EAP Task Force News
In early September, the EAP Task Force Bureau met in Chisinau, Moldova to review progress in implementation of its work programme and discuss future initiatives. The Bureau discussed the potential role of the Task Force in post-war reconstruction activities in south-east Europe, especially in assisting with institutional and legal development and the preparations for ministerial consultations, to take place in late 2000 in both Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Newly Independent States (NIS). The CEE event is expected to bring together environment ministers from CEE and the EU, mainly to discuss the benefits that CEE countries can bring to the EU and the adoption of an environmental action plan for South Eastern Europe. The Bureau is led by two Task Force chairmen and consists of elected representatives from the NIS, CEE and selected donor countries. The Bureau also held consultations with the directors of the New Regional Environmental Centers of Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine related to their involvement with Task Force Activities.
11th Task Force meeting
The 11th Meeting of the EAP Task Force for the Implementation of the Environmental Action Programme (EAP) for CEE/NIS was held at REC head office from Oct. 18-19 (please see the next issue of The Bulletin for results).
New Publications
Environment in the Transition to a Market Economy: Progress in Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States: This groundbreaking book provides new insights into the interaction between economic policy reforms, environmental protection efforts and environmental conditions during the region's transition to market-based economies and democratic societies. It provides a coherent analysis of the challenges and achievements in institutional strengthening and policy reform, environmental policy instruments, environmental financing and environmental management in enterprises. It also reviews the development of domestic public participation and international cooperation for the safeguarding of the region's environment and discusses trends in industrial pollution and biodiversity protection.
Sourcebook on Environmental Funds in Economies in Transition: This publication provides a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and challenges of 21 environmental funds in CEE and the NIS. Such funds are typically managed by governmental or quasi-governmental institutions and capitalised by a variety of earmarked revenue sources, including environmental charges and fines. Funds provide financial support, usually in the form of grants or soft loans, to environmental protection activities. In many CEEC/NIS countries, funds have accelerated environmental improvements, leveraged additional finance for environmental investments and strengthened domestic capacities for project preparation and policy implementation.
(For more info visit http://www. oecd.org/env/eap/whatsnew.htm.)
