D A N U B E

  The goal of the 1998 Danube Grants Program is the reinforcement of NGO participation through the provision of Small Grants for community-based pollution reduction measures and awareness-raising projects which strengthen local community group and NGO initiatives. To achieve this goal, the Program, funded by UNDP and GEF, aims to support organisations working on improving environmental conditions in the catchment area of the Danube River Basin. Cooperation with other sectors such as business, government, research institutions, universities and schools is strongly recommended.

  Up to USD 25,000 is available for each of the following countries: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia and Yugoslavia. The Program is administered by REC Local Offices in all of the above countries. Deadlines for receiving applications was May 15, 1998, and projects are presently being reviewed for selection.

  The Program invited NGOs and NGO networks working on environmental issues to apply for grants up to USD 5000 per project. Other organisations working on environmental issues in the Danube River Basin were also eligible, such as scientific associations, agricultural organisations, co-operatives and scientific and technical institutions provided that they work together with community-based groups.

  Strong candidates are projects which demonstrate successful approaches to the ecological rehabilitation of the Danube River Basin, providing both national and global benefits and promoting actions to increase the area of wetland and floodplain habitat and the services which they provide.