REC: The Bulletin 6/4: Slow strides for REC's sister

N R E C

Slow strides for REC's sister

AIR POLLUTION FROM HEAVY TRAFFIC threaten both health and cultural treasures like this monastery near Tbilisi.

Despite the fall in industrial production in the countries of the former Soviet Union pollution levels remain unacceptably high. Air and water pollution often exceed admissible limits and pose significant risks to human and environmental health in the region. Still environmental protection remains a low priority for the majority of government and industry officials and the public lacks capacity and tools to encourage change. These were among the findings of a REC needs assessment in the New Independent States (NIS) which was presented at the Sofia Ministerial Conference. The report lead to strong support by participants from both donor and NIS countries for the creation of an environmental services organization, much like the REC, for the region. While supporters understood that the undertaking would be a lengthy process, few likely anticipated the current pace revealed during the past year.

Representatives from governments and NGOs in Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine gathered in Kiev, Ukraine in December last year for the second meeting of the International Supervisory Board (ISB) for the establishment of a new Regional Environmental Center for the NIS. The ISB, which is coordinating the set up of the new Center, called the meeting to inform the representatives of the four participating countries about the current state of the initiative and to decide on a future work program.

Reports on progress since the last meeting held in Tbilisi, Georgia in September, presented by governments and NGOs, proved rather disappointing. Only Ukraine, which is receiving direct financial support from the United States in the framework of this project, has seen any significant developments. A series of meetings in Ukraine were held throughout the country to discuss the new organization and an interim supervisory council for the creation of a new REC was established. Georgia also reported some activities, but not much has happened in Russia and Moldova. "The Project is progressing very slowly," says REC Deputy Director Alexander Juras, who attended the meeting. "I expected that much more would have happened since the meeting in Tbilisi."

NADEZHDA KOLOKOLCHIKOVA is among NIS members asking donors to make their intentions clear at the EAP Task Force/PPC meeting.

One reason for the slow rate of progress is that only the Ukraine has received direct financial support, which sped up the process in that country. Other delays developed from problems encountered by the EU TACIS Programme in issuing a contract for the implementation of the first phase of the project. TACIS has pledged support for the new Center and the British consulting firm Halcrow stands ready to start the work as soon as the tendering is completed. Mr. Chris LeBreton, the TACIS representative in the Supervisory Body, has assured participants that a contract will be soon issued so that the project can go ahead.

During the discussions controversy arose about where to locate the Project Implementation Unit, which will serve as the coordinator for the development of the first set of national offices. At this point the top candidates for the location are Russia or Ukraine, but it was not possible to get an agreement and it was suggested that other sites be considered as a possible compromise. The REC, which has mainly served in an advisory role so far, has confirmed that it would be ready to serve the PIU when established.

Further discussions on the NREC took place at the February EAP Task Force meeting held at the REC in Szentendre. Here representatives of the participating NIS countries described again the progress on the national level and sent strong signals that the donor countries should make clear their intentions in the region. Le Breton representing the European Commission, while confirming the EC commitment to the project, stressed the need to ensure that the funds are well spent. "In some ways the delays are a good thing because we need to be clear what the project is about," he said. "Further discussion and agreement about cooperation is needed."

The next meeting is scheduled for June 13-14 in Moscow. "I sincerely hope," says Juras, "that we will see some real progress. The demand for a REC-like organization for this region is still very high and it is sad to see that the representatives of the donor and beneficiary governments are often not able to implement their own plans. The REC is ready to continue its support to this initiative in all possible ways."

To facilitate dialogue on the New REC between meetings, an electronic NREC discussion list was launched on the Internet by the Environmental Education and Information Center (EEIC) in Kiev. All materials sent to the board are posted in a conference at GLUK (Glasnet-Ukraine) and can also be sent via e-mail. The languages used are English and Ukrainian/Russian.

Contact Alexander Juras at ajuras@rec.org. To subscribe to the NREC mailing list send an e-mail message to EEIC at eeic@gluk.apc.org.

REC * PUBLICATIONS * THE BULLETIN * WINTER 1996