Environment Task Force

Conclusions of the First Meeting of the REReP Task Force

The Task Force for the Implementation of the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme for the South Eastern Europe (REReP) had its initial meeting in Cavtat, Croatia, on July 6 and 7, 2000.

The implementation of the REReP is an important dimension of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, as environmental cooperation can contribute significantly to Stability Pact objectives in the region.

The participants considered the meeting a success. The momentum of the early work has been maintained and the important switch from preparation to progress is well underway.

The donor intentions are now clearer and a number of potential overlaps were identified and resolved, nevertheless a number of priority projects remain without funding. Increased donor commitment was recognized, and the Task Force welcomed the steps taken by the donors to coordinate project financing. Other donors not present in Cavtat are encouraged to participate and to support those projects as yet without funding. From this point, the Task Force expects that the needed additional donor commitments will be brought forward in the near future, in order for the REReP programme to be fully implemented.

The role of the various actors (the function of the Task Force and the REC as secretariat), was further clarified and agreed. Participants emphasized that the authorities and NGOs of the region will play a key part in the implementation of the projects. The Stability Pact national coordinators can help to facilitate implementation of REReP projects in the regional scope. Based on this, the REReP programme document [REReP/TF/1(g)] was approved by the Task Force with minor modifications reflecting the agreed implementation structure.

In particular, the Task Force agreed to increase the role of national ministries in each of the South Eastern European countries in the process of identification of projects, selection of implementation agencies and negotiation of the terms of financial support. It was also agreed that the Secretariat may take part in these implementation activities upon the request of the lead countries.

NGOs have begun to input their views and their involvement in the programme is welcomed by all participants. The NGOs and the REC agreed to establish a joint steering committee to review and further develop projects under priority area 2. The steering committee will also identify areas where NGOs can participate in project implementation. The next Task Force meeting will review the progress on this point.

The Task Force decided to include Kosovo and Montenegro in the programme in line with other Stability Pact activities and they will be integrated as the various donors pick up projects.

The Task Force decided to include information about all ongoing associated environmental activities into the programme to enable both donors and recipients to develop a complete picture of what is happening on the ground. It was recognized that this is essential to plan and co-ordinate present and future activities. All donors were asked to provide REC with details of their actions to construct this picture.

The meeting recognized the clear need to monitor and report progress and have concrete measures of success for each project. Participants realized that in order to continue to attract support the early implementation phase must demonstrate success. The REC shall consider ways in which this progress can be made public with some simple statistics.

The Task Force re-emphasized that all the projects under the Stability Pact should be implemented with the level of environmental protection at least comparable with EU standards. In particular all projects, plans and programmes in all sectors should undergo EIA or SEA with an adequate level of public participation, both in a domestic and transboundary context.

The Task Force welcomes the contribution of the ad hoc biodiversity group to the promotion of biodiversity objectives and action through the REReP, and supports the enlargement of its membership.

It was agreed that the next REReP Task Force meeting will be held on 9 November, 2000 in Brussels.