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The network is a cross-sector partnership composed of a
unique assemblage of stakeholder groups in Hungary. Its primary efforts
are focused on encouraging sustainable production and consumption patterns.
The partnership emerged from the initiative of the United Nations Environment
Programme's Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE)
with strong support from the Regional Environmental Center for Central and
Eastern Europe's (REC) Hungarian country office and Business and Environment
Programme. The Network was launched at the Hungarian SCOPE workshop in November
2002.
The
Network connects several stakeholder groups.
Government
- regulates business and industry;
- raises awareness about environmental concerns; and
- sets alternative development indicators.
Business
- creates eco-efficient technologies;
- does research and development;
- markets earth-friendly products; and
- finds "best available techniques."
Civil society
- encourages
public participation;
- performs watch-dog functions;
- campaigns in the public's interest;
- educates; and
- organises special-interest groups for women, public
health, etc.
Academia
- conducts
research on health issues and consumer psychology; and
- provides education for a wide range of groups, from
children to the
- general public to experts in various fields.
Media
- plays an important role in educating the public and
raising awareness of key issues.
Sustainable Production and Consumption in Hungary
The Hungarian government reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development
and adopted the Political Declaration of the Johannesburg World Summit
on Sustainable Development, 2002. One overarching goal, to change consumption
and production patterns, was stressed for strategic planning and implementation.
The Hungarian Cleaner Production Centre drafted a 10-year framework programme
in April 2003 and invited the Network for Sustainable Production and Consumption
to engage in a multistakeholder debate. The aims of the 10-year framework
programme are:
- defining the framework of sustainability in Hungary;
- defining the possibilities of sustainable development:
decoupling economic growth from environmental impact;
- increasing the efficiency of production processes,
reducing environmental impact, and using natural resources in a sustainable
manner;
- promoting sustainable consumption patterns;
- strengthening the representation of future generations
in current decision-making structures; and
- integrating sustainable development priorities into
sectoral policies.
For further information please contact:
Éva CSOBOD
REC Country Office Hungary
Tel.: +36 26 / 504 075
fax: +36 26 / 302 137
E- mail: ecsobod@rec.org
Peter Bodo
REC Business and Environment Programme
Tel. : +36 26 504 000/323
E-mail: peter.bodo@rec.org
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