Environmental research: free access to information for developing countries

Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE), an international public-private consortium coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Yale University, and publishers, gives developing countries free or low-cost access to over 1,000 environmental science journals. OARE also provides access to several abstract and information research databases, and full text books and technical reference materials. OARE water-related journal titles include: Advances in Water Resources; Environmental Toxicology and Water Quality; International Journal of Water Resources Development; Mine Water and the Environment; Urban Water Journal; Water, Air, & Soil Pollution; Water and Environment Journal; Water Research; Water Resources; and Water Resources Management. Non-profit public and indigenous non-governmental organisations performing environment-related work, from 70 low-income countries can register for free access to OARE content. By 2008, nearly 40 other countries will be eligible for low-cost access. OARE is the third free access initiative set up in partnership with a UN agency. The others are HINARI - Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (WHO) and AGORA - Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (FAO).