*********************************************************** CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs NETWORK GREENWAY NEWSLETTER No.19 August - September 1994 *********************************************************** I. GREENWAY...GREENWAY?...GREENWAY! 1. GREENWAY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING September 23-25, 1994, Csilleberc-Budapest, Hungary At the GREENWAY AGM`94 attended 25 representatives of GREENWAY Executive Committee, Secretariat and following organisations: Albania: Protection and Preservation on Natural Environment, Albanian Ecological Club, Croatia: Croatian Green Alliance, Green Action, Czech Republic: Brontosaurus Association, Georgia: Georgia Youth Eco-Movement, Georgia Greens, Human Ecology Center, Germany: Green League, Hungary: National Society of Conservationists, ELTE Club, EYFA-Hungary, Transport & Environment, CEE Office Latvia: Children`s Environmental School, Environmental Protection Club of Latvia, University of Latvia Ecological Centre, Macedonia: Ecological Movement of Macedonia, Romania: Ecosens, Rhododendron, Slovakia:Slovak Union of Nature and Landscape Protectors, Society for Sustainable Living, Ukraine: Unicorn, Green World. A g e n d a for the AGM was: 1. Report on GREENWAY activities and from the Head Office 2. Reports from members 3. Approval of new members 4. Discussion on GREENWAY By-Laws 5. Membership fee 6. Election of Executive Committee 7. Election of Auditing Committee 8. Workshops - energy - environmental education - E-mail communication 9. Information on Global processes (UNCED `92 follow-up, Sofia `95, ENCY `95) 10.Information on the new programmes of REC, Budapest 11.Different matters 1. Zviad Mukbaniani, a member of ExCom made an introduction to the agenda of GREENWAY AGM`94 and invited the participants to present themselves. 2. Report about the activities of GREENWAY and the work of Head Office (secretariat) within the year 1993/94 was presented by Elena Vartikova. 3. Annual reports from GREENWAY members were distributed in written form. 4. Approval of new members: On the basis of the GREENWAY Statute new member could be approved by AGM if the representative of the organization is present on the AGM. Otherwise, the membership could be only temporary. AGM approved the new full members as follows: Albanian Ecological Club - Albania Brontosaurus Association - Czech Republic Human Ecology Center - Georgia Unicorn - Ukraine Temporary status of membership have the groups: Renewable Energy Center (TAASEN) -Estonia Ecological Club (St.Petersburg) - Russia Earth Friends (Ecological Projects Center) - Russia Humanity and Health for All - branches in Slovak and Czech Republics At present GREENWAY consist of 28 member organizations and is still the only Central and Eastern European network of environmental NGOs. 5. Greenway By-Laws as an internal document for organizational matters were prepared with advice of a lawyer according to the GREENWAY Statute and Slovak legislation. After discussion on the document were with some amendments approved. 6. AGM `94 decided also on membership fee - it will be 1% from annual income of GREENWAY NGO member from the previous year. In case that the NGO has very low budget has to pay a symbolic membership fee - to documentate its support of GREENWAY. Membership fee will not be used for running costs of the office. It will be primarily used to cover participations costs, travel costs and other costs for GREENWAY members in relation to GREENWAY meetings. 7. At the AGM `94 ( decision-making body) were elected new members of Executive Committee (executive body): Istvan Sido, Romania and Dubravka Bacun, Croatia - as co-chairpersons Erzsebet Schmuck, Hungary Evgeni Kotsiobniak, Ukraine Zviad Mukbaniani, Georgia - as members and Elena Vartikova, Slovakia, international coordinator of GREENWAY, is ex officio member of ExCom. 8. Auditing Committee (audit of executive and financial management) - as elected at the Annual General Meeting `94: Vladimir Ira, Slovakia Zbynek Hruska, Czech Republic Fatykova Maria, Slovakia (accoutant) 9. On the program of AGM`94 was also an information about activities, goals and new programmes of Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe, based in Budapest. Mr. Stanislaw Sitnicki, Director of the REC, presented a lot of useful information on the issues mentioned, strategy of REC (to strengthen the local offices of REC, maintain the local iniciatives, improve costs efficiency, etc.), programmes (NGO grants-to improve regional cooperation, follow on earmarked and local grants, improve information exchange-create e-mail networks, library info-service, public participation on decision-making, inventory on environmental education initiatives, personal capacity building at REC,etc.). 10. Mr. Tibor Farago, from the Ministry for Environment and Regional Policy, Hungary, introduced to the participants the most important global processes for CEE countries: Sofia`95 process, UNCED`92 follow up - sustainable development issues, Climate Convention and Biodiversity Convention and further process on them. The both lecturers, Mr. Sitnicki and Mr. Farago, have raised very fruitful discussion with AGM participants which has lead to clarification of the problems on national and international levels. 11. PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT OF GREENWAY FOR THE YEAR 1995 As they were discussed at the workshops and approved by AGM: 1. Strengthening the internal structure of the organization - by better involvement national coordinators to common activities, - by improvement of communication between GREENWAY members: - to prepare E-mail communication project, based on existing facilities, - by realization of common projects within working groups, and other ad hoc groups: - to prepare EE-NET project II. for Central and Eastern Europe, based on the results and products of EE-NET I.; - Climate Action Network for CEE- project continue within energy working group; - to organize the first GREENWAY summer camp in 1995; - to prepare activities for the European Nature Conservation Year 1995. 2. Promotion of EAST-EAST cooperation (very different level of development of Central and Eastern European NGOs exists). 3. Expanding the GREENWAY interest to CIS, Poland and Bulgaria NGOs. 4. To publish GREENWAY NEWSLETTER - as a forum for discussions on different environmental issues in CEE. The GREENWAY NEWSLETTER is an important information and communication tool for NGOs. Is published bi-monthly, with different information on important environmental issues, international and national events, activities of member groups, information from the Head Office, and other sources. The main topics for the issues in 1995 will be: No.1 - Climate Convention, ENCY`95 No.2 - Romania, Slovakia - NGO activities No.3 - Danube Program and Black Sea No.4 - Sofia`95 and Sustainable development No.5 - GREENWAY 10 Anniversary: history and recent situation No.6 - Macedonia, Croatia, Czech Republic - NGO activities GREENWAY NEWSLETTER is requested by different organizations and institutions from CEE, Western Europe and U.S.A. We started to disseminate the issues of GREENWAY NEWSLETTER - No.16, 17, 18 - also by E-mail networks ECONECT and INTERNET. 5. Public relations - prepare instructions how to work with masmedia - make the membership in GREENWAY more visible ( on letter-head papers, publications,etc. of members), - publish GREENWAY leaflet 6. Promote involvement of GREENWAY in international events by ExCom members, International coordinator and specialists. ***** 2. PREDNIEPROVSK REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER OF ZELENY SVIT The Prednieprovsk Regional Environmental Center of the environmental association "ZELENY SVIT"(GREEN WORLD) was founded in December 1993 on the basis of the Dniepropetrovsk regional organisation "ZELENY SVIT" (registered in 1991 on the republic level). Dniepropetrovsk town organization "Zeleny Svit" was established in 1990. Make up of the organization combines scientists specialized on nature management, environment, sociology, medicine and activists worried by the environmental situation. This permits to pursue the comprehensive activities, i.e.: -to promote public participation in environmental decision making by the network of permanently functioning local groups within the region. -to gather, analyze and distribute information about the environmental situation in the region. -environmental education and training youth and children with cooperation of the corresponding environmental organizations. -to develop environmental programmes, projects and proposals for local authorities and governmental administrations of each level. -peace-making activities, including promoting of constructive dialogue between diverse political forces of the region. Essential forms of organization`s activities are: promoting- monitoring- preparation and realization of various environmental projects, specific and global political activities, demonstrations, information exchange and consultations. The organization does not have constant budget, state support, permanent appoinments. Members of the organization do not pay fees, but they use their proper means for particular works. Sponsors payments are made according to particular demarches and at present they are not sufficient because of bureaucracy which claims to receive and distribute sponsor means (with the knowledge of local authorities). At present, the problem of environmental survival is the most accute, members of the organization continue their activities at their own expenses. Information budget of the organization is open. Despite lack of the financing the outcome of the organization activities is fairly important. A lot of environmental information has been gathered by activists. Great analytical work is under way. For example, the problem of industrial wastes (total 10 milliards tones) has been analyzed. It was also developed and submitted proposal for the State Ukrainian Programme "Sustainable Ukraine" - within the project "Sustainable Europe". Prednieprovye faces also radiation problems. Members of the organization have many times written, spoken about those in mass media. The reason of such high level radiation is not only a consequence of Chernobyl disaster, but also an intensive extraction and development of radioactive ores and wrong stocking of radioactive wastes. At present these energy problems in the region are the most acute. The members of the organization have prepared and reported about the consequences of Chernobyl disaster at an international seminar in Ankara. Activists organized planting trees on the rivers banks, service guards of environmentally dangerous objects. Other members of the organization permanently are taking part on environmental scientific conferences. In 1992 they organized seminar "Environment and Market". Many representatives of the organization took part in international seminars and conferences. The organization has an office in the city. It is equiped with furniture, telephone and typewriter. Computer and e-mail are to be installed. It has joint ownership of a meeting room with Green Party and Republican Party. The organization has established contacts with National Democratic Ukrainian Party, Ukrainian Union of Repression Victims, with international organization "Friends of the Earth", ISAR, Reine Protection Committee, REC. Contacts: Prednieprovsk Regional Environmental Center Moskovskaya str. 6 Dniepropetrovsk, 320070, UKRAINE Tel: +7.0562.781 301 Fax: +7.0562.441 146 Head of the organization - Victor Khazan Executive director - Svetlana Shmeleva (Source: Letter from S. Shmeleva) ***** A new member of GREENWAY: 3. HUMAN ECOLOGY CENTER, GEORGIA Why was the Human Ecology Center established? At the existing collapse of the national economy in Georgia and chaotic situation relevant to the transitional period, neither state nor scientific institutions have any possibility to continue their activities. They stand before the necessity of systematic reformation and rationalization of their institutional and characteristic arrangement. Depends of the wide range of health care problems closely connected with the influence of environmental factors on the health of Georgian population, no institutions in the country have the possibility to concentrate their efforts and experience on the study of the existing situation, its evaluation and building up adequate strategic approaches in order to begin the concrete actions toward improving and treatment of both environment and health of the population. At the time when the country faces the inevitable process of reconstruction of the national economy and thus planning of new municipal or industrial constructions, it becomes absolutely necessary to establish the preventive strategy from the viewpoint of the protection of the health of Georgian people and therefore insist on the essential expertise of perspective projects for this purpose. Until recently there has not existed any institution which could practically and effectively coordinate from one hand environmental protection and the other hand health care, social or psychological problems of a human which naturally are in close and strong relationship and internation with each other and thus needs continual coordination and bilateral study. Described situation has become the stimulus for the establishment of non-governmental coordination institution by the joint efforts of physicians, biologists, non-governmental ecologists, physiologists, data base and computer specialists. It was named as Human Ecology Center (HUMECO). Human Ecology Center was founded in May 1994 in Tbilisi, Georgia. This is an independent non-governmental, non-political, non-profit environmental organization which unifies individuals, depends not on the race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, handicap or disability. The main field of interest for the center is to study the health care, social, cultural, psychological problems raised on the basis of the relationship of a human being, as a harmonic creature, with the environment. General direction of its activities is: -to investigate both current and prognostic influence of harmful environmental factors on the health of population, -to evaluate the significance of existing or perspective danger, -to make the independent analysis of the situation as by gathering objective information not only by collecting it from the existing sources but also by means of conducting site visits, field investigations, collaboration with the relevant groups of specialists, -to raise the awareness of the population, relevant governmental and non-governmental institutions on identified problems by wide use of mass-media, -arranging and contributing to the conferences and workshops, both on national and international levels, -to make the independent analysis of the situation with consequent conclusion on possible ways of its improvement and/or solving. Taking into consideration the existing current financial crisis in the country, collapse of organizational activities and absence of intersectoral collaboration it would be naive to think, that even in the case of raised awareness the problem might be solved by the institutions which are in charge of it. Thus we consider it as extremely important after conducting independent expertise of the situation to promote practical realization of necessary measures and attracting theoretical, technical and foundations to the problem identified and investigated by the coordination activities of the center. As the essential background for the correct and objective policy we consider absolutely inevitable to start the continual process of creation independent informational data bank based on establishment of well organized collaboration with governmental and non-governmental sources of information as inside the country also abroad and check and increase its objectiveness by already mentioned system of periodical site visits and expeditions, which also will help to identify the local environmental and health care problems in different regions of Georgia and thus promote the correct coordination and planning policy of the center. As the first step toward the practical realization of the aims, in July of 1994 the center applied for the funding of the project "Influence of radiation on increase rate of thyroid gland diseases in Georgia, in the period after Chernobyl accident". The project aimed the investigation of long-term influence of radioactive contamination of the territory of the west of Georgia and looking for its possible connection with the increased morbidity of the population by thyroid gland diseases, especially among the children. For its aim Human Ecology Center gathered the information from the radiological services about the radiation level in Georgia after the Chernobyl accident, made its computer analysis and chose the "hot spots" for study the state of health condition of the population there. At the moment of writing this information special expedition consisting of endocrinologists, radiologists, project coordinator are making the field investigations in different towns of the west Georgia, after which the population, relevant governmental and non governmental organizations will be informed about the results and, if necessary, the atention of wide circles of the international society will be attracted to the existing problem in order to promote the necessary measures for the treatment of environment and local population, and eventually publish the informative brochure about the identified situation and general approach to the radiation as one of the most dangerous factor for the health of people. Members of HUMECO strongly hope that this first step will become the succesful beginning of its activities. We are looking forward to collaborate with the same thinking colleagues all over the world. We consider exchanging information and sharing experience with institutions working on the similar or relevant to our activities issues as the necessary stepping stone for future collaboration and thus would like to have as much as possible information about the fields of their interest. We are ready to send detailed information about our center to the interested institutions. Contact address: 37, Saburtalo st. Tbilisi, 380060 Republic of Georgia Tel:+7.8832.958 005 +7.8832.969 130 E-mail: shery@iberiapac.ge E-mail: isargeo@glas.apc.org (Source: Information material from Zviad Mukbaniani) -------------------------- II. FROM GREENWAY MAIL BOX -------------------------- 1. ENVINET-UKRAINE National computer network for Ukrainian NGO's EnviNet-Ukraine is a special computer network for environmental NGO's of Ukraine and other users who have a interest in environmental problematic. EnviNet-Ukraine provides information exchange not only among Ukrainian users but also between Ukrainian users and users of all world networks. EnviNet-Ukraine consists of number of points (hosts) in different regions of Ukraine. The number of points is not limited. Recently 6 points are connected. In some points BBS (Bulletin Board System) systems are located to serve for local users in a dialogue mode. In the present time EnviNet-Ukraine is providing the following service for users: -sending and receiving personal mail; -sending and receiving files; -working with thematical conferences; -sending fax-letters. The main characteristics of EnviNet-Ukraine are: -sending e-mail to any point of the world during period from 1 to 6 hours; -sending fax-letters to any country during period from 2 to 12 hours; -all kinds of EnviNet-Ukraine service are free for users. If you want to work with EnviNet-Ukraine you must have an IBM compatible computer, modem and communication software like ProComm, Telix, Telemate, MTE, etc. Perspectives of the future development of EnviNet-Ukraine: -opening new regional points; -opening new thematical conferences; -creating "On-Line" databases; -providing for EnviNet users connection to UseNet conferencies; -following with seminars, trainings for users; -popularisation of e-mail as a modern and cheap way of information exchange for NGO's; -publishing methodical materials. We have a great interest to have a contacts with European organizations which are working in the field of the environmental information exchange. Contact address: Yurij Onisimov, Evgeni Kotsiobniak, Alexander Krochin P.O.Box: 429 252060 Kiev-60 UKRAINE Tel: +7.044.446 2234 Tel/Fax: +7.044.440 3017 E-mail:adm@envinet.kiev.ua john@envinet.kiev.ua ***** A request from 2. SERVICE OFFICE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT (SOEM) Dear Friends, It is the fourth year that our office has been serving citizens' groups and organizations which defend the environment in Poland. At present we are considering a new project - we want to enquire into possibility of providing the environmental movement in Poland with ecological paper (in spite of the five years of capitalism, market forces somehow are failing to take care of this demand). Could you share your experience at obtaining environmentally friendly paper with us ? Where do you buy such paper ? How much it costs ? We will appreciate any information at all, as at the present moment we cannot count on our paper making industry to provide us with the paper we want. If you happen to know of any foundations or other organizations which work towards the promotion of environmentally sound kinds of paper, please let us know as well, as we are not sure if the kind of activity we are planning can be subsidized in any way. The more information we have about international experience, the easier it will be for us to promote environmentally friendly paper in Poland. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your help. Contact: SOEM ul. Szara 14/34 00-420 Warszawa POLAND Tel/Fax: +48.22.296 433 e-mail: bore@plearn.edu.pl ***** 3. WILDLIFE STUDY Environmental education in Franconia (USA) Cannon Mountain State Park was packed with children as more than 250 fifth- and six-graders spent the day in an intensive program of environmental education. The special field trip culminated a yearlong partnership between environmental groups, industry and public education. The event, billed as Northwoods Partners Days, closed out a 12-month project known as the Northwoods Project created by NH Audubon Society - to bring together four New Hampshire middle schools in an interdisciplinary study of the North Woods. According to Scott Fitzpatrick, education director for the society, schools across the state were invited to apply. He formed also a planning group of teachers, environmental leaders, and representatives of paper and timber industries to design the program. The goal was to immerse middle school students and teachers in the ecology, history, economy and wise use of the northern forest. It was a topic with very many sides - not just environmental, but economic and social as well. Residential teacher training first took the teachers out to cruise the woods for practical exposure, than sat them down in classrooms with representatives and resource people representing the full spectrum from radical environmentalism to landowner rights groups. Private and industry foressters, state government, wildlife and conservation officers, loggers, historians, soil scientists, and industrial giants all contributed to the training. When school got under way in September, students began with information exchanges. Rochester and Lafayette students wrote to each other, swapped videotapes of their communities and environment, and prepared photo journals of their local areas. The partner schools stayed in contact with each other throughout the year as they studied related concepts in social studies, math, history and science in their classrooms. Students in each of the four participating schools learned about the legislative process and how citizens and laymen can have impact on their government. The core teaching teams have educated other teachers in their schools on the issues, and both teachers and students have new resources and skills to look at other environmental issues and concepts in an interdisciplinary fashion. (Source: Material sent by Lafayette Regional School) ***** 4. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE NATURE Last year the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine (NEC) started a project named "Environmental Education in the Nature" which was supported by the Ministry for Environmental Protection of Ukraine. In the framework of this project an environmental educational expedition down the Tisa river (Trans-Karpathian Region) was undertaken. Its aim was not only studying the environment of the region, but also suggestion of new methods and types of environmental education and training in wild nature. This expedition initialized cooperation between NEC and Tree of Life - NGO from Slovakia. The later is well known not only in Slovakia but also widely in European environmental circles. In the beginning of 1994 the agreement on cooperation in environmental education and training of youth between NEC and Tree of Life was signed. Since March 1994 an implementation of this project has been running with financial support of Environmental Partnership for Central Europe - Slovakian office. The objective of the project is to enable for 100-150 Ukrainian young NGO activists the participation on theoretic and practical training on the basis of youth camps and environmental education centres of Tree of Life. The project is schedulded for 2 years period: 1994-1995. Expected results of the project are: dissemination of new forms of work with youth, promotion of new methods in environmental education and upbringing, formation of independent youth "wing" of the EcoCentre, which has to be able to apply new creative and alternative programs in working with children and youth. This year some 70 activists of Ukrainian NGOs spent a lot of time in ecocentres and camps of Tree of Life. Most of them are students of high schools and universities, 18-26 years of age. They are to apply practically at Ukrainian environmental camps, ecoclubs and youth centres the experiences acquired. What was the most attractive in the experiences of our Slovak partner ? According to the polling of participants it is as follows: -Alternative and informal approach to items of environmental education (training and education in games); -Managerial skills; -Talents of instructors - organizers of the program; -An opportunity of joint creative work and forming of team spirit; -An ability to live in harmony with the nature and people. Practices from Tree of Life camps helped our students to organize their own environmental camps in Trans-Karpathians, Bukovina and Crimea. We hope that the program of international cooperation in environmental education will be fruitfully developed further and will enable Ukraine and its young generation to reach the European level. (Source: Letter from Natalia Shovkoplyas) ----------------------------------- III. CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, EVENTS ----------------------------------- 1. PERSPECTIVES OF SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN EUROPE, JAPAN AND NORTH AMERICA The international seminar, 12-14 December 1994, Prague, Czech Republic, organised by The Society for Sustainable Living: Czech Branch seated in Prague and Slovak Branch seated in Bratislava together with The Japan Center in Prague and The American Center for Culture and Commerce Objectives of the seminar are to analyze past, recent and possible future trends in three different - event if mutually related - cultures: European, Japanese and North American from the point of view of sustainable living and to search for ways leading us towards humanity and harmony between humankind and nature. Goals of the seminar: A. Cross cultural comparisons of different approaches to the definition of "sustainable living", "sustainable development", "sustainable society", "sustainable future" and other similar philosophics, which are oriented around the formulation of a new paradigm in Western, Central and Eastern European Countries, Japan, the U.S.A. and Canada. B. Analysis of historical roots and past as well as recent trends in each of the three concerned cultures from the viewpoint of sustainability, with specific concentration on: 1) identification of religious, ethical, political, social, economic, technical and other factors important for sustainable ways of life, 2) formulation of basic sustainable as well as non-sustainable trends in the concerned countries and regions, 3) analysis of Rio de Janeiro follow-up in the concerned countries and regions focused on the implementation of the conclusions of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (June 1992). C. Scenarios of future development in Europe, Japan and North America from the perspective of sustainable living (in a global context). D. Blueprints for a sustainable future: Proposals of some key elements to sustainable living (SL) paradigms, especially 1. human values for SL 2. political systems for SL 3. economic systems for SL 4. environmentally friendly ways of life, technologies and products 5. information and education for SL 6. national and international institutions for SL E. Future steps toward a sustainable future; Environmental security as an integral part of global security. The Seminar is oriented around open, creative discussions of leading scientists from all three of the concerned cultures, which also bear the enormous responsibility for future development on the global scale. The program of our Seminar is divided into sections corresponding to its goals. Site: Prague - Emauzy, a former gothic monastery in the city. Working Language: English (with translation to the Czech or Slovak languages). Accommodation: In Prague hotels (about 100 USD per night) or in the dormitory of Charles University (about 15 USD per night). Seminar Fee: 100 USD The registration fee can be reduced to 20 USD for participians from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) upon request. The organizers could, in some exceptional cases, support financially the accomodation of participants from CEE. Address of the Organizational Committee: The Society for Sustainable Living Pricna 2 CZ-ll0 00 Praha 1 CZECH REPUBLIC Tel/Fax: +42.2.24 91 40 85 ***** 2. EURO-RIVERS 1995 A European training seminar on environmental education applied to the conservation of European rivers is organised as part of the European Nature Conservation Year, 1995 by ERTCEE - University of Bradford, United Kingdom, on 25 -28 February 1995. In dealing with environmental education applied to the conservation of ecosystems, attention needs to be focused on the conservatio of Europe`s rivers. Crossing various nations and giving the gift of life to a number of countries, there are rivers which are "true Europeans" and their conditions must be preserved. On the basis of the need to debate projects, strategies and programmes aimed at fostering awareness on European rivers, as part of the ENCY`95, the European Research and Training Centre on Environmental Education (ERTCEE) of the University of Bradford is hosting the training seminar EURO-RIVERS 1995. The need for such an event is reinforced if it is considered the fact that the people and institutions working in the field of environmental education as a whole and in the conservation of European rivers in particular, especially in Central and Eastern European countries, can greatly benefit from this unique opportunity to discuss initiatives, techniques and strategies that nay be useful in their attempts to promote the conservation of the rivers which are vital to these nations. EURO-RIVERS 1995 aims: -to enable the exchange of information among institutions and experts responsible for the conservation and/or rational use of rivers, as well as those in charge of the execution of environmental education and informationb programmes on rivers in European countries. -to provide a forum for the presentation selected case studies and projects on environmental information and education being undertaken in the UK and in a sample of European countries, aimed at the conservation of rivers. -to identify common problems and promote the establishment of working links among the expersts attending the conference with a view to catalysing further cooperation initiatives. On the programme are Europeanwide strategies, country-based case studies, problems and future trends in environmental education and conservation of European rivers, field visit to Yorkshire rivers. Registration fee: 350 GBP including accommodation, buffet lunches and evening meals ( for days 1,2,3). Enquires on the programme and registration have to be send immediately or until 1st February 1995, at the latest, to: The SHORT COURSES UNIT University of Bradford Bradford BD7 1DP UNITED KINGDOM Tel: +44.274.385 391 Fax: +44.274.384 231 ***** 3. R'95 CONGRESS: RECOVERY, RECYCLING, RE-INTEGRATION An international congress with exhibition - R'95 - will take place in Geneva from February 1-4, 1995 (Congress: February 1-3). Material recycling is often the preferred option for waste manegement. However, an integrated approach to waste manegement is required in order to attain cost-effective environmental protection. This means opening the options to include all means and methods of processing waste materials. Ecological, economical, social and political aspects must also be taken into consideration. R'95 Congress will provide a forum for dialogue between industry, science, politicians, consumers and legal bodies in order to attain better understanding of the individual positions and to achieve solutions which find broad acceptance. Topics of the congress: -Mechanical, thermal, chemical and biological process of materials recovery. -Product design for materials reduction or separation. -Logistics for materials streams. -Legal aspects. Materials to be covered include the following: Automotive parts, building materials, chemicals, composites, fibrous materials, glass, metals, plastics, organic materials, hospital wastes, etc. For additional information contact: Dr. X. Edelmann Director of Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research EMPA St. Gallen, P.O.Box CH-9001 St. Gallen SWITZERLAND Tel: +41.71.300 400 Fax: +41.71.300 199 Up-date on the Preparations of Berlin NGOs for ***** 4. THE CLIMATE SUMMIT '95 Ten months before the first Conference of the parties (COP 1) in Berlin in March 1995, the Berlin NGOs have established a joint office to coordinate the preparations and activities for the Climate Summit. The office is sponsored by GRUNE LIGA Berlin and Stiftung Naturschutz Berlin, and have started operating on July, 1st, 1994. Based on all former activities, and especially on the already existing coordination of Berlin NGOs (jointly represented in the "Network Climate Summit `95) the office shall work as an information and coordination center for local and national groups and organisations involved. It is its task, to coordinate and integrate the activities planned on the local, national and international levels, and thus to facilitate an effective lobbying and preparation work. NGOs from all over the world count on the German organisations to play an important role, not only in the facilitation of an adequate infrastructure. Therefore we are hoping for (financial and personal) support from all German organisations. Considering the little time left until the Summit, we can only be successful working together and joining efforts. We invite all interested NGOs to join in ! Provisional distribution of tasks within the office: GRUNE LIGA Berlin: organisation, coordination, logistics, fundraising, CEE-contacts staff: Stefan Richter Dirk Hoffmann NGO Office for the Climate Summit '95 in Berlin Haus der Demokratie Friedrichstr. 165 10117 Berlin GERMANY Tel: +49.30.442 2763 442 7789 Fax: +49.30.442 7790 Network Climate Summit '95 GRUNE LIGA Berlin e.V.: coordination of local activities staff: Angela Kuster-Ferraro, Barbara Habig and Rainer Hagendorf Tel/Fax: +49.30.623 2113 Tel: +49.30.454 2125 ------------------------------------------- IV. IT MIGHT BE INTERESTING/USEFUL TO KNOW ------------------------------------------- 1. EUROPEAN PACKAGING PROJECT Receives Funds for CEE NGOs! European Packaging Project has just been notified that its proposal to the Dutch Ministry of Environment (VROM) for funding of Eastern European NGOs to participate in this year's packaging campaign has been successful. Milieudefensie will receive 50,000 ECU and distribute it among NGOs in Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Some of the NGOs that will participate are REFLEX and BME Green Circle in Hungary, SZOPK in Slovakia, and Green Federation Krakow in Poland. Green Federation Krakow will be the coordinating group for the region, and be responsible for, among other things, planning and holding a wokshop for CEE NGOs on packaging early next year. Funds are still being sought for countries such as Macedonia, Croatia, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Baltic States, but VROM is only allowed to give money to countries with which it has memorandi of understanding for financial assistance. The money is expected to arrive by September, after the Dutch Government changes. For more information contact: Darek Szwed Green Federation ul. Slawowska 12 Krakow 31-914 POLAND Tel: +48.12.222 147 Fax: +48.12.222 264 ***** 2. NEW ENVIRONMENTAL MANUAL TELLS HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN GOVERNMENT DECISION MAKING The Regional Environment Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) has published its Manual on Public Participation in Environmental Decisionmaking: Current Practice and Future Possibilities in Central and Eastern Europe. It is a guide to help citizens get involved in the government's process of environmental decision making. "We want to increase the capability of citizens to participate in the preparation of governmental decisions," says Magdolna Toth Nagy, one of the Manual's authors. Over 1700 environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) exist in Central and Eastern Europe. But large numbers do not necessarily make public participation easier. There is a vital need for a manual that explains how to get organized and become involved in issues that affect the community's well being. The REC's Manual was written as a guide to promote and facilitate citizen participation in governmental decisionmaking. The first part of the Manual explains the importance of public participation to environmental protection. It includes a chapter on "How to get Started," which gives advice about the steps one should take when an environmental problem is identified. Part I also includes an overview of the channels for public participation in the Region. The second part of the Manual is more specific, discussing the present state of public participation in ten countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The authors cite specific regulations relating to public participation and analyze the way these laws are interpreted and applied by current governments. Here people can find out if they have a constitutional right to environmental information collected by their government and if that constitutional right is translated into practice in their country. If information is legally manted, the Manual explains how to obtain it. In edition to the English-language Manual, there will be country-specific manuals written in 10 CEE languages. In these versions the first part of the Manual will reappear in translation, but the second part will contain a detailed 50-100 page analysis of the status of public participation in the country being addressed. Also these versions will contain specific advice and a contact list of NGOs and experts. These versions are expected later this summer. The REC is also conducting a series of workshops in the Region to Help people apply the Manual in practice. The first workshop was hold in Albania in late August. Dutch, American, and East European legal experts collaborated with The Regional Environmental Center to produce this manual. Contact: The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe Miklos ter 1 1035 Budapest HUNGARY Tel: +36.1.250 3401 Fax: +46.1.250 3403 ***** 3. GLOBAL ASSIST AVAILABLE THROUGH E-MAIL European Research and Training Centre on Environmental Education - University of Bradford, launched a new system of advice and assistance on environmental education. To catalyse speedy contacts among specialists and practioners interested in receiving support to environmental education, the Centre created a 24-hour e-mail link. Available through the main international networks, this system can be used by everyone who wishes to use the service. This new scheme is part of GLOBAL ASSIST, Bradford`s unique system of advice on environmental education. For details on the system, contact through on e-mail on: ERTCEE@bradford.ac.uk. 4. TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE As part of the colloquium "Environmental Education in Europe" the document "Trends in Environmental Education in Europe" was produced. It contains the abstracts of the presentations made by speakers as well as the key note paper "Trends in Environmental Education in Europe" presented by W. Leal Filho. It also contains the summaries of the plenary and group sessions during which discussions on environmental education in European nations were held. Copies are available from: ERTCEE Department of Environmental Science University of Bradford West Yorkshire BD7 1DP U.K. Tel: +44.274.385 259 Fax: +44.274.384 231 (Source: ERTCEE NEWSletter, University of Bradford, No.9,1994) ***** 5. TRANSEUROPEAN COOPERATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (TEMPUS II) The TEMPUS programme was adopted in 1990 to stimulate the development of higher education in Central and Eastern Europe. The priority areas of intervention by TEMPUS are agreed annually by the Commission and the relevant authorities of each partner country. These priorities are published in the guidelines for project proposals under the TEMPUS programme, which are made avaiable to all interested groups in the partner countries and the European Union. On 29 April 1993, the Council of the European Union agreed to found the second phase of TEMPUS and to extend the programme to the TACIS partner countries. Programme objectives The second phase is designed to enhance the contribution of the programme to the overall objectives of economic and social reform in the Phare and Tacis partner countries, in particular by helping to develop the systems of higher education in the partner countries through a balanced cooperation between their higher education institutions and those of the European Union Members States. TEMPUS II will concentrate on the following specific issues: * curriculum development and overhaul in priority areas * structural reform of higher education institutions and their management * the development of skill-related training to adress some specific skill shortages through improved and extended links with industry. Extensive discussions have taken place with the relevant authorities of each partner country to target future projects on priority areas in higher education, taking account of the overall objectives of the Phare Programme, each partner country's policy for economic, social and educational reform, and the need for an appropriate balance to be struck between the selected priority areas and the resources allocated to TEMPUS. Emphasis will also be placed on the dissemination of results in the partner countries in order to promote an optimal use of resources. Programme description TEMPUS II will support the following activities: * Joint European Projects between higher education institutions in the partner countries and European Union partners to update or revise curricula, improve library facilities, develop and translate teaching materials, promote distance learning schemes and to promote mobility and exchanges of students for integrated study periods and/or placements in industry; * mobility and exchanges of teachers/educators in higher education institutions and enterprices to work as teachers, instructors or advisers; * complementary activities, such as the evaluation of the implementation of TEMPUS by the partner countries, the dissemination of the results of higher education restructuring and reform and the development of networks of university associations; * youth exchanges, visits to establish links with future partner organisations and training courses for youth leaders in the partner countries. For the academic year 1994-95, the total budget proposed by the partner countries from their national Phare budgets for TEMPUS is MECU 94.5. In addition, MECU 3.4 will be provided to cover the technical assistance necessary to implement the programme. For more information contact TEMPUS Office in Brussels and the Ministry of Education in your country. TEMPUS Office: 19 H Avenue des Arts B-1040 Brussels BELGIUM Tel: +32.2.212 0411/12 Fax: +32.2.212 0400 (Source: PHARE-Update No.1) ***** REQUEST FOR NGO ACTION: OPPORTUNITY EXISTS TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOR MOCHOVCE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT One hundred and twenty kilometers east from Bratislava, the Slovensky Energeticky Podnik (SEP) plans to complete construction of two units of a Soviet designed VVER-440 nuclear power plant. Environmentalists in Slovakia, Polaand, Hungary, Austria and other countries have critized the intention to complete the plant because it would be dangerous and use money that would be better spent on supporting energy efficiency and other safer energy sources. On December 8, 1994 an official public participation process begins that will allow all environmentalists and people concerned about the expansion of nuclear power and the need for alternative energy strategies to present their comments about the project. A project will have until February 17, 1995 to provide comments and opinions about the project. A project description, information on planned safety improvements, an economic study of the project and alternatives, and an Environmental Imapct Assessment of the project will be available from SEP, in Slovakian Embassies in Budapest, Warsaw, Vienna, Prague, Kiev and at 5 locations in Slovakia. It is critical that as many people and organizations as possible participate in this process and provide comments either in written form or at hearings that will be held in Slovakia or in some other countries. Cooperative action by NGOs through Europe (East and West) is underwway to oppose this project and to promote other alternatives for meeting energy needs in Slovakia that are cheaper and safer. The decision about whether or not finish building Mochovce, which can only be achieved with the support of western partners and funders (Electricite de France, Euratom and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD), is crucial to the efforts to promote energy efficiency and sane energy alternative in CEE. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED IN THIS EFFORT ! PLEASE WRITE TO BOTH THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT AND SLOVENSKY ENERGETICKY PODNIK TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION ! A sample letter is enclosed: President Jacques de Larossiere European Bank for Reconstruction and Development One Exchange Square EC 2A 2EH London UNITED KINGDOM December 15,1994 Dear Mr. de Larossiere, We are writing to inform you of our concern about possible financing of the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant in Slovakia by the EBRD. As the nuclear accident at Chernobyl demonstrated, the dangers of nuclear accidents are not confined to the country in which they occur. Completion of the Soviet designed reactor at Mochovce presents direct danger to the people of (your country). In addition to our concerns about safety, we believe that the use of international funds, including (your countries name) for completion of this reactor is inappropriate given that energy saving and other alternative energy options are available and cheaper for Slovakia. We sincerely hope that the EBRD rejects funding of this nuclear power plant and works instead to ensure the energy needs of the people are realized through assistance in developing energy savings potential and lower risk and cost energy options. Yours Sincerely, Your Name and Organization The Address for Slovensky Energeticky Podnik is: Karol Bodorik SEP Hranicna 12 827 36 Bratislava SLOVAKIA You can also order information on the project from SEP. If you require or would like additional information from NGOs please contact: Global 2000 Greenpeace Flurschutzstrasse 13 P.O.Box 58 1120 Vienna 814 99 Bratislava AUSTRIA SLOVAKIA Tel: +43.1.812 5730 Tel/Fax: +42.7.313 968 Fax: +43.1.812 5728