The Regional Environmental Center's General Assembly met for its third annual meeting this April. Discussion ranged from the specific results of REC reports and surveys to the overall strategy the REC should pursue. A key result of this year's GA was the endorsement of the REC's business plan for 1995 to 1997. The business plan outlines the REC's programs and services, including focus, budgets, and deadlines. It also includes a strategy for the REC's financial sustainability. The Bulletin interviewed Stanislaw Sitnicki, executive director of the REC, a few days after the GA's meeting.
The Bulletin: The General Assembly discussed a wide range of issues. What major conclusions can you draw from this meeting?
Stanislaw Sitnicki: To summarize, we were encouraged to continue our efforts to improve Regional environmental cooperation and to help build capacity among environmental leaders. A request was also made to promote the integration of the environment and the economy. There are several programs at the REC that support these requirements.
TB: Based on the GA's comments and the business plan, what do you see as the REC's strategy?
SS: Quite simply, to balance decentralization and a Regional approach. The REC is trying to decentralize some of its activities by building a strong local presence through our local offices. The local offices are in closer contact with many constituents and can deliver services more efficiently and in the local languages. We need to give the local offices more responsibility, including fund-raising in their respective countries. Of course, we are also encouraging a Regional perspective on environmental issues. Transboundary problems require Regional solutions, and a Regional approach can more efficiently integrate environmental issues into the overall transition to a new political and economic system.
TB: What will the REC's focus be in the future?
SS: We will continue to meet the needs of our constituents - NGOs, governments, and businesses - based on periodic needs analyses. But in the future we will take better advantage of our unique role in the Region as a neutral forum for different countries and interest groups to meet and discuss issues of common concern. We will serve as a catalyst to bring together the diverse stakeholders in the Region to cooperate on Regional environmental issues. Since we have largely succeeded in developing constructive relations with NGOs and governments, we now need to reach out to the business community and bring businesses into the debate.
TB: What is the greatest challenge now facing the REC?
SS: We need to establish the long-term financial sustainability of the REC. I see Central and Eastern European governments playing a crucial role in the fulfillment of this goal: They must be expected to financially support our programs. We are proceeding towards a professional, consulting type of Regional organization that ensures a high standard in our services while preserving easy access and flexible environmental programs.