Developing Environmental Information Systems in SEE Countries – REReP 1.8 Wrap-up WorkshopJune 19-20

SOFIA, BULGARIA

JEROME SIMPSONThe Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe JSimpson@rec.org

Workshop Goals

•  Demonstrate progress, exchange experience

• Review lessons learned, discuss future priorities

• Offer hands-on training, capacity building

• Link to the Electronic Tools Task Force, other international initiatives (eEurope)

• And finish the project on a positive note!

Agenda

• Opening Session: Around the region, summary of progress from each country

• Exhibition/Poster session: informal opportunity for all participants to interactively view progress in each SEE country

• Project evaluation: lessons learned and future directions based on SWOT analysis by project key players

• Training sessions: two hands-on practical 180 min training sessions based on your interests (theoretical and practical sessions)

• Commenting sessions/tutorials: on project summary report

• Excursion to EEA & Rila Monastery

Summary of Progress

•  Summary Report

•  Disbursements

•  Workshop Preparation

•  Project Website: http://www.rec.org/REC/Programs/REReP/InformationSystems/ & Summary Report:http://www.rec.org/REC/Programs/REReP/InformationSystems/Summary.html

Project Goals

The goals are to assist in improving the management and dissemination of environmental information for the benefit of SEE government institutions and citizens

This is achieved through supporting the development of the “national environmental information system”

Achievements

Sub task A: Create a project Steering Committee Completed: July 2001

Sub task B: Assess the status of environmental information system in each SEE country and territory, identifying needs and priorities for the development of national systems.

Completed: October 2001

Sub task C: Host a regional meeting to discuss and finalize needs and priorities for the system’s development in each SEE country/territory.

Completed: November 19-21, 2001 (Opatija, Croatia).

Sub task D: Host a capacity building workshop on practical aspects of building efficient environmental information systems.

Completed: March 22-23, 2002 (Szentendre, Hungary)

Sub task E.i: Support a pilot project on developing a thematic information system, eventually for Croatian coastal waters and the Neretva delta.

Initiated: April 2002

Sub task E.ii: Support development of environmental information systems in all other countries and territories.

Initiated: April 2002 with i) development of concept papers and budgets based on action plans, and ii) fund disbursement (>Nov 2002).

Achievements cont.

Sub task F: Produce a compendium of good practices on provision of access to information through electronic and non-electronic tools.

Completed: 12 case studies prepared & distributed Nov 2002 to partners and Aarhus NFPs online at: <www.rec.org/e-aarhus/>

Sub task G: Host a regional NGO-Ministerial meeting to draw lessons learned and map future priorities for a second phase of the project.

Completed: June 19-20, 2003, Sofia, Bulgaria

Additional Task: Design and launch a project website to share results, and provide a platform for information exchange.

Completed: End 2002 with Introduction/Goals/ Activities/Partners/Contact Info/Links http://www.rec.org/REC/Programs/REReP/InformationSystems/Default.html

Additional Task: Compile a summary handbook: “Snapshot of Environmental Information Systems in South Eastern Europe: Current Progress and Future Priorities,”

Ongoing: Will be completed Aug. 03 with summary of EIS status, a case study on use of funds, future priorities, and action plans. Plus NGO observations

Future Priorities

•  Legal Frameworks

•  Capacity Building

•  Technological Infrastructure

•  Demo Projects & International Cooperation

•  Services & Products

• Local Consultations