The Compass Network - a global exchange for knowledge and creativity - has been launched to help improve the quality of sustainable development communications worldwide.

The network's website brings together research and resources to help people to plan effective campaigns, as well as examples of creative work to inspire imaginations. Members are encouraged to share their own work and learning with others, and to support each other in building specialist communications expertise.

The site also includes an events diary and an email forum for members to make new contacts and share experience.

Membership is free, international and open to anyone who has a role, or interest in, communicating sustainable development: marketers, businesspeople, civil servants, campaigners, PR professionals, local government workers, CSR consultants and more.

The Compass Network is run by specialist communications consultancy Futerra and the Sustainable Development Commission, the UK government's independent advisor on sustainable development, with the support of the UK Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

'All over the world, thousands of us are communicating on issues of sustainable development: from recycling to renewable energy, conservation to corporate responsibility, transport to fair trade,' said Futerra's MD, Solitaire Townsend. 'We're all trying to educate and to motivate. Now, through the Compass Network, we can help each other.'

'High quality communications are crucial if we are to succeed in encouraging people to live more sustainable lifestyles. The Compass Network will help communicators to deliver effective campaigns by providing a place to share, to learn and to meet like-minded people working towards the same goal,' said Jonathon Porritt, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission.

The Compass Network website is at www.compassnetwork.org

Futerra/Sustainable Development Commission

Futerra/Sustainable Development Commission

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