Kich-

wa to their prototype community. Theyare very proud to show their achieve-ments. My last visit to the Kichwa wasalso very satisfying. Two years ago,they decided to stop hunting in the sur-roundings of their community. I sawthem in the middle of their village

working on a laptop powered by solarenergy. A toucan was sitting in the treeabove. Monkeys were playing in thetreetops downriver. This is how weintend it to be.�

Games of the Forest

The AMAZONICA Games, placedunder the patronage of UNESCO,

are a sporting and cultural event to beheld every two years in different loca-tions, with all of the Amazon Basinparticipating. The first Games will beheld in Ecuador in 2004. Indigenouspeoples from all nine neighbouringnations of the Amazon Basin will com-pete in their traditional disciplines.

The AMAZONICA Games arean exotic and cheerful media specta-cle. Their goal is to significantly con-tribute to the improvement of the futurefor indigenous peoples in the Amazonrain forest.

What we have learned yesterdayhelps us today to create tomorrow

The AMAZONICA project is anentirely new approach, based on years

of experience and know-how. It is basedon several key principles and charac-teristics:4Projects in the rain forest are glob-al in character and orientation.4Forward planning models based onthe knowledge of the local situation

are required.4Innovative programmesencourage entrepreneurial initiatives.4Common sense is crucial; experi-ence, know-how, sincerity and soli-darity are what counts.4Help is offered only where and whenit is desired.4Collaboration is based on the ideasand motivations of the Indios.4Everybody assumes responsibility:grandmother and grandson, the entirefamily and all the community mem-bers take part in the work.4The projects are planned in a waythat the Indios can carry them out bythemselves, step by step.

4The Indios learn to develop and elab-orate realisable plans, respect timeschedules and handle money.4There is never any interference inreligious or cultural structures.4Professional management, perma-nent control on the spot, maximal flex-ibility are encouraged. There is readi-ness to help the Indios until they areable to continue the project on their own,independently.4Globalisation works from the bot-tom up, spreading out in horizontaland vertical directions.4Sound progress can lead to a betterfuture.

20 Years of INDIO-HILFE inEcuador

1982-2002: Collaboration with the peo-ple of Chachi (7000 Indios) living inthe last tropical rain forest, in theprovince of Esmeraldas on the Pacif-ic coast of Ecuador. Projects includedall aspects of daily life. Of special impor-tance are the following dimensions: 4Land surveying and legal attributionof traditional territories by propertytitles/deeds4Revival and protection of the Chachiculture 4Education and job training4Agriculture

4Creation of medical infrastructure,such as the construction of the firstand only hospital in this forest areawith nine ambulance outlets.1992-2002: Collaboration with thePilahuines-Quichua (5000 mountainfarmers) in the province of Tungu-rahua near Chimborazo. Projectsinclude:4Agriculture: production and mar-keting, construction of a big markethall and a slaughterhouse4Major water project: at an altitudeof 4000m (12,000 feet) two springs aremerged and led downhill using 10 kmof piping. The water supplied is usedfor drinking and for watering crops onthe steep slopes.4Purchase and renovation of an oldbuilding near the Indio market in Quito.The building can house up to 140 peo-ple and is used as a hostel offering shel-ter to the farmers coming to town onmarket days.1998-2002: Nationwide health careproject for Indios on the Ecuador coast,the highlands of the Andes in the Ama-zon region, and the peoples of Shuar,Achuar, Lowland-Quichua and Zapara.The project involved: 4Construction of seven new ambu-lance stations with radio connection4Construction of the first photovoltaicplant in the rain forest of the Achuarterritory for electricity and drinkingwater supply 4A campaign against recently import-ed serious diseases.March 2002: Organisagtion of the�First Alternative Round for Renew-able Energies� in Puyo, in the provinceof Pastaza, with the participation of150 Indio-parliamentarians and theEcuadorian government. Collabora-tion with the university of Weihen-stephanl, Germany, and Professor ErnstSchrimpff.June 2002: UNESCO places AMA-ZONICA under its patronage. October 2002: The AMAZONICApilot project begins in the Amazonregion of Ecuador. The project�s goalis to save the tropical rain forest byaiding the development of the aborig-inal population.

AMAZONICA � The future is nowEducation and technology guarantee the survival of the jungle

Biopolit ics International Organisation10 Tim. Vassou Street, Athens 11521, Greece Ôel: (+30210) 64 32 419 Fax: (+30210) 64 34 093

e-mail: bios@otenet.gr � www.biopolitics.gr

AMAZONICA combines thepreservation of traditional

values with the use of modern technologies.

This laptop in the middleof the forest is powered

by solar energy.

The quality of a globalised

world depends on how

healthy nature can be kept.

The tropical rain forest can be

saved by aiding the develop-

ment of its aboriginal popu-

lation. Modern technology and

education enrich everyday life

deep in the forest. The AMA-

ZONICA project goes down

to the roots and offers endur-

ing solutions for indigenous

peoples and the environment.

Only extensive experience

and forward planning models

based on knowledge of the

local situation can enable ini-

tiatives like the AMAZONICA

project to be on the right track.

With some modifications, the

project could also be trans-

ferred to Asia and Africa.

The Indios understand that

all of us share one single glob-

al biosphere and they are pre-

pared to assume their respon-

sibilities. With common sense,

all dreams can be realised.

page 16/Bio News BIO-EDUCATION APRIL 2004