RANET - Global

RANET works to build telecommunication bridges between scientific-based products and remote communities to foster the exchange of environment-related information. RANET is a 2-tier system. The first tier carries information necessary for meteorological services to improve their own products. Examples include satellite imagery, ocean temperature measurements, synoptic observations, and large-scale model runs. These products are taken from public domain websites. The second tier is designed to serve the communities and local populations by further distributing locally/nationally produced information, such as forecasts, bulletins, and warnings. In several cases, communities have requested additional information such as crop prices, which is then also placed on the network. In all cases RANET strives to have information produced in local languages and in a non-technical format.

RANET works on developing specific technology-based platforms. For instance, in Africa new and existing analogue (FM/AM) radio stations were integrated with new digital radio satellite technologies. RANET's strategy in this and other projects involves helping ensure the programme builds upon existing capabilities and local knowledge, is community owned and operated, and is locally relevant.

However, another programme strategy is to address larger issues of information access by strengthening the capacities of national agencies to produce and disseminate information and advising on how information could be better presented. RANET works to identify and train partners in the use of various technologies. For example, the RANET Internet Presence Initiative (RIPI) programme is designed to help meteorological services develop web skills in content production and design. Training programmes occur once or twice a year, and involve basic and advanced web design and techniques, instruction on content production, and use of digital satellite radio broadcasts.

RANET also provides a web hosting programme. In exchange for the chance to develop web skills and an online presence, national environmental services are asked to make some operational products available via RANET's digital radio broadcast. The WorldSpace Foundation (renamed First Voice International, or FVI) developed and manages the satellite system through which RANET broadcasts multimedia (data) content to all of Africa and most of Asia. RANET currently broadcasts on the WorldSpace Afristar satellite on the Foundation's Africa Learning Channel Multimedia Service. The length of broadcast depends upon how much broadcast space RANET is alotted. Content that is critical in nature (warnings) or that updates on a near hourly basis (some satellite imagery) is broadcast every hour. Country-specific content is broadcast when RANET has a slot.

Partnership and networking are key to RANET. The consortium is comprised of various international, regional, national, and local organisations from the public, non-profit, and commercial sector. RANET programmes are primarily managed at the country level, with the weather service functioning as the primary facilitator. RANET develops a network designed to integrate all available information with current activities and decision-making processes at the community and household level. Whenever possible, RANET works to draw on existing networks to reinforce local capabilities. However, it also works to gain access for rural populations to "common networks" - large systems likely inaccessible by any one group. The RANET consortium therefore has several regional and supra-regional management bodies.

Environment, Disaster, Information, Partnership, Technology.