Many IUFRO members will be aware that a substantial proportion of international research on the environment is currently being directed through the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP). This programme was started in response to the perceived need for better imcrnational collaboration within the research community over global change issues. Its stated aim is "to describe and understand the interactive physical, chemical and biological processes that regulate the total Earth system, the unique environment that it provides for life, the changes that are occurring in its system, and the manner in which they are influenced by human activities."