The Japanese government has suspended funding to a controversial hydroelectric power project in Western Kenya which is still in the first phase of construction. Citing "environmental disruption and corruption" in a letter to the government of Kenya, Japan's Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka indicated that suspension of funding for the Sondu Miriu hydropower dam project was "a response to criticism from environmental campaigners and differences between Kenya and Japan over further funding."

A leading African environmentalist, Dr. Calestous Juma, has received the prestigious Henry Shaw Medal for his dedication to protecting the environment while promoting sustainable development. The award honours Juma as "one of the world's leading authorities on protecting the environment while promoting ethical sustainable development in developing countries". He called on the international community to work towards blending environmental goals with development strategies.

Scientists, governments and environmental groups from around the world are planning a cooperative assessment of all the planet's wildlife habitats and ecosystems. The United Nations Environment Programme unveiled the plans at World Environment Day 2001 celebrations in New York, Tokyo and Torino, Italy this week.

What are policy processes? Why do they matter? Why are environmental policies based upon highly questionable assumptions so persistent? How and why are particular types of knowledge established as policy? Can policy processes be opened up to more diverse forms of knowledge?