The infoDev INTERCEPT project is the development of an Internet-based environmental planning tool for use in developing countries. The project extends the INFO2000 global biodiversity information system (under development) and in its first full year is significantly supported by INFO2000. INTERCEPT also builds on the international network relations and further electronic communications systems of key project partners (UIA / WCMC / DA), involving several thousand organisations and environmental agencies internationally.

This activity’s overarching objective is to ensure the development-relevance of interactive database systems on the natural environment, environmental management, planning procedures, international standards and environmental best practice.

INTERCEPT will support (i) policy-making at the government level in developing countries (through the use of internationally-relevant information sources); (ii) programme planning at the INGO and NGO level (through contextually-oriented environmental planning support); and (iii) provide strategic information to the development of environmental service sectors (commercial) in developing countries.

The project will produce a CD / Web-based package for international distribution, networking environmental professionals and agencies in developing countries with their counterparts in other developing countries and in industrialised countries.

INTERCEPT will explore several levels of financial sustainability by (i) distinguishing between government, non-government and private sector end-users and (ii) combining sponsorship agreements (notably for national and sectoral support programmes), organisational franchise schemes (for commercial development in the private sector), and on-line transaction schemes (non-monetary and exchange) for use in the non-government sectors.

The underlying design emphasis of INTERCEPT is towards the development of internationally interactive knowledge-based information systems for environmental planning at the developing country level.