Conclusions

FIDIC builds the future on firm foundations in Oslo and looks forward to a continued dialogue in Tokyo 1991

Knut Ekeberg, chairman of the organising committee of the 1990 FIDIC Annual Conference and chairman of the FIDIC Task Committee on the Environment (ENVTC)

FIDIC 90 in Oslo was heavily focussed on the environment and sustainable development, for a variety of reasons:

There is a growing awareness among consulting engineers that the engineering profession has unintentionally contributed to environmental problems, while the purpose of introducing modern technology has been to improve the quality of life. This is nothing to be ashamed of because the performance of the profession has been to satisfy the priorities of society, based on the prevailing knowledge of the effect of engineering activities on nature and natural processes. The results have, however, shown that environmental considerations should be an integrated part of any project, which may require a new and unproved approach.

Sustainable development requires a high technological standard and capability in the application of technology. This belief pervades the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future and represents at the same time an obligation and a challenge for the engineering profession and interesting business opportunities as well.

Such acknowledgements imply certain responsibilities for FIDIC, as the international representative body for consulting engineers. it is necessary to enhance the environmental consciousness of the individual consulting engineer. Society and prospective clients should also be made aware of the role and the potential of the consulting engineer. This is necessary to make sure that premises and conditions can meet the requirements of sustainable development.

The FIDIC '90 Annual Conference turned out to be a milestone for the work FIDIC had started through its Environmental Task Committee (ENVTC) established at the 1988 Annual Conference in Dublin.

The objectives of the conference were based on the three factors outlined above. The conference opened with the FIDIC Forum, continued with six workshops on environmental topics. The main purpose of the FIDIC Forum was to give a descriptive presentation of environmental issues which would attract a wide audience. The three eminent speakers satisfied this objective.

Common aims

Conclusions to be drawn may vary, according to individual levels of knowledge, personal interest and involvement in environmental matters. For me it was encouraging to observe the interest shown by representatives of external institutions, associations and organisations such as the World Watch Institute, international financing institutions, UN organisations and environmental authorities. FIDIC's activities related to sustainable development were met with positive response and interest for cooperation and closer relations with FIDIC was expressed.

I also have reason to believe that the conference gave quite a few consulting engineers a new perspective on their own work. 'Think globally - act locally', to quote the World Commission report. 'Me process of drafting and approving FIDIC's Policy Statement on Consulting Engineers and the Environment may also be considered a breakthrough for such a philosophy.

Another interesting observation was the explicit frustration felt by consulting engineers regarding public decision making. Influence based
on competence alone seems difficult to obtain. On the other hand, consulting engineers are not much in favour of political engagement through political parties, which may have something to do with their belief in independence and objectivity. The consequence is, however, a lack of influence on the policy making processes in society. There was general consensus on the need for greater political involvement but considerable reluctance towards such activities through political parties. FIDIC and its member associations may represent a more acceptable altemative but such a strategy requires more activity. The ignorance of politicians concerning the consulting engineer was also stressed and the need for information emphasised.

Looking long term

From a professional viewpoint the most significant task for further consideration will probably be to develop a better approach to environmental studies on projects. This was proposed by Don Roberts in his Forum speech, when he claimed that such studies should start earlier and last longer and his point was further highlighted during workshops discussions and the final session "Where do we go from here?" The problem of quantifying environmental impacts of projects was emphasised, especially the long term effects. A better system for public involvement was called for and today's principles for transferring environmental concerns into design criteria were questioned. New attitudes may influence relations with clients and with society as a whole.

Finally, I would like to mention that educational training, transfer of knowledge and international cooperation were also in focus, hardly surprising for an international organisation like FIDIC. However, this was not limited to transfer of knowledge from industrialised countries to less developed countries or between Western and Eastern European countries. An open mind on cooperation between all countries was demonstrated. Furthermore, it was interesting to notice that the approach to such questions was not one dimensional in the sense that only technical problems were considered. A comprehensive understanding of the need for other professions was clearly stated.

Broader views

Contact with delegates from less developed countries and with representatives from countries in Eastern Europe is important for both sides. However, the audience at FIDIC conferences is less representative than it ought to be due to the currency problem and FIDIC should work towards easing this difficulty. At least one delegate from each member association should attend the Annual Conference.

Being responsible for organising and managing the 1990 conference, it is impossible for me to be impartial when the result is to be evaluated. Nevertheless, 1 believe that the conference met the objectives it was reasonable to expect. However, the result of the conference is yet to come to light, in the actions of FIDIC, the national member associations and of ourselves, the consulting engineers. It is therefore encouraging to know that the 1991 FIDIC Forum theme in Tokyo will be "Harmonisation between man and environment - actions for the profession." Environmental topics will also be discussed in several workshops.

See you in Tokyo!

| FIDIC 1990 |