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Quinaxi - Institute for Sustainable Development

The Institute for Sustainable Development QUINAXI, created in December 1997, is a non profit civil organization of scientific nature, that provides a space for analysis, discussion, research and observation of the process of sustainable development in Colombia.

The essence of the Institute is scientific and technological research in the disciplines and fields of knowledge necessary to achieve the interdisciplinary and holistic view required for the fulfillment of its goals.

The Institute develops its work based on the principles of independence, freedom of thought and expression, political neutrality, respect for the cultural, ethnic, religious and ideological differences, seeking to find credibility and trust within the public opinion, about the results obtained by its actions.

Objectives

	To identify the natural and environmental strengths and potentials of the country as well as its weaknesses and problems.
	To follow, from the perspective of the civil society, the national sustainable development process. By creating an independent and neutral space it will foster the analysis, discussion, production and diffusion of information related to its purposes.
	To stimulate the creation of a network of individuals and institutions, both national and international, interested in the area of sustainability, in order to reinforce and accumulate knowledge and information on the subject.
	To contribute to the consolidation of a clear national position, in accordance with the national interests, for the international agreements and negotiations in environmental and related issues. To identify and obtain international cooperation for the achievement of its objectives.
	To foster the open knowledge, analysis, discussion and acceptance of sustainable processes in order to contribute to the creation of public awareness and interest on the need of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Action Fields

In order to achieve its purposes and objectives the Institute makes use of research and information oriented towards the better knowledge and facilitation of sustainability in Colombia. The Institute also deals with international and global problems and subjects related to environment and sustainable development that may be relevant to the country and its interests.

	Environmental Policy and Legislation
	This field covers the initiatives to study, analyze, formulate proposals, criticize and assist the national, regional and local environmental policies and legislation. It takes into account the international and national context in order to help to define the Colombian position nationally and internationally.
	Society and Environment
	This field studies the interactions between society and environment. It includes regional planning, environmental education and negotiation and consensus building among stakeholders.
	Economic Development and Environment
	This field deals with the economic and productive activities and sustainable development. Cleaner Production, Eco-tourism, Environmental Management Systems EMS, Conservation and sustainable use of resources, etc are included here.
	Information technology and environment
	It is related to use of information technology to promote and follow up sustainable development and also how to deal with environmental information to make it useful and widely available. Use of SIGs and data bases is covered in this field.

Strategies

	Space for analysis, discussion and opinion exchange
	The Institute offers seminars, courses and workshops on subjects and projects relevant to its interests and purposes, inviting national and international experts as participants and elaborates documents on the materials and conclusions of such events.
	Bank of information
	The Institute is building and developing with the advancement of its activities an information bank about the country, in order to support an open and reliable information system. The system should be linked to national and international information networks and sources of data and information regarding sustainable development and related matters. The information contained in the bank will allow the periodical evaluation of goals and targets by means of environmental indicators.
	Research and studies
	The Institute will carry out research and studies to increase the knowledge and understanding of the environment in Colombia, and on the ways and productive systems to use in a sustainable manner the country natural resources.

Services

The Institute offers research and study services to private and public institutions in order to analyze subjects and policy proposals relative to environmental and sustainable development matters.

The Institute provides services of assistance for the solution of environmental conflicts.

The Institute could direct and manage field projects or activities related with its objectives.