Summary of Principal Recommendations
This summarizes the main recommendations of the Regional Environmental Center (REC-Budapest) for new regional environmental centers beyond the mandate of REC-Budapest. Theses recommendations are based on needs analysis studies done in Moldova, Russia and the Ukraine and the expert knowledge of REC-Budapest.
- A need for a service organization to serve NGOs, central and local governments and the business community was clearly identified.
- The new organization should focus on fostering the participation of all sectors of society in environmental decisionmaking and supporting regional cooperation.
- The new organization should offer the following services:
- Information Exchange and Publications with an emphasis on facilitating access to information
- Training and Capacity Building
- Grants Programs for NGOs with limited access for local authorities
- The new organization should consist of a network of national offices, as well as a head office which acts as a coordination and information center that has financial authority.
- Initially, the new organization should operate in Moldova, Ukraine and the European part of Russia. Expansion to other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and delivery of a full range of services to the remaining territory of Russia will be contingent upon demand and funding.
- An international assistance organization should be identified/hired to assume the administrative responsibility for the initial stages of the projectÕs implementation, as well as financial responsibility for the start-up period.
- Implementation should last five years. First services will be offered after the first year, full services after the second year.
- Funding has to be secured for this five-year period, including contributions from the countries involved.
- To establish and operate the organization in Moldova, Ukraine and Russia, a total of USD 10,500,000 is needed. Geographical expansion and program extension will increase the budget accordingly by at least USD 4,200,000. In addition, implementation costs should be considered.
REC * PUBLICATIONS * NEW REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTERS * SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDATIONS
