At the brink of the 21st century, technology is expanding the horizons of understanding and is widening the spectrum of thought not only to include the cosmos but also to reveal the infinite beauty of the micorcosmos and the macrocosmos. However, rapid technological advances have created a decline in values and a feeling of uncertainty. This anxiety is justified, since technology has progressed at a geometric rate, whereas social structure and legislation have been unable to evolve at the same pace. While technology offers the innumerable goods of modern society and ameliorates the conditions of life, most people foresee dim prospects for the future. This wave of pessimism and fearful approach to life need to be reversed.The spirit of respect for “bios” (life) may serve as a catalyst and allow the incorporation of new values, so that man feels that technology is being harnessed for his well-being. The role of man may be placed on a perspective of optimism leading to the desired dimensions and expanding strategies for future society.Threats to the environment are endangering “bios”. We can not take any more risks because local problems cross national boundaries quickly. It is for this reason that Biopolitics International Organisation *(B.I.O.) held its first conference on “Biopolitics and International Co-operation – the Bio-Environment”. The term bio-environment is meant to increase awareness to the threats imposed on all forms of “bios” rather than “oikos” (house), as used in ecology.
“Bios” allows for technological progress in all aspects of future society and establishes a link between technology and ethical values. B.I.O. proposes:
- international co-operation for better understanding of “bios”. Parallel with internal problems, nations will have an international task. Advanced nations could undertake a world educational campaign through communication satellites to increase public awareness on issues such as health and the bio-environment.
- the bio-assessment of technology so that the positive aspects of technological contributions may be re-examined in order to shift the centre of gravity from fear to hope.
- the sensitisation of public opinion towards the ramifications of the human endeavour.
The May conference provided an arena for leaders in respective fields to discuss the bio-environment. They voiced their opinions in resolutions expressed in this volume, and committed themselves to promote B.I.O. ideals. All those who participated shared the view that “bios” is our most precious possession and may serve as an ideal pathway to peace and harmony. In this conference, participants from thirty nations were able to exchange views and share common resolutions. On behalf of all the participants, founding members of B.I.O., I wish to thank the sponsors who made this meeting a reality: the Agricultural Bank of Greece; the National Bank of Greece; the Ministry of Culture; M. Hadji Dai, Cipico; Captain N. Frangos; V. Vardinoyiannis; M. Martinou; Captain N. Pateras, Vivechrom; Rank Xerox; Olympic Airways; Voxitai Parnassou; A.G. Leventis Foundation; Southeastern College; A.B. Vassilopoulos; A. Pintos, and N. Kouvaras.
The valuable assistance of the conference staff volunteers provided the continuous force and inspiration in reaching the common resolutions on the bio-environment. In addition, I wish to acknowledge the assistance of Sylvia Paparaptis, Pat Hamilton, Iman Khodaei, Louisa Brown and Letta Strantzalis, for the preparation of this volume.
This international conference stressed the need for immediate action and the implementation of the “Bank of Ideas”, as first proposed by B.I.O. in 1985. It is hoped that this volume will provide for the expansion of B.I.O. ideals, and may promote international co-operation on “bios”, thus contributing to the belief that “bios” may serve as the lever to lift the spirit of people throughout the world.
Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis
Founding President of B.I.O.
