Executive Summary

Conclusions and Recommendations
The good practices demonstrated within this report show good case studies of applications using recent developments in telematics or ISTs in the areas of:

• environmental monitoring, data and information management;
• simulation and forecasting techniques for the environmental pollution processes;
• decision support and warning systems;
• communication systems for data and;
• information flow.

Each project has demonstrated telematics to be an indispensable tool assisting environmental management and contributing towards sustainable development. However, the implementation of such systems does introduce considerable institutional changes. Long-term public commitment to implement these measures and provide financing is an essential factor for success. The projects stressed human factors are the cornerstone of the integration of new 'technology' by potential end-users. Acceptance of these new ideas and advanced technology requires both training and education, as well as the integration of local knowledge and technology.

The most important conclusions drawn from the analysis of the projects show that supporting multi-disciplinary as well as trans-national co-operation are cornerstones for successful environmental management. It cannot be stressed enough that the environment does not recognise administrative boundaries, and that good neighbourliness is critical in solving environmental problems. It is in this context particularly that EU and CEE co-operation in RTD can generate enormous benefits for all concerned, by linking related organisations, sharing data, pooling knowledge and experience, and demonstrating solutions which can be exploited at other sites. Better quality of environmental information is essential to make informed decisions by the authorities and to improve the confidence of the broader public in the information itself. Better quality of environmental information will support existing and future EU Environmental legislation.

The ENWAP User Forum furthermore drew the following general recommendations:

The European Commission and National Governments should pursue actions to:

• improve the transfer of know-how and technology results through publications for a broader public, user fora, web sites, etc. Seminars and conferences must be well targeted and the correct mix of language (technical and multi-lingual) must be provided to suit the widest possible audience in the EU and CEE countries;
• improve training and education for use of environment telematics;
• support initiatives such as EIONET to enhance the network for environmental information exchange;
• raise awareness amongst a broad spectrum of users on environmental problems to stimulate the development of standards and harmonisation of environmental data and IT technology; enhance the free flow of information;
• in promoting the integration of environmental management tools with day-to-day activities such as transport, tourism, agriculture, etc.

National Governments should also:

• reinforce the available legislation with respect to European Directives for the environment;
• strengthen actions for environmental legislation compliance;
• reinforce telecommunication infrastructure where insufficient.

Decision-makers within Regional and Local, Environment and Health Authorities should:

• enhance co-operation for environmental protection;
• define clear responsibility within administrations for system and data management;
• establish clear strategies for implementing environmental legislation;
• indicate at regional and national levels the specific needs for improvement of legislation;
• support activities to transfer telematics applications (demonstrations, fora);
• promote greater dialogue between stakeholders, and especially citizens;
• raise awareness and encourage educational campaigns;
• promote initiatives to analyse good practice for the management of water and air resources by means of telematics on regional and local levels.

Information Providers should:

• provide information tailored to the audience addressed;
• activate web sites, easily accessible, preferably supporting a multi-lingual information base and demonstrations;
• provide an evaluation of the social and economic impact of the telematic systems developed;
• promote sustainable projects.

The Good Practice report and discussions within the ENWAP User Forum have been crucial elements facilitating experience exchange and for gathering the results of these projects. The results are now being disseminated widely through brochures like this. Conferences, other publications, web sites, communication media can also further help to disseminate results.

The main aim of the Good Practice document has not just been to prevent others "re-inventing the wheel" and duplicating existing systems or repeating the lessons which other researchers have already learned, but rather to move on from their experiences and advance. It is hoped this brochure and report will indeed enable this.

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REC * ENWAP * ISTs

The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe