The IGCP 400 project "Geodynamics of Continental Rifting" aims at a better understanding of the Cenozoic geodynamics of rifting and sedimentary basin formation in their complex intraplate environment. It is based on comparative investigation of geophysical, tectonic, kinematic and magmatic processes intracontinental rifts, their crustal and upper mantle structure and their global plate tectonic settings. It pays a special attention to the early stages of rifting in continental plates. Four active rift systems were selected: the Afro-Arabian, Baikal, Rio Grande and European Rift Systems. For a better understanding of the evolution of rifting processes with time, the project also considers rifts at various stages of formation, with examples of the mature failed rift of North Sea and Passive Margins in general. The IGCP 400 project has several links with others IGCP and ILP projects. It considers also environmental and natural hazard risks prediction, paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental changes, lacustrine environment protection and promotion of multilateral north-south and east-west scientific and technological co-operation.