Massive volume of data

The “Encyclopaedia of Life Support Systems” (EOLSS) is unique in many aspects. At first it is big and it increases constantly. It is the largest on-line encyclopaedia in the world, with more than 120,000 pages on the web, and it increases constantly. The content is edited by nearly 300 subject experts. About 5,000 authors from more than 100 countries have been, and still are, contributing to EOLSS developments. This massive volume of knowledge and data is developed under the auspices of UNESCO.

Complex knowledge system

EOLSS deals with natural Environment in connection with economic and social Development. It adopts a thematic approach to the subjects, and highlights the interconnections between Environment and Development. The result is an integrated system of knowledge on the “web of life”. This is achieved by bringing different academic disciplines to explain the complex interactions among natural systems and human societies.

Timely body of knowledge

Sustainable environment with sustainable development has become one of the greatest concerns of our times. We need a comprehensive and coherent body of knowledge to preserve life on Earth, and to ensure sustainable development for all. EOLSS provides such useful body of knowledge. However, this knowledge must reach all peoples, in their languages and in their cultural backgrounds.

Making it available to all people

UNL is fit for this purpose. It can do both, to reproduce EOLSS system of knowledge in people’s native languages, and it enables them to explore it according to their cultural background. The UNDL Foundation, in agreement with UNESCO and the EOLSS Foundation, is committed to carry out such huge task.

Our task

Our task is to make the entire EOLSS available in multiple languages, to start with the six official languages of UNESCO. The tasks involves a two-step process: the first consists of enconverting the content of the EOLSS from English into UNL (UNLization process); and the second consists of deconverting EOLSS content from UNL into many natural languages. The enconversion process will be carried out under the responsibility of the UNDL Foundation, while the deconversison in natural languages will be carried out by UNL language center(s) of the respective language

Progress

EnConversion of EOLSS into UNL has been started. UNLized articles are available at UNL Documents.