PREFACE

Since its inception in 1985, the Biopolitics International Organisation (B.I.O.) has been actively promoting a shift from an anthropocentric to a biocentric system of values in society, in order to curb environmental destruction and place appreciation of bios (life) and the bio-environment at the core of every endeavor. On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, the B.I.O. wishes to draw attention to the fact that new economic policy and environmentally compatible business strategy are prerequisites for a successful and harmonious society in the next millennium.

With business leaders increasingly aware of the need to implement such policy and continuously searching for new ways of combining competitiveness and environmental protection, the B.I.O. organized a corporate symposium at the Harvard Club of New York City, on February 7, 1995, with the aim of providing a forum for the exchange of ideas on business strategy to safeguard the environment and guarantee a better quality of life. What emerged from the meeting, which covered financial, technical and corporate policy, was a necessary shift in business perspective, in order to ensure that the economic driving force will directly contribute to the preservation of the bio-environment.

The B.I.O. had held two similar symposia in Athens in 1992 and 1993, where world experts in business, economics and environmental legislation discussed the need to incorporate environmental protection in every aspect of future economic policies. The proceedings from both symposia are available in English and Greek.

Business Strategy for the Bio-Environment at the Harvard Club of New York City was made possible by the following sponsors: L. Rizzuto, Chairman Connair Corporation, S. Milonas, President Ionian Transport Company and Rev. Gregory, President Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce.

I would like to express my gratitude to Elli Antoniadis and Anthony Contomichalos for serving on the organizing committee. Appreciation is expressed to Helen Papadimitriou for her assistance in organizing this event and preparing this publication. Additional thanks are extended to Christos Efthimiopoulos and Dimitris Charalambidis for their contribution.

Prof. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis
B.I.O. President and Founder

Special appreciation is extended to the Commercial Bank of Greece for generous sponsorship of 1995 B.I.O. activities.

Business Strategy for the Bio-Environment at The Harvard Club of New York City and the subsequent publication of this volume were also made possible by the following B.I.O. sponsors for 1995:

Kitty P. Kyriacopoulos

Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry

A.G. Leventis Foundation

Rank Xerox Hellas S.A.

ELAIS S.A.

I.F. Kostopoulos Foundation

Zeneca Hellas S.A.

Lonza Ltd

Beiersdorf Hellas S.A.