Within this call, assistance to South Eastern Europe's (SEE) environmental NGOs will be given, to increase their networking and cooperation on a regional level. Grants will be given to projects that support the establishment and maintenance of SEE environmental NGO coalitions (umbrella organisations, networks, etc.), with one of the main aims being to contribute to the work of the REReP. It is not a condition that the coalition focuses entirely on REReP. Such a coalition (network, umbrella organisation, etc.) should: serve as a platform for cooperation and coordination of activities of NGOs in South Eastern Europe;  be non-exclusive;  include all major players in the environmental field in Central and Eastern Europe, including topic-oriented networks (e.g. Bankwatch, CEEWEB, FOE, etc.);  act in a democratic manner that allows participation of all interested parties;  ensure dissemination of information related to REReP, the Balkan Stability Pact and other issues that concern the environment in SEE, thus raising the awareness of the general public; prepare input for the REReP Taskforce foster and stimulate national activities related to the Balkan environment;  represent all SEE countries; and  work closely together with the REC in further defining, developing and implementing priority areas (civil society development) of the REReP. Each project proposal must include: organisation and implementation of one region-wide gathering for SEE NGOs;  participation costs for nine NGO representatives in two REReP Taskforce meetings; and  demonstration of support for SEE NGOs (such as letters of support, current participation in activities, etc.). A successful proposal will: clearly describe how the suggested activity contributes to the REReP Process, including reflections on the role of NGOs in the process;  describe all expected results of the suggested activities and the ways to achieve them;  present a clear and feasible work-plan;  provide indicators for success of the different activities outlined in the work-plan;  use established and successfully proven mechanisms for NGO networking and cooperation;  involve personnel with proven experience and background in NGO networking (provide a full CV) - particularly  in leading functions; clearly explain the role of all project partners;  be based on a wide coalition of NGOs, involving also international and regional NGOs; and  be cost-effective. We do NOT encourage proposals that: involve less than three SEE countries; support specific topical networks (such as the "Brown Bear Network") that seek coalitions with other networks;  involve only one partner per country; and are not related in any way to the REReP process. Project duration  The project should last one year until April 2002. In case of successful implementation of the project, there will be the possibility to apply for a further support to the REC.  Other Complementing REC Support  It is obvious that, with the funding available under this call for tender, not all NGOs in the Balkans can be supported. It is, however, a fact that some NGOs might choose not to become member of a network or an umbrella organisation. Therefore the REC is announcing - in parallel to this call - a call to each Balkan country for projects under its Local Grants Programme to contribute to REReP.

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