Connecting the global development community. Bellanet.
John Eberlee · PubMed · 1996
A desire to make the most efficient, effective use of resources has prompted some development assistance organizations, led by the International Development Research Center, to establish a 3-year pilot project called Bellanet. Its purpose is to increase collective impact by promoting collaboration on forward planning and concerted actions through a computer-facilitated forum connecting all members of the international development community. Through the use of various information and communication technologies such as e-mail, listservs, electronic conferencing and computer bulletin boards, participants are able to share ideas, exchange information, and develop partnerships. Conceived at meetings in Bellagio, Italy, in 1993 and 1994, Bellanet is about helping development organizations become 21st-century organizations by the 21st century and facilitating collaborations within and between organizations. It requires attitudinal change at individual and institutional level. Its major impact is foreseen in program planning through increased networking and greater use of existing information systems. On-line discussions include the following topics: biodiversity, desertification, development assistance impact analysis, and networking capacity development.