How OARE is expanding access to environmental research in developing countries, which helps bridge this gap by providing free or low-cost access to leading environmental research publications.
Access to high-quality environmental research is critical for scientists, policymakers, and conservationists working to address global challenges such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
However, many researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face significant barriers due to the high cost of scientific literature. The Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE) initiative, part of the Research4Life program, helps bridge this gap by providing free or low-cost access to leading environmental research publications.
How OARE is Expanding Access to Environmental Research in Developing Countries
What is OARE?
OARE (Online Access to Research in the Environment) is a collaborative initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with major publishers and Research4Life.
We have written in a previous article about how Research4Life promotes access to high quality research for African researchers and others from LMICs.
Launched in 2006, OARE provides institutions in eligible LMICs with access to thousands of scientific journals, books, and databases covering topics such as environmental science, climate change, sustainable development, and natural resource management.
Like its sister programs—HINARI (health sciences), AGORA (agriculture), ARDI (technology and innovation), and GOALI (law and social sciences)—OARE aims to reduce the knowledge divide by ensuring that researchers in developing nations have access to the same high-quality scientific information as their counterparts in wealthier countries.
How OARE Works
OARE operates on a tiered access model based on a country’s economic status. Institutions in low-income countries receive free access, while those in slightly wealthier nations pay a nominal fee.
Eligible institutions include universities, government agencies, research centers, and non-profit organizations involved in environmental studies.
To use OARE, institutions must register and meet eligibility requirements. Once approved, students, researchers, and policymakers affiliated with these institutions can access a vast range of environmental science literature through an online platform.
The interface integrates with major indexing databases, making it easier for users to find relevant publications.
Benefits of OARE
1. Strengthening Environmental Research and Policy
Access to scientific literature allows researchers in LMICs to conduct high-quality studies, contribute to global environmental knowledge, and develop evidence-based policies to address environmental challenges.
2. Supporting Sustainable Development
OARE provides crucial information on climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management. This helps governments, NGOs, and local communities implement effective strategies for environmental sustainability.
3. Enhancing Education and Capacity Building
By making environmental science literature freely available, OARE supports academic institutions in developing countries, improving the quality of education and training for future scientists, policymakers, and environmental advocates.
4. Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Many developing countries face limited access to global scientific knowledge due to financial constraints. OARE helps level the playing field, ensuring that researchers and decision-makers in these countries can contribute to and benefit from global environmental discussions.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its success, OARE faces challenges such as limited internet access in some regions, low awareness of the program among eligible institutions, and restrictions from some publishers that limit access to certain journals. Expanding digital infrastructure, increasing outreach efforts, and encouraging more publishers to participate will be key to maximizing OARE’s impact.
Conclusion
OARE is a transformative initiative that empowers researchers, educators, and policymakers in developing countries with access to critical environmental research.
By reducing knowledge barriers, it contributes to stronger environmental policies, better conservation efforts, and more informed decision-making.
Institutions eligible for OARE should take full advantage of this resource to enhance research and drive sustainable development.
