ThiS pilot phase of GRID had four objectives; The development of geographic information systems (GIS) methodologies and procedures for constructing, manipulating and making available to users global environmental data sets for the purpose of conducting environmental analyses and assessments; Demonstration of the application of GIS technology within GRID to combine global and national datasets for resource management and environmental planning applications at the national level in a number of demonstration case studies; Establishment of a framework for cooperation and data exchange between international and inter-governmental organizations which deal with environment-related matters, such as FAO, WHO, WMO, ICSU, ILCA, IUCN, etc, and, Provision of exposure to GIS technology and of training opportunities in GIS and data management technologies employed by GRID to scientists and resource managers from participating developing countries.