snapshot of environmental information systems in south eastern europe

Snapshot of Environmental Information

Systems in South Eastern EuropeCurrent Progress and Future Priorities

THE REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTERfor Central and Eastern Europe

About the REC

The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is a non-par-tisan, non-advocacy, not-for-profit international organisation with a mission to assist insolving environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The center fulfils thismission by promoting cooperation among non-governmental organisations, governments,businesses and other environmental stakeholders, and by supporting the free exchange ofinformation and public participation in environmental decision-making.

The REC was established in 1990 by the United States, the European Commission andHungary. Today, the REC is legally based on a charter signed by the governments of 28countries and the European Commission, and on an international agreement with the gov-ernment of Hungary. The REC has its head office in Szentendre, Hungary, and countryoffices and field offices in each of its 15 beneficiary countries which are:

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia,Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, FYR Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro,Slovakia and Slovenia.

Recent donors are the European Commission and the governments of Albania, Austria,Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark,Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, FYR Macedonia, theNetherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland,the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as other inter-governmental and private institutions.

The entire contents of this publication are copyright©2003 The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe

No part of this publication may be sold in any form or reproduced for salewithout prior written permission of the copyright holder

ISBN: 963 9424 35 8

Published by:The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe

Ady Endre ut 9-11, 2000 Szentendre, HungaryTel: (36-26) 504-000, Fax: (36-26) 311-294, E-mail: [email protected]

Website: <www.rec.org>

Printed in Hungary by ProTertia

This and all REC publications are printed on recycled paper or paper produced without the use of chlorine or chlorine-based chemicals.

The views of the authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of relevant governmental organisations or the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe. The presentations of national studies and best

practice cases are the opinions of the national experts.

Snapshot ofEnvironmental Information Systems

in South Eastern Europe

C U R R E N T P R O G R E S S A N D F U T U R E P R I O R I T I E S

Edited by:JEROME SIMPSON

Compiled by:TODD SCHENK and GRAZYNA KRZYWKOWSKA

August 2003

Funded by:the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands

THE REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTERfor Central and Eastern Europe

AcknowledgementsThe editor would like to thank Todd Schenk for compiling the country reports and introductorysections; Grazyna Krzywkowska for managing the project through 2001-2 and for coordinatingthe completion of the country reports, national action plans and disbursement of funding forthe development of environmental information systems in each country; and those experts whoauthored the country reports (listed in the List of Contributors at the back of this book). In addi-tion, the editor would like to thank those international experts who supported the project aspart of the project’s steering committee: Professor Andrzej Kraszewski, Warsaw TechnicalUniversity; Gordon McInnes and Stoyan Blagoev of the European Environment Agency;Johannes Mayer of the Austrian Federal Environment Agency; Otto Simonett of UNEP-GRIDGeneva and Arthur Roborgh of the Netherlands Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and theEnvironment. The editor would also like to thank Michael Lindsay for copy-editing the report,Krisztina Andre for layout, and members of the REC’s Publishing team: Patricia Barna, StevenGraning and Sylvia Magyar.

The REC also extends its sincere thanks to the staff of the ministries of environment and other gov-ernmental bodies who assisted the REC country and field office staff and independent expertsduring the preparation of the country reports, for their cooperation in providing the requestedinformation.

The REC is indebted to the government of the Netherlands for its financial support for this projectand devotion to the development of environmental information systems in South Eastern Europeand the promotion of regional cooperation among SEE countries and territories.

This report and other information related to the Development of National EnvironmentalInformation Systems in South Eastern Europe project are available online at:<www.rec.org/REC/Programs/REReP/InformationSystems>.

S N A P S H OT O F E N V I R O N M E N TA L I N F O R M AT I O N S Y S T E M S 3

Foreword 5Project Rationale 5

Executive Summary 7Project Goals, Objectives and Achievements 7

What is an Environmental Information System? 8

Implementation in South Eastern Europe 8

NGOs on Information Access, Quality and Reliability 10

Future Priorities 10

Recommendations 12

Introduction 17The South Eastern European Social and Political Context 17

What is REReP? 17

The Project and its Goals 18

What is an Environmental Information System? 19

Report Structure and Target Audience 19

Survey Methodology 22

Country Reports (includes national action plans) 23Albania 23

Bosnia and Herzegovina 31

Bulgaria 41

Croatia 49

FYR Macedonia 59

Romania 71

Serbia and Montenegro 81

Kosovo (territory under UN interim administration) 93

Conclusions and Recommendations 103Conclusions 103

Recommendations 109

List of Contributors 115

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

S N A P S H OT O F E N V I R O N M E N TA L I N F O R M AT I O N S Y S T E M S

BERCEN Balkan Environmental Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Network

CEE Central and Eastern Europe

CO2 Carbon dioxide

EAR European Agency for Reconstruction

EC European Commission

EEA European Environment Agency

EIA Environmental impact assessment

EIONET European Environment Information and Observation Network

EIS Environmental information system

EU European Union

EUROSTAT Statistical Office of the European Communities

FYR Former Yugoslav Republic

GIS Geographic information system

IT Information technology

LIFE Financial Instrument for the Environment (EU)

NGO Non-governmental organisation

PC Personal computer

PDF Portable document format

REC The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe

REReP Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme for South Eastern Europe

SEA Strategic environmental assessment

SEE South Eastern Europe

SWOT Strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

SO2 Sulphur dioxide

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

UNMIK United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo

AC R O N Y M S A N D A B B R E V I AT I O N S

4


A number of state-of-the-art information technology (IT) tools have been utilisedby governments to enhance citizens' access to environmental information, with theultimate goals of fostering democracy and improving civil society, and fulfilling inter-national legal obligations and reporting requirements.

The Development of National Environmental Information Systems project, imple-mented between April 2001 and December 2003, aimed to help countries and territoriesin South Eastern Europe (SEE) to develop their own environmental information systems.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands funded this project within theframework of the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme for South EasternEurope (REReP) to encourage the wider use of information technology in processingand disseminating environmental information to the public. The project encourages theexchange of environmental information and experience in building information sys-tems, particularly in the SEE region.

Project activities have taken place in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,Croatia (the project's lead country), FYR Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia andMontenegro, including Kosovo (territory currently under UN interim administration).

This publication serves to share the project’s outcomes. Included are overviews ofthe current status of environmental information systems in each country and identifiedpriorities for future development.

Project RationaleThe political and economic changes witnessed in these countries during the past

13 years have had a significant impact on the environment. Citizens and governmentsalike need full access to environmental information to cope with this impact. Suchaccess can improve a government's image in the eyes of its citizens and contribute togreater political transparency and accountability. This project encourages greaterpublic participation in decision making and reinforces a sense of common responsi-bility for the environment. Complete, reliable and current information is necessary foran in-depth environmental decision making process to take place that involves thepublic from start to finish. Such information also improves environmental awareness.

The Internet has increased the volume of environmental information that can becollected, processed, stored and disseminated to the general public. Access to moderntechnology enables people to obtain information online whenever necessary. It hasalso made it possible to format information to fulfil the particular needs of each indi-vidual user. This project aims to harness this technology for the benefit of the region,its citizens and the environment.

Foreword

6 S N A P S H OT O F E N V I R O N M E N TA L I N F O R M AT I O N S Y S T E M S

Scenes from the wrap-up training workshop hosted in Sofia, Bulgaria,June 19-20, 2003. For a full list of participants and gallery see:

www.rec.org/REC/Programs/REReP/InformationSystems/

Scenes from the wrap-up training workshop hosted in Sofia, Bulgaria,June 19-20, 2003. For a full list of participants and gallery see:

www.rec.org/REC/Programs/REReP/InformationSystems/


Project Goals, Objectives and AchievementsWithin the framework of the five-year Regional Environmental Reconstruction

Programme for South Eastern Europe (REReP), the Development of NationalEnvironmental Information Systems “quick-start” project (April 2001 to December2003) set out to help the region’s countries and territories build their own environ-mental information systems. Croatia was nominated by the region in March 2000 tolead the project and thereby to foster regional ownership and development, particu-larly through implementation of a pilot project: a web based coastal waters geo-graphic information system (GIS). The REReP project’s main goals were to:

• enhance the accessibility of current, high-quality environmental information;

• offer a framework for long-term regional cooperation; and

• facilitate participation in the European Environment Information and ObservationNetwork (EIONET) of the European Environment Agency and implement theUNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention).

The project’s ultimate goal was to ensure greater access to environmental informa-tion for citizens and government authorities. It therefore focused on improving thecollection, management and dissemination of environmental information. The projectbegan with an initial needs assessment in 2001 to:

• analyse the current status of national/territorial environmental information systems;

• review the obstacles and challenges to future development; and

• determine future priorities within the framework of national action plans.

Targeted measures that responded to these needs were implemented during 2002-3, and ranged from local hands-on technical assistance to international trainingworkshops to build expertise. Other measures included financial support for the pur-chase of equipment and the facilitation of dialogue with NGOs and other stake-holders. The sharing of best practices and experience underpinned all of these activ-ities, while the national action plans have yielded a framework for activities over afive-year period at the national/territorial levels.

Executive Summary

Ensuring greater access toenvironmentalinformation forcitizens andgovernmentauthorities hasbeen the project’sultimate goal


What is an Environmental Information System?For the purposes of this project, environmental information systems are comprised

of networks of institutions relying on electronic tools and traditional mechanisms tosupport the manipulation and flow of information, from the monitoring stationthrough to the interested stakeholder (a schematic diagram is provided on page 20-21). These systems vary in structure and complexity, but generally consist of moni-toring networks; data correlation, management and storage systems; reporting frame-works; and a variety of tools used for dissemination. In today’s information society,electronic tools, such as computer networks for the rapid transfer of data and com-posite databases for information storage and management, are central to ensuringeffective environmental information systems. Other important constituents includeproper operational plans, adequate and well-trained staff devoted to environmentalinformation management, supportive legal frameworks, and mechanisms to raiseawareness among potential users of this information.

Implementation in South Eastern EuropeThe level of development of environmental monitoring networks and data collec-

tion mechanisms varies from country to country:

• In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is no systematic collection, storage or reporting ofwater and air quality data in any format.

• In Kosovo, data is collected but is of limited value.

• In Albania, data collection occurs for a range of issues but only in selected regionsand storage remains chiefly non-electronic.

• In Serbia and Montenegro, data is stored in both electronic and non-electronic for-mats, while in Bulgaria as much as 40 percent of the data remains on paper.

• In a number of countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Romania), monitoringnetworks are well developed, but data is being transferred manually from paper toelectronic format (FYR Macedonia), or is stored in a variety of formats according tothe institutions’ own standards.

• In Serbia and Montenegro, monitoring networks cover all media, but geographiccoverage is deemed inadequate.

• In all countries many institutions are involved in data collection, sometimes withoverlapping responsibility and with limited coordination amongst them.

The lack of harmonised reporting formats and the diverse range of technical plat-forms constrains data integration, exchange and cooperation between institutions.This impacts upon the use of environmental information in the decision-makingprocess. Concerning the region, it can be said that:

• No systematic approach exists for data storage and exchange, though some attemptsare being made to introduce indicator-based reporting, in Albania for instance.

• A clear trend is emerging for establishing agencies or information/thematic centres tocoordinate reporting (Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo [territory

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Environmentalinformation systems

are comprised of networks of

institutions relyingon electronic tools

and traditionalmechanisms to

support themanipulation and

flow of information


under interim UN administration], FYR Macedonia, Romania, Serbia andMontenegro) and/or integrated monitoring systems development (Croatia, Romania).

• Inter-sectoral cooperation and information exchange remains the exception,although interest is increasing from non-environment ministries in state-of-the-environment reports.

Efforts to ensure environmental information distribution are still largely left to thoseinstitutions collecting and storing data. For instance:

• Some countries’ institutions (Croatia, Macedonia, Bulgaria) offer a range of docu-mentation through different channels: state-of-the-environment reports, monthlybulletins, Internet portals, information service centres and monthly meetings.

• New laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania and Kosovo bind the provision ofenvironmental information upon request, at little or no cost, but in both republicsof Serbia and Montenegro no legal basis yet exists to ensure citizens’ rights toaccess environmental information.

• In some places, electronic mechanisms (e.g. websites) are not yet utilised (but areplanned) to disseminate official information (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Kosovo, Republic of Serbia).


Kosovo

Serbia andMontenegro

Romania

FYR Macedonia

Croatia

Bulgaria

Bosnia andHerzegovina

Albania

E-mail Post Telephone Fax In Person

10 15 15 2 80

5 40 40 60 52

7 25 627 3

45 36 55 27 70

85 30 30 20 30

50 40 60 40 70

50 40 60 40 70

20 10 70

Popularity of various mechanisms used by NGOs to request environmentalinformation in 2001

A clear trend isemerging for theestablishment of agencies orinformation/thematic centres tocoordinate reportingand/or integratedmonitoring systemsdevelopment

Numbers indicate percentages of NGO’s using each mechanism


NGOs on Information Access, Quality and ReliabilityFrom the figure on page 9, it is clear that NGOs request information using a variety

of mechanisms. Requests tend to be submitted in person in Albania, Croatia,Kosovo, Romania, and Serbia and Montenegro. In FYR Macedonia, most requestsare submitted via e-mail or over the Internet. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, faxeswere most popular, and in Bulgaria the telephone was most frequently used.

In all countries, NGOs (ranging from 60 to 90 percent) felt inadequate responses to information requests were received from authorities and that these needed improvement (specifically regarding content). In Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia andMontenegro, NGOs also commented on the unfriendly nature of staff, and in anothercountry that “staff are not specifically interested or motivated to provide information.”In all countries, procedures were considered to be too complex. In FYR Macedonia,one NGO noted the importance of personal contact in order to acquire information,while only in Kosovo did NGOs state they had paid for information, specifically tocover the costs of processing.

In the future, NGOs wish to be able to acquire information via simpler proceduresand via the web (for example, via search tools, in PDF formats, and via the websitesof regional environmental inspectorates, i.e. in Bulgaria). NGOs also called for themore proactive dissemination of information by authorities, via e-mail/fax updates(in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Romania, Serbia andMontenegro), and in hard copy format as part of a regular mailing list (Bulgaria,Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro).

A common trend regarding the quality of information was poor presentation,noted in Albania, Croatia, Romania, and Serbia and Montenegro. In Bosnia andHerzegovina, one NGO asked for official information to “be written in a commonlanguage,” while in Albania and Serbia and Montenegro clear explanations of factsand figures, and consideration of the end-user were requested. In Albania, Croatia,and Bosnia and Herzegovina, NGOs and experts would like to be consulted ondraft reports (a form of “participatory assessment”) in order to assist in improvingtheir reliability, and offset situations whereby “reports on the status of the environ-ment and related problems do not reflect the realistic situation,” as was mentionedin Croatia. Calls for regularly updated information were common to all NGOs, notonly because of its importance for NGO actions, but also for ensuring synergybetween government initiatives.

Future PrioritiesThe needs assessment showed priorities for environmental information system

development correspond across the South Eastern European region and can bebroadly grouped into five key categories (summarised in the table on page 11).

Investment in technological infrastructure was the most commonly cited priority.Needs included:

• monitoring equipment (fixed, mobile, automated stations) and networking tech-nologies such as fibre-optic cabling for local area networks, and transmissionequipment for wide area networks, routers, switches, etc;


In Bosnia andHerzegovina, one

NGO asked forofficial information

to ‘be written in acommon language,’

a sentiment echoed elsewhere

in the region


• tools to manage, store and manipulate data including geographic information systems,relational database management systems, publishing apparatus and software; and

• database software and upgrades, e.g. Oracle, and high-speed Internet access.

Demands for new products and services was also popular and included:

• establishing entirely new institutions to assist the management and provision ofinformation (environmental agencies, clearing houses and local information cen-tres); and

• developing tools such as catalogues of data sources, web-portals, and useful envi-ronmental reports with clear explanations of facts and figures for the end-user.

Developing legal frameworks was also frequently cited and requires:

• standardisation of data collection practices to ensure compatibility, reliability andexchangeability;

• clearly defining roles and responsibilities of contributing institutions in order to avoidthe duplication of efforts; and

• subsequently complying with international reporting and legal obligations.

Many needs have been highlighted with regard to capacity building. Countriescalled for:

• resources to strengthen the human resource base and to retain staff;


Legal Capacity Technological Demo Projects Services & LocalFrameworks Building Infrastructure & International Products Consultations

Cooperation

Albania • • • •

Bosnia and • • • • •Herzegovina

Bulgaria • • •

Croatia • • • • •

FYR Macedonia • • • •

Romania • • • •

Serbia and • • • • • •Montenegro

Kosovo • • • • •

Overview of priorities for environmental information system development in SEE countries and territories

Investment intechnologicalinfrastructure was the most commonlycited priority

• training in data processing, interpretation and manipulation to comply with inter-national reporting and users’ requirements;

• guidance with respect to information dissemination, and in communicating withcitizens and hosting public hearings (e.g. during the environmental impact assess-ment process, as a result of efforts to comply with the Aarhus Convention; and

• assistance to overcome limited technical know-how in installing and maintaining IThardware and software, managing computer networks, weak personal computer(PC) literacy among ministry and agency staff, and limited Internet programmingknowledge.

Demonstration projects, international cooperation, and opportunities to accessexpertise and share know-how and best practices have been welcomed, particularlywhere these factors contribute to regional integration. Hosting local consultations andestablishing working groups to identify local user-needs were also listed as importantsteps to ensuring the delivery of the right information to the right user.

Specific priorities have been detailed within “national action plans,” which weredrafted by country representatives together with international experts and representa-tives of the NGO sector following completion of the needs assessments. These plans(published as part of the country reports) define concrete steps and activities for envi-ronmental information system development in five key areas until 2006, and havebegun to be realised through the assistance provided by this project (detailed in thecase studies in the respective country chapters). “Priority actions” have been high-lighted along with those elements funded by this project in the ready reference tableon pages 14-15.

RecommendationsDuring a Wrap-up workshop held in June 2003 in Sofia, attended by some 50

experts involved in environmental information system development across the region,participants welcomed the assistance provided to date through the project and indi-cated their desire to continue building on the foundations it has established. They con-firmed that the national action plans provide a strong foundation and roadmap foraddressing future key challenges in each country. Experts also agreed that the fol-lowing activities should be implemented within a second phase or follow-up projectfurthering systems’ development between 2004 and 2006:

• National action plans should be reviewed, updated and expanded to include localaction plans, in view of the countries’ internal restructuring and shifting prioritiesdriven, among other things, by EU integration and acquis approximation, EEAaccession and implementation of the Aarhus Convention.

• Training assistance should be given to national, regional and local bodies to ensure:compliance with international obligations such as the new EC Directive on PublicAccess to Environmental Information (2003/4/EC) and integration intoReportnet/EIONET, the European Environment Agency’s European EnvironmentalInformation System; introduce and build capacity in line with the requirements ofthe Aarhus convention at the local level; demonstrate the use of geographic infor-



National actionplans provide a

strong foundationand roadmap foraddressing futurekey challenges in

each country

mation systems; and showcase available tools and software for storing andexchanging data and information (e.g. web portals, intranet systems, Catalogue ofData Sources, relational database systems).

• Further investments in technological infrastructure, hardware and software devel-opment should be made, according to the priorities identified in the national actionplans, as well as exploring the availability and usability of (free or cheaply avail-able) open source software.

• Support must be given toward the development (and/or establishment) of nationalenvironmental agencies through capacity building, twinning arrangements withagencies in other countries (e.g. the England and Wales Environment Agency), staffexchanges, study tours, and the hosting of regional working groups focused onspecific issues, e.g. passive and proactive information dissemination, web portaldevelopment, networks of information centres/libraries etc., supported by interna-tional expertise.

The assistance of the Regional Environmental Center for Central and EasternEurope (REC) was welcomed in elaborating the terms of reference and overseeing afollow-up project, as was the involvement of neighbouring countries Greece andTurkey (funded separately). FYR Macedonia was invited to lead the project in itssecond phase, and to share its expertise in developing its own internationally recog-nised environmental information system.

However, workshop participants noted their concern regarding the uncertainfuture of REReP, donor fatigue and domestic financial uncertainties which couldendanger reaping the full benefits of the project to date. They urged the donor com-munity to continue its support for the region and this project, especially in view ofthe priorities highlighted above and the concrete progress made to date. Countriesemphasised the fact that a dedicated network of experts has been established thatincludes all participating countries and a wide range of stakeholder groups includingNGOs, which has helped to ensure transparency and solid progress based oncommon interests.

The foundation for future system development has therefore been laid and shouldbe further built upon, so as to continue and improve the accessibility of environmentalinformation. Funds of EUR 750,000 are required to further progress in the SouthEastern European countries.



Phase Two of the project requires funds of EUR 750,000 tofurther implementnational action plans,realise training assistance, developtechnologicalinfrastructure and help establishenvironmental agencies



Priority actions for environmental information system development in SEE countries/territories

Institutional Structure Legal Frameworks

Albania • Design/install an electronic exchange • Legislate environmental monitoringsystem, including a front-end • Adopt EU/EEA reporting standardsportal based on user needs • Enforce laws pertaining to EIS

Bosnia and Herzegovina • EIONET and IT training • Assign jurisdictions in the field• Install a Wide Area Network of monitoring, collection,

linking both entities information processing and dissemination,• Found an environmental agency harmonised with EU legislation

• Ratify the Aarhus Convention

Bulgaria • Strengthen communication links • Ratify the Aarhus Convention• Integrate databases • Train municipalities and NGOs• Host expert/NGO training at the on environmental information sources

regional level based on information and their accessibilityavailable at the Executive Agency

Croatia • Map environmental data flows • Identify and transpose relevant EU• Establish an environmental protection legislation for monitoring and reporting

agency to synthesise data andcoordinate providers

FYR Macedonia • Establish intersectoral working group • Harmonise legislation with EUto define reporting standards and directives and EEA reporting standardsmethodologies • Adopt regulations regarding data

• Eliminate manual collection and management processesstate-of-environment data reporting • Implement the Aarhus Convention

• Launch data processing system

Romania • Agree on monitoring system • Enact a law/regulation to provideparameters for authorities a legal basis for monitoring

• Involve NGOs to ensure public practices and responsibilitiesinformation demands are met

Serbia and Montenegro • Complete a feasibility study for • Draft EU-compliant laws on informationsystem development systems and access in both republics

• Establish a modus operandi • Introduce draft laws to the public and• Establish environment agencies adopt and implement them

in each republic and train staff • Promote the Aarhus Convention

Kosovo • Law enforcement training • Extend legal frameworks to include• Strengthen monitoring networks data collection standards• Build capacity to interpret and

report data

NB: Text in green highlights those components partially funded by this REReP project.



Data Collection & Management Information Dissemination Ensuring Usage in Decision Making

• Review and improve national • Establish a system for timely • Ensure preparation of EIAmonitoring practices delivery of key information and SEA statements

• Standardise laboratory sampling, to NGOs, media and public • Provide useful information todata storage and reporting all levels of administration

• Extend monitoring practices • Launch user-driven web portals • Fully adopt indicator-based approaches• Training on data management • Host training in both entities to ensure targeted and useful• Integrate databases and establish for web design/maintenance information for decision makers

data collection centres

• Upgrade software and networks to • Establish regional information • Develop indicator-based reportingimprove data processing and access centres systems for environmental assessment

• Full electronic data storage • Enhance a national web portal • Train staff on statistical analyses,• Host training on international • Develop a catalogue of data reporting and GIS application

reporting requirements sources

• Conduct gap analysis against EEA • Produce a meta-database of • Identify information users' needs andreporting requirements information sources and producers expectations

• Establish an office for information • Train civil servants on • Develop “user friendly” reporting management and accurate environmental reporting formatsreporting • Develop coastal waters GIS

• Install new monitoring stations • Produce targeted, relevant and • Adopt policy-indexed,(enhance geo/thematic coverage) useful reports for users indicator-based reporting

• Harmonise data collection formats • Maintain an open library and • Raise authorities' environmental and processing standards improve request responses awareness through useful reporting

• Purchase relational database • Buy publishing equipment and • Host public hearings to ensure amanagement system improve online accessibility participatory assessment

• Buy PCs for data acquisition • Data synthesis and repackaging in • Present environmental trends inby local inspectorates useful formats for the public, easy-to-understand formats (e.g. GIS)

• Train monitoring officers in the including Web interfaceuse of the automated system • Publish stakeholder-driven

• Purchase network and IT hard-copy reports and materialsapparatus for data exchange

• Develop comprehensive, • Technical trainings on tools for user- • Identify and respond tointegrated monitoring networks driven information dissemination decision makers’ information needs

• Purchase five or six automated • Establish a state web portal • Adopt EEA reporting standardsmeasurement stations • Training for staff and NGOs on

• Develop a catalogue of data sources information access

• Design monitoring network and • Incorporate existing data into • Ensure use of environment reportsdefine objectives useful publications in policy planning

•Report on hotspots and • Prepare regular • Host multi-stakeholder forums to gather health-related data state-of-the-environment reports discuss environmental concerns

• Define data exchange procedures • Complete the web portal in decision-making processes

TO P I C 1 : L E A P OV E R V I E W

S N A P S H OT O F E N V I R O N M E N TA L I N F O R M AT I O N S Y S T E M S16


The South Eastern European Social and Political ContextThe societies and environment of South Eastern Europe (SEE) have suffered greatly

during the past decade of conflict and instability. The region’s countries were unableto continue the reform processes started in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and wereisolated from international environmental cooperation and assistance. Governmentsin the region were weakened by political turmoil. Already weak ministries, such asthose responsible for the environment, were further marginalised as funding wasdiverted to other efforts, such as war and deficit stabilisation.

The major obstacles faced in the post-war reconstruction process are the loss ofconfidence in governments, the weak state of administrations and the limited cooper-ation and dialogue not only between countries, but also between public administra-tions and the societies they serve.


Introduction

The Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme for South Eastern Europe (REReP) was created in 1999 as an ini-tiative of the European Commission, and accepted as part of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. The REReP con-cept was developed by the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) together with the coun-tries of South Eastern Europe, especially FYR Macedonia, whose government hosted and chaired the preparatory meet-ings. REReP was built on the strong political will of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe to integrate environmentalconcerns early on into the reconstruction process. It was founded as a five-year programme.

Strong ownership in SEE countries made it possible for the programme to address the national and regional environ-mental priorities and challenges in an efficient manner.

REReP rapidly evolved into a successful assistance mechanism mobilising significant international funding. The pro-gramme enabled the countries to advance reforms in environmental policy and legislation, to strengthen their institu-tions, to support civil society development and to address the war damage in a coordinated and transparent manner.REReP has also become an important EU association mechanism, assisting the countries in their long-term goal of inte-gration into the structures of the EU.

The donor community demonstrated strong commitment to environmental reconstruction in the SEE region and providedimpressive support to the programme, amounting to EUR 20 million during 2001-2003, thus making REReP one of the suc-cess stories in international environmental cooperation. The programme was subsequently promoted as a model assistancemechanism for protecting the environment and developing institutional capacity in other transition countries. The future ofREReP today remains in the hands of the countries of the region, the European Commission and the donor community.

What is REReP?


The Project and its GoalsThe Development of National Environmental Information Systems "quick-start"

project (April 2001 — December 2003) set out to help SEE countries and territories toreduce technological and sociological barriers to building their own environmentalinformation systems. The project’s main goals were to:

• enhance the accessibility of current, high-quality environmental information;

• offer a framework for long-term regional cooperation; and

• facilitate participation in the Environmental Information and Observation Network(EIONET) of the European Environment Agency (EEA) and implement the UNECEConvention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making andAccess to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention).

Ensuring greater access to environmental information for citizens and governmentauthorities has been the project’s ultimate goal. It therefore focused on improving thecollection, management and dissemination of environmental information. The projectbegan with an initial needs assessment in 2001 to:

• analyse the current status of national/territorial environmental information systems;

• review the obstacles and challenges to future development; and

• determine future priorities within the framework of national action plans.

Targeted measures that responded to these needs were implemented in 2002-2003,and ranged from local hands-on technical assistance to international training workshopsthat built expertise; and from financial support for the purchase of equipment to the facil-itation of dialogue with NGOs and other stakeholders. The sharing of best practices andexperience underpinned all of these activities, while the national action plans haveyielded a framework for activities over a five-year period at the national/territorial levels.

The project fostered international cooperation, particularly between Balkan countries, which is all the more important given the recent history of conflict. Croatiawas nominated by the region in March 2000 to lead the project, and for this reason tofoster regional ownership and development, particularly through implementation of apilot project: a web-based, coastal waters GIS. The project team was assisted by aninternational steering committee, which involved experts from the EEA, UNEP-Grid,and Warsaw Technical University, and which ensured coordination with related international efforts (such as the Balkan Environmental Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Network (BERCEN) and the Developing Strategies for theImplementation of the Aarhus Convention initiative).

A number of South Eastern European countries are becoming members of the EIONET.Through cooperation with the EEA, which manages the "Environmental Monitoring andAssessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia and Extension to Croatia initiative,the project facilitated EIONET participation.

The project supported the implementation of the the Aarhus Convention by docu-menting and sharing relevant best practices on the use of information and communica-tion technologies in providing access to information and fostering public participation indecision making (compliant with articles 4 to 8 of the convention). It therefore linkedwith the work of the Electronic Tools Task Force, established under the Convention.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Ensuring greater access to

environmentalinformation for

citizens andgovernment

authorities hasbeen the project’s

ultimate goal


What is an Environmental Information System?Up-to-date information on the state of the environment is essential to environmental

management and informed, intelligent decision making. The provision of this informa-tion to all stakeholders supports them in fulfilling their various roles as decisionmakers, activists and so on. Stakeholders need and expect up-to-date information onthe quality of water, air, and soil, and the impacts of contamination on public health.

According to M. Haklay’s From Environmental Information Systems toEnvironmental Informatics — Evolution and Meaning (1999, available at<www.casa.ucl.ac.uk/eis.pdf>), an environmental information system is a comput-erised system for the collection and management of environmental information. Forthe purposes of this project, they are considered to be comprised of networks of insti-tutions relying on electronic tools and traditional mechanisms to support the manipu-lation and flow of information from monitoring stations to interested stakeholders.They vary in structure and complexity, but generally consist of monitoring networks;data correlation, management and storage systems; reporting frameworks; and avariety of tools for dissemination. The diagram overleaf provides a schematicoverview of an environmental information system as envisaged by this project.

Electronic tools, such as computer networks for the rapid transfer of data and com-posite databases for information storage and management, in today’s informationsociety are central to ensuring effective environmental information systems. Alsoimportant are proper operational plans, adequate and well-trained staff devoted toenvironmental information management, supportive legal frameworks, and aware-ness among potential consumers about the information.

Report Structure and Target AudienceAs the title indicates, the purpose of this publication is to provide a "snapshot" of

environmental information systems in South Eastern Europe. Its aim is not only toreport on the current status of environmental information systems, but also to revealobstacles and challenges to system development and to map future priorities asdefined by the countries themselves. By following this structure, it is hoped this doc-ument will be a useful tool for those working and assisting with environmental infor-mation systems in each country and for donors supporting their development.

This introduction outlines the projects’ aims, goals, survey methodology and con-text, and provides an introduction to environmental information systems. TheExecutive Summary goes one step further, briefly detailing the findings of the project.

The bulk of this publication includes summary reports on each of the eight benefi-ciary countries (note: Kosovo is filed after Serbia and Montenegro). These highlight thecurrent status of environmental information systems, including systems for data collec-tion and management; inter-agency cooperation and public accessibility (passive andproactive); challenges and obstacles to system development; and future needs and pri-orities. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — society’s watchdogs — wereinvited to reflect on the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of environmental infor-mation and their comments have been included in the “What NGOs Had to Say” boxes.National action plans are also published within the country reports, and reveal the cur-rent status and future priorities of the environmental information system, based on its


Environmentalinformation systemsare comprised of networks ofinstitutions relyingon electronic toolsand traditionalmechanisms tosupport themanipulation andflow of information



Scematic diagram for a “complete” environmental information system



Proactive delivery Passive delivery


legal framework, the technologies required for data collection, management and dis-semination, and activities required to enhance the use of information by decisionmakers. They also highlight the required resources (as well as matching sources avail-able through other REReP projects) for the plan’s realisation and a timeline, whichmeans they serve as a set of proposals. The plans were prepared by government offi-cials, NGO representatives and environmental information system experts. Each reportconcludes by summarising how the funds provided by the Netherlands Ministry ofForeign Affairs were used for system development within the form of a case study.

This document is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of the status of SEE’senvironmental information systems. Gaps exist within the country/territory reports,and as circumstances change, facts rapidly become outdated. Nevertheless, it famil-iarises the reader with the challenges involved in enhancing access to information andmeasures undertaken to tackle them in the SEE regions of June 2003.

The Conclusions and Recommendations section summarises the main findings ofthe country reports by highlighting key trends. It includes recommendations for con-tinuing system development in the framework of a future project, based on discus-sions and project SWOT analyses undertaken by representatives of the region duringa Wrap-up workshop in Sofia, Bulgaria, June 2003.

The report chiefly targets two groups. First, all international and national experts withan interest in environmental information system development: namely UNEP, OECD,NGOs, the project participants and steering committee, in addition to other countriesinvolved in developing environmental information systems, particularly neighbouringstates were targeted. The second group includes the REReP benefactors’ and beneficia-ries’ communities.

Survey MethodologyThe REC’s country and field offices coordinated the preparation of the various

components of the country reports in 2001 based on the contributions of subcon-tracted experts, ministry of environment officials, officials from other relevant author-ities, and NGO community representatives. Each office identified information tech-nology or legal experts (listed in the List of Contributors section at the back of thisbook) to author the needs assessments in cooperation with environment ministry offi-cials, which were discussed and verified by members of the steering committee duringthe project’s implementation. Relying on REC offices ensured synergy with otherREReP projects, including: BERCEN, Developing Strategies for the Implementation ofthe Aarhus Convention, and Electronic NGO Networking.

The assessments were prepared based on several sources: information alreadyavailable about a given country’s situation and needs, and personal interviews withthe aforementioned environment officials. NGO representatives were subsequentlyinvited to contribute their perspectives by completing a short quantitative survey oninformation accessibility, quality and reliability. The interviews and survey served astools to inform the officials of the project in detail, fully involve them in the needsassessments and to ensure NGO community involvement in the project. For the pur-pose of preparing this report, both country needs and NGO assessments wereupdated in 2003 by respective sector representatives. They were subsequently inte-grated with the national action plans and a case study on donor funding.


The report targetsinternational andnational experts

with an interest inenvironmental

information systemdevelopment and

REReP benefactorsand beneficiaries

Key Findings• Data is collected on a range of issues, but storage remains chiefly non-electronic.

• Significant efforts are being made to disseminate environmental informationdespite limited internal exchange.

• No systematic approach exists to data storage and exchange, though some attemptshave been made to introduce indicator-based reporting.

• NGOs feel authorities respond poorly to information requests: 83 percent weresemi-satisfied or dissatisfied with the range of topics and documentation available;50 percent found information to be poorly presented; and 33 percent indicated awish to access clearly presented information online via the web.

• Future priorities include legally binding frameworks for data collection, reportingand management, staff trainings, technical infrastructure improvements anddemonstration projects.



AlbaniaCOUNTRY REPORT

S E R B I A A N DM O N T E N E G R O

A L B A N I A

Tirana

DurresAdriatic

Sea

F Y RM A C E D O N I A

G R E E C EITALY

Lezhe

Shkoder

0 50 100

kilometres

CROATIA

Current Status of Environmental Information Systems

Data Collection and ManagementThe primary agency responsible for environmental issues in Albania is the Ministry

of Environment. The Institute of Hydrometeorology monitors water and air quality,and relies on some 100 hydrological stations nationwide for water quality samplingand about 100 meteorological stations for air quality measurements. Water and airmonitoring, particularly in urban areas, is also conducted by the Institute of PublicHealth, part of the Ministry of Health. Biodiversity and ecosystems within nationalparks, water bodies, forests and pastures are monitored by the Institute of Biology andby the Directorate of Pastures and Forests, part of the Ministry of Agriculture. Soil sam-pling is the responsibility of the Institute of Soils (Ministry of Agriculture) and includesassessment of various concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, potassium, calcium, mag-nesium, hydrocarbonate (HCO3) and organic mass. In 2002, the Institute ofEnvironment (a research body and former Institute of Chemical Technologies) wasestablished, with the aim of assisting the Ministry of Environment in the monitoring ofcertain environmental parameters. The institute is still in a rather premature phase ofdevelopment, without concrete activities.

Despite these bodies, data collection and management systems remain weak inAlbania, with many geographic regions and pollutant types unmonitored. Heavymetals in drinking water, for example, are seldom monitored. Urban areas receivemore attention than rural areas. Once data has been collected, it is typically archivedin hard copy at the Ministry of Environment. There is no electronic storage of dataeither locally or centrally. However, the Institute of Statistics of Albania does maintaina limited amount of its own environmental data in electronic form.

Inter-agency CooperationThere is only limited coordination between those involved in monitoring, and no

methodological standards for data collection, management, or scientific analysis.Agencies engaged in monitoring and analyses follow their own protocols, set by theirindividual governing councils. Attempts are being made to adapt EuropeanEnvironment Agency (EEA) reporting standards, but this has yet to become opera-tional. The strengthening of Albanian relations with the EEA (REReP project 1.6)involves addressing the issue of data management, and has provided the Ministry ofEnvironment with equipment related to information systems, including servers, acomputer for web publishing, etc.

No central database is in place for sharing environmental data among those inter-governmental committees with mandates for assessing the state of the environment.The exchange of environmental information among government officials seldomoccurs, and is only common in decision making during the environmental impactassessment (EIA) process, as and when required by law.

Public AccessibilityAlbania is a signatory of the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public

Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters.


A L B A N I A : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

Data collection andmanagement systems

remain weak inAlbania, with manygeographic regionsand pollutant types

unmonitored

Its constitution states that everyone has the right “to be informed of the state of theenvironment and its protection” and to a healthy and ecologically sound environment.A State of the Environment report is issued every two years by the environment min-istry. This details the status of water, air, soils, urban areas, waste, biodiversity,existing environmental institutional capacities and financing mechanisms. The reportis published in hard copy as well as electronic format. From 2003, the ministry willalso publish an Environmental Bulletin three times a year. This will report on currentenvironmental protection measures and concerns, and will seek to foster the moreactive exchange of environmental information and dialogue with the public. TheEnvironmental Bulletin will be made available in electronic format and via the web-site of the ministry, once the webpage becomes operational in late summer 2003.Hundreds of copies of each issue, and thousands of State of the Environment reportswill be distributed to a mailing list, consisting of research and academic institutes,other governmental bodies, regional environmental agencies and NGOs.

An Environmental Information Center has recently been established within theministry, which maintains a physical collection of various studies and details on pro-jects implemented by the ministry. It is intended to serve as the main gateway foraccessing environmental information, but its capacity is limited due to the fact that itemploys just one environmental specialist. From autumn 2003 the EnvironmentalInformation Center will host a portal for official environmental information within thewebsite of the environment ministry at <www.moe.gov.al>. This site will provide fulltext access to many Ministry of Environment documents, including the latest State ofthe Environment report, environmental monitoring reports, compliance reports sub-mitted to convention secretariats, and environmental laws. It will also link visitors toother Albanian and international organisations.

To date, the state Albanian Telegraphic Agency has served as the main institutionresponsible for the distribution of official information. Some of its environmentalinformation is made available electronically at <www.ata-al.net> and is distributed inhard copy, for instance, free of charge at fairs. The box overleaf gives further detailson the accessibility and reliability of official information from an NGO perspective.

Obstacles and Challenges for the FutureThe lack of clear responsibilities in the field of environmental information manage-

ment has prevented the development of any formal exchange, reporting or distributionsystem. The research institutions chiefly responsible for collecting environmental data donot follow common guidelines, which limits their cooperation and renders progresstoward formal data exchange and electronically stored information negligible.

The Ministry of Environment’s lack of funding means it must rely on limited humanresources — both in terms of staff numbers and capacity — to compile and processinformation which is collected and stored manually.

The Environmental Information Center is well equipped in terms of computerequipment and hardware infrastructure (unlike many government departments andnon-governmental organisations that cannot easily access the Internet or still rely onoutdated laboratory processes). However, these tools are not yet adequately devel-oped or utilised: the Center’s server, capable of supporting a local area network isunder-utilised for exchanging or publishing information. Electronic information dis-semination is hampered by the lack of adequate national telecommunications services.



The EnvironmentalInformation Centerserves as the maingateway for accessingenvironmentalinformation, but its capacity is limited to oneenvironmentalspecialist

NGOs depend on government bodies for current and reliable environmental information. Of the 34 surveyed, 93 percent have requested informationfrom the Ministry of Environment or other relevantauthority, and 32 percent submit more than three requestsper year. However, 71 percent of NGOs felt that authori-ties do not adequately respond to their requests (see piechart at right), noting in particular slow administrative pro-cedures and incomprehensive or less than useful informa-tion. Only 50 percent said that responses were generallyprovided in time, while 22 percent claimed that responsesnever arrive. Of those surveyed 25 percent indicated theyhad been denied information at least once.

As regards the range of information (topics) and docu-mentation made available, 83 percent were "dissatisfied"or "semi-satisfied." Respondents requested better access toall main types of environmental data, as well as legislationand policies, state of the environment reports, decision-making processes, environmental impact assessment reports, and contacts, particularly in electronic form and over theInternet. Concerning the quality of official information, 50 percent found it generally "useful" and "informative," thoughthe same number found it to be "poorly presented," and 67 percent of respondents considered the information to be only"somewhat up-to-date." Among the improvements recommended were collaboration and forums with NGOs and think-tanks in the field, clear explanations of facts and figures, professional verification, and recruitment of staff qualified tomanage environmental data.

Concerning the methodsused to request environ-mental information, thefollowing chart indi-cates an overwhelmingmajority (78 percent) ofNGOs make enquiries"in person." Not surpris-ingly, e-mail and faxtend to be the mostinfrequently used. In thefuture, 33 percent indi-cated a wish to accessinformation online viathe web.



What NGOs had to say about the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of official environmental information

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80


Not WellEnough

71%

Very Well

11%

Well

8%

How well do authorities respond?

How do NGOs request information?

Needs and PrioritiesThe National Environmental Action Plan (2001) defines a number of priorities

regarding the management of environmental information which remain invalid today:

• establishment of environmental units in the main ministries and municipalities;

• improvement of the environmental inspection system;

• distribution of environmental information through local authorities;

• targeted information dissemination to NGOs, mass media and schools, and promo-tion of their participation in the formulation of environmental policy/legislation and;

• provision of full access to environmental impact assessment reports.

In addition, with respect to the challenges outlined above, the following prioritiesare highlighted.

The legal framework for data collection, reporting and management must bestrengthened through the development of a new strategy for environmental moni-toring together with the integration of procedures and codes of conduct regarding therelevant organisations. Adapting standards for environmental reporting will facilitatecooperation between the environment ministry and scientific institutions, andbetween the Ministry of Environment and the EU and its institutions. Legal mecha-nisms also need to be developed supporting the implementation of the AarhusConvention and information dissemination.

Capacity building and the hiring of more environmental personnel is necessary toensure new reporting standards can be complied with. Training of the relevant staff indata validation, storage, database management and dissemination to the public is nec-essary. Training on media outreach, cooperation with school teachers, and on how tohost community meetings are essential steps towards ensuring targeted disseminationof useful information to increase environmental awareness. Some of these tasks canbe conducted by national institutions such as the Training Institute for PublicAdministration (see <www.itap.gov.al>), while others should be conducted throughrelevant international organisations.

The technical infrastructure needs strengthening with the installation of a local areanetwork between the Ministry of Environment and Environmental Information Center toenable more efficient internal exchange and accessibility of data. For the country as awhole, modern telecommunications networks and Internet access would enable coop-eration between the environment ministry and the country’s scientific institutions. Thoseinstitutions involved in data collection (e.g. the Institute of Hydrometeorology’s“Observatory”) require new monitoring equipment and measurement devices.

Pilot projects demonstrating and promoting best practices with regard to oneselected environmental media are required. These are expected to catalyse the much-needed cooperation within the country and with other countries, international organ-isations, donors, support agencies and partners.

Further details on priorities and foreseen actions, and funded components are detailedin the national action plan included overleaf and drafted with the REReP 1.8 project team.



The legal framework for data collection,reporting andmanagement mustbe strengthenedthrough codes ofconduct and a new strategy forenvironmentalmonitoring



Albania – Action plan for national environmental information system development (prepared by Eno Dodbiba, Environmental Center for Administration and Technology/ECAT, Ahment Mehmeti,NGO representative, Mihallaq Qirjo, REC Country Office Albania)

Priority Needs Current Status Foreseen Actions Expected Benefits

Institutional • Paper archives and • Design and install an • Modern functioning systemestablishment of manual processing electronic exchange system for both electronic andan environmental of environmental data according to user needs hard-copy information information • A recently established (including a data collection transfersystem (EIS) (Jan. 2003) Inspectorate of sub-system and

Environmental Protection front-end portal)now contributes to monito-ring of pollutant emissions

Legal framework • Environmental issues are • Pass a law mandating an • Compliance with covered by the Constitution environmental monitoring system EU standards

• National Law on the • Establish and publish reporting • Improved quality of andEnvironment enshrines the standards that conform with access to informationpublic’s right to information those of the EU/EEA

• No legal act establishes an • Enforce laws pertaining to EISenvironmental monitoring system

Data collection • Environmental quality • Review national monitoring • Modern, integrated andand management monitoring is carried out by practices as part of a workshop comprehensive environmental

scientific research institutes and establish a working group monitoring and datain selected areas but for system development exchange systemwithout clear assignment of • Standardisation of laboratoryresponsibility or guidelines sampling, storage

and reporting practices• Equipment procurement

based on workshop findings

Dissemination of • State of the Environment report • Distribution system aimed at • Information on environmentenvironmental • Environmental Bulletin delivering key environmental accessible to all stakeholdersinformation published monthly information in a timely and (national and international)

• Frequent information packages efficient manner to NGOs,for media and NGOs (press media and publicreleases, leaflets, brochures,memos, etc.)

• National environmental webportal under construction (scheduled completion: July 2003)

Use of • Reports and materials made • Implementation/preparation • Use of information byenvironmental available upon request to of EIA and SEA decision makersinformation in ministries and local authorities processes/statements • Effective policy makingpolicy setting and • Provision of useful information • Long-term environmentaldecision making to governments at various levels improvements

REReP 1.6: Continuation of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia and Extension to CroatiaREReP 1.7: Strengthening National Environmental Protection Agencies and their Inspectorates in the South Eastern European RegionREReP 1.8: Developing National Environmental Information Systems in the SEE CountriesREReP 2.2: Support Developing Strategies for Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in South Eastern Europe



Indicators of Success Required Resources Matching Resources Timeline

• Installed hardware • Full-time technical expertise to • REReP 1.6 • Concept-and software fully utilised assist know-how transfer REReP 1.7 ualisation of theand properly maintained • Hardware and software solutions REReP 2.2 system within

• Satisfied end-user • Training staff to use the • Action completed by six monthscommunity system (i.e. shift from paper environment ministry with • Functioning web

archives to electronic, use of the support of ECAT portal withinintranet, manipulation 12 monthsof documents

• New laws and standards • Expert assistance • REReP 1.6 • During 2003enter into force in legal drafting REReP 1.7

REReP 2.2

• Enhanced environmental data, • Hardware and software solutions • REReP 1.6 • 1.5 yearscollected according to agreed • Internet connectivity via REReP 1.7standards and properly archived dedicated lines REReP 2.2

• Training of staff on techniques REReP 1.8and methodologies for systematic data collection

• No complaints regarding lack • Hardware and software • REReP 1.6 • 1 yearof environmental information solutions REReP 1.7

• Public participation REReP 2.2in decision making

• Consideration of environmental • Political willingness to consider • REReP 1.6 • 2 yearsissues within improved environmental issues REReP 1.7state policy REReP 2.2

NB: Text in green highlights those components partially funded by this REReP project and is reported in more detail overleaf.



Objectives

Seed funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands was disbursed in the second half of 2003. Thereforethe information contained below is a tentative description of the activities undertaken during that period, as foreseen inJuly 2003.

Monitoring data is incomplete and does not give a clear indication as to the environmental situation in the country. Aworkshop was therefore hosted with the involvement of all state institutions responsible for monitoring, to review state-of-the-art procedures and experiences.

The discussion identified capacities and obstacles to collecting and providing environmental data, as well as the neces-sary institutional changes required for the development of the environmental information system. In particular, the dis-cussion helped to develop the terms of reference for future monitoring, including that to be performed by the newInstitute of Environment, comprising standards, parameters, frequency, methodologies, data presentation format, datacompatibility and accessibility issues.

An expert working group was formed to subsequently carry the results of the assessment forward, by identifying mea-sures to address specific needs and priorities for specific environmental media. Equipment was purchased according tothe most critical needs identified.

Expenditures

Item Amount (EUR)

Computer equipment 22,000

Workshop 4,000

TOTAL 26,000

Benefits

The funding has contributed to the development of a formal strategy for environmental monitoring and data collection,which intends to improve existing practices and flow of data, as well as to ensure data reliability, compatibility, accessi-bility etc. The work also supports the implementation of a new government decree of the council of ministers (no. 103,March 31, 2003) on the operation of the environmental monitoring system by the technical directorates of the environ-ment ministry.

Contact Person

Besnik BarajMinistry of Environment

Address: Rr. Durresi 27Tirana

Tel: (355-4) 260-623Fax: (355-4) 260-627E-mail: [email protected]

Case study on donor funding

Key Findings• There is no systematic collection, storage or reporting of water and air quality data,

in any format, in either entity.

• A new state Environment Agency is expected to help remedy data reporting/pub-lishing shortfalls and contribute to developing state environmental policy.

• Sixty percent of environmental NGOs say that agencies’ responses to enquiries“need improvement,” and 66 percent noted dissatisfaction with the range of topicsand documentation available, while one asked for official information to be“written in a common language.”

• Methodologies and standards for information processing and exchange, IT capacitybuilding, technological infrastructure enhancements and information products andservices are among future priorities.



Bosnia and HerzegovinaCOUNTRY REPORT

C R O AT I A


C R O AT I A

Banja Luka

Jajce

Mostar

Sarajevo

Tuzla

Brcko

Bihac

B O S N I A A N DH E R Z E G O V I N A

Gorazde

AdriaticSea

0 50 100

kilometres

FEDERATION

REPUBLIKASRPSKA

REPUBLIKASRPSKA

Bosnia and Herzegovina is administrativelydivided into two entities: the Federation of

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska.Brcko District is an additional unique unit of

local autonomy. The Ministry of Foreign Tradeand Economic Relations coordinates

environmental protection at the state level.Environmental protection is the responsibility of

the Ministry of Physical Planning andEnvironment in the Federation of Bosnia and

Herzegovina, and the Ministry of PhysicalPlanning, Civil Engineering and Ecology in

Republika Srpska. Ministries of agriculture, watermanagement and forestry are responsible for

water management issues in both entities.Moreover, the Federation is divided into ten

cantons, each of which has its own ministriesresponsible for physical planning and the

environment. In Brcko District, environmentalprotection is the direct responsibility of the state

government through its sector for communalissues and its sector for agriculture and forestry.


Data Collection and ManagementEnvironmental monitoring is carried out in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

by the Federal Meteorological Institute (for surface waters) and by the Institute for Agro-Pedology (for soils). In Republika Srpska (RS), water quality monitoring is overseen bythe Hydrometeorological Institute and the Institute for Water Management, while airpollution is monitored on an ad-hoc basis by the Institute for Protection and Ecology RS.In both entities, the ministries of agriculture, water management and forestry also mon-itor water quality and legal compliance (i.e. vis-à-vis those licences issued to publiccompanies utilising and polluting public water resources), and are responsible forwatershed management. At the cantonal level, selected monitoring also occurs underthe jurisdiction of their respective environment ministries.

There is no environmental information system for the central storage of data, in elec-tronic or paper format, in either entity, and also no regulated system for environmentalreporting. The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) European EnvironmentInformation and Observation Network (EIONET) programme has provided muchneeded hardware equipment and permanent Internet connectivity to the environmentministry of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to enable storage andexchange of environmental data with the EEA. However, the lack of a formal environ-mental data collection system means the equipment is not utilised to its full capacity.

Inter-agency CooperationThose organisations involved in collecting environmental data in both entities tend

to do so independently, according to their own interests and standards. Few formalmechanisms exist for the transfer of data and information between institutions dealingwith the environment, and a great deal of exchange occurs on a voluntary basis.Therefore, the only bodies ensuring some form of homogeneity in the data collectedand presented are the institutes for statistics of both entities. At the same time, envi-ronmental information is rarely used by government bodies not directly dealing withthe environment, when drafting national strategies and policies.

In order to coordinate efforts, two committees, the Water Steering Committee andthe Environmental Steering Committee were established in 1998 to enhance coopera-tion between government administrations dealing with environmental issues in thetwo entities. One significant initiative has been the establishment of an operating unitin 2002 under the Environmental Steering Committee to coordinate environmentalmonitoring, data collection, processing and distribution. An initial task has been toinventory approximately 60 different organisations and their environmental moni-toring practices. These activities, funded by the EC’s LIFE programme under the ROSAproject, are also expected to contribute to the harmonisation of legal frameworksbetween the two entities, to promote and ensure efficient and pro-active resourcemanagement, and to ensure the regular delivery of relevant and objective informationto the authorities and the public. Overall these activities will support the developmentof an integrated and coherent national environmental protection policy, and lay thegroundwork for the establishment of a state level Environmental Agency. The projectwill be completed in September 2004.


B O S N I A A N D H E R Z E G OV I N A : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

Those organisationsinvolved incollecting

environmental datain both entities

tend to do soindependently,

according to theirown interests and standards

Public AccessibilityThere is no system regulating environmental reporting and dissemination in Bosnia

and Herzegovina. The UNECE Convention on Access to Information, PublicParticipation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Mattershas not been ratified or adopted at the state level, although the Environmental SteeringCommittee has recently initiated the ratification procedure, thanks to the adoption ofnew freedom to information laws at the state level in both entities. This includes a lawon access to information in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (April 2003)and a new Environmental Framework Law (adopted summer 2002 in RepublikaSrpska and April 2003 in the Federation), both of which ensure compliance to theConvention. According to the framework law, requests for environmental informationmust be submitted formally in writing, with either the minister or his/her deputy sub-sequently transferring the request to the responsible department. Requests must beanswered within 15–30 days, and before delivery the response has to be officially con-firmed. (Note: this practice is not required by the Aarhus Convention ).

The publishing of environmental information services (reports, leaflets, studies andbrochures) is not clearly mandated, therefore the content and format varies fromorganisation to organisation (environment ministries, professional institutions). Asingle National State of the Environment report was compiled and published by theenvironment ministry of the Federation in 1998 and provided online via the Internet.The Federation’s Ministry of Environment has a website, although it has been inactivesince 1998. A website is currently under preparation in Republika Srpska. NGO feed-back on the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of official environmental informa-tion is given overleaf.

Obstacles and Challenges for the FutureMany challenges lay ahead in the development of an environmental information

system for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the respective agencies and staff. These include:

• poor communication, cooperation and information flow between the many min-istries, agencies and local governments dealing with the environment;

• lack of a technical infrastructure (computers, telecommunications equipment)combined with extremely high-priced telecommunication services;

• weak or poorly implemented legal frameworks for environmental monitoring andmanagement resulting in an inefficient data collection system;

• shortage of personnel with the necessary working knowledge and capabilities toutilise information and communication technologies and their benefits; and

• lack of access to skilled environmental data managers familiar with EIONETmethodologies used in information collection, management and dissemination.

Presently there are only eight employees in the environment ministry of theFederation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and five employees in the EnvironmentalDepartment of the Ecology Ministry in Republika Srpska. None are responsible for thedevelopment of environmental information systems. The lack of expert personnel inthe field of information technologies, in particular, severely constrains development.



There is no system regulatingenvironmentalreporting anddissemination in Bosnia andHerzegovina



NGOs depend on ministries for current and reliableenvironmental information. Of those surveyed, 73 per-cent request information three times per year onaverage. However, as shown in the pie chart at right, 60percent of respondents stated agencies’ responses torequests “needs improvement,” indicating slow adminis-trative procedures and unskilled staff among their con-cerns. Only 33 percent of NGOs said that responses aregenerally provided “in time,” and 27 percent stated thatresponses “never arrive.” Twenty percent stated theyhave been denied information. Not surprisingly, surveyrespondents indicated they gather a large amount ofenvironmental information about their country from theInternet and via NGOs and their networks.

As regards the range of information available from officialauthorities, 66 percent of NGOs noted dissatisfaction,and requested better access to regularly updated (weekly,bi-weekly and monthly) national water, waste, air andbiodiversity data. Similar wishes were expressed regarding documentation, with better access to environmental laws,policy, contact information and decision-making procedures. Concerning the quality of information, one respondentasked for official information to ”be written in a common language,” and for feedback to be invited from related organ-isations prior to publication.

Regarding the methods NGOs rely upon to request environmental information, the following chart indicates requeststend to be made most frequently by fax and “in person.” The fact that only 6 percent of NGOs have requested infor-mation via e-mail high-lights how underdevel-oped Internet tech-nology and online com-munication are inBosnia and Herze-govina. Nevertheless,66 percent of respon-dents wished to accessand receive informationvia the Internet in thefuture, despite poorconnectivity.


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

How do you rate the agencies’ performance?


Excellent0%

Good40%

NeedsImprovement60%


Needs and PrioritiesLegal frameworks that precisely assign jurisdictions, roles and responsibilities to

relevant institutions at all levels are required. They must be developed through con-sultation with all relevant players, and passed into law, backed-up by increased statebudgetary allocations and subsequently implemented and enforced.

In both the technical and institutional senses, a systematic environmental data mon-itoring and processing regime must be established with clear methodologies and stan-dards for the exchange of information between relevant institutions and ministries.This regime should build on existing reporting standards (indicators) to transfer usefulinformation. Operational Procedures must be implemented.

A catalogue of data sources would serve to inventory existing environmental infor-mation sources and gaps, and would make future development more efficient.Primary contact points (PCPs) for each environmental media (air, water, land use, etc.)should be appointed in both entities within data collection centres. These PCPs wouldmanage the legal and administrative aspects in their respective regions. A national ref-erence centre or environmental agency that serves as a clearinghouse for environ-mental information should also be appointed. Both of these priorities are now beingaddressed within the framework of the IFE project, with the catalogue of data sourcesdue to be finalised by September 2003.

Capacity building of participating institutions in these areas at all administrativelevels must be realised through staff training. IT professionals skilled in the installationand maintenance of computer networks need to be employed. Until this can berealised, it is essential to engage external experts on a case-by-case basis. A numberexist in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fields of IT, Internet communications, GIS andthe environment. Again, within the framework of the LIFE project, a core team hasbeen identified to help implement a systematic approach to dealing with environ-mental information.

Reliable technology platforms, including computer networks, equipment and soft-ware, must be purchased to enable the proper exchange of information, both withinthe agencies gathering environmental data and for external publication for stake-holders and decision makers. A wide area network established throughout thecountry, linking the relevant ministries, the Environmental Agency and data collectioncentres, would serve as a backbone for communication. An integrated Internet portalwould serve to disseminate environmental information. A local area network withinthe ecology ministry of Republika Srpska must be deployed to enhance internal com-munications. The equipment provided through the EIONET programme needs to beused more effectively through the deployment of locally tailored interfaces.

Workshops to assess the situation, identify missing equipment, necessary proce-dures, and required human resources would help address these challenges. Whileneeds and priorities are introduced in this chapter, a feasibility study is necessary formaking a complete appraisal of the situation, as well as the obstacles and challenges.

The results of an initial assessment have become part of a national action plan,and are detailed in the table on pages 36-37, along with those components fundedthrough this project.



A nationalreference centreor environmentalagency that servesas a clearinghousefor environmentalinformation shouldbe appointed



Bosnia and Herzegovina — Action plan for national environmental information system development


Institutional • Established EIONET National • User training in the form of 1-2 • Inter-entity coordination establishment of Focal Point in the Federation, day workshops in both entities and cooperationan environmental but hindered by the for EIONET and IT in general • Improved information flow frominformation system lack of IT personnel • Wide area network linking monitoring to reporting

• Poor cooperation between the both entitiesFederation and Republika Srpska • Establishment of Environmental

• Poor technological infrastructure Agencywithin and between all agencies

Legal framework • Environmental Framework Law • Prepare further laws assigning • Common standards adopted 2002/3 in both entities, jurisdictions for monitoring, for informationalong with Freedom collection, information exchange and managementto Information law in the processing and dissemination,Fedaration of Bosnia and in line with EU legislationHerzegovina • Ratify the Aarhus Convention

Data collection • Data is collected and maintained • Extend and intensify monitoring • Coordination of institutional and management by various state institutes (according to updated legal reporting

• Limited know-how in data requirements) • Cooperation between institutesmanagement at all levels • Training and literature and ministries

on data management • Maintenance of an integrated • Integration of databases and data management system

strengthening of relations between institutions (nominatedas “data collection centers”)

Information • Limited distribution owing to a • Implement new laws on • Continuous provision of dissemination shortage of information within access to information updated environmental

all institutes (i.e. both for • Launch new web portals information to the publicthemselves and the public) based on public interests • Long-term sustainability

• Website exists for the • Train existing ministry staff in of websitesenvironment ministry of the both entities in webpage designFederation. Website under and maintenancepreparation in Republika Srpska

Use of environ- • Selected presentation of • Fully adopt indicator-based • Fast and adequate policy mental information information to executive approaches to ensure targeted responses to environmentalin policy and decision makers is improving and useful information for pressuresdecision making decision makers

REReP 1.6: Continuation of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia and Extension to CroatiaREReP 1.8: Developing National Environmental Information Systems in the SEE CountriesREReP 2.2: Support Developing Strategies for Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in South Eastern Europe




(prepared by Borislav Jaksic, assistant minister, and Ozren Laganin, Ecology Ministry (Republika Srpska),Mladen Rudez, Environment Ministry, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jasna Draganic, REC CountryOffice Bosnia and Herzegovina and Djordje Vojinovic, NGO representative)`


• Coordinated Bosnian response • At least one full-time IT expert • Partly 1.6 • Urgently requiredat international level in each entity institution to • LIFE Programme from 2001

• Priority data flows to European perform daily maintenanceEnvironment Agency of systems and databases

• External team for IT expertise

• Laws adopted and implemented • Qualified staffing • REReP 2.2 • Ongoingenter into force of the respective ministries

• Improved flow of • Technical support environmental information for the Environmental and public accessibility Steering Commitee

• Continuously updated • Upgraded hardware and • Partly REReP 1.6 • 2001-2003 forinformation centrally available software in ministries and and REReP 1.8 ensuring priorityfor reporting and for informing specialised institutes • LIFE Programme data needsthe public • Expertise in data management are met

(trainers and professional • 2004-2006 forassistance) ensuring

supplementaryneeds are met

• Improved quanitity and quality • Well-qualified, permanent • REReP 2.2 • Continuousof publicly available information webmasters in both ministries and REReP 1.8 throughout

• Number of hits and downloads • Hardware and software upgrades 2003from ministries’ websites • Trainers and professional

assistance

• Continuous availability of • Ministry staff trained • REReP 1.6 • Continuoustimely, reliable and relevant and experienced in data through 2002-3information for decision makers evaluation and reporting(and citizens)



Through the generous support of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seedfunding was made available to initiate the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’senvironmental information system. During 2003, the funding was utilised based on thefollowing principles:

� The stated objectives are realisable and the entire action can be completed.

� Actions have immediate effects in the field.

� Activities will improve environmental information access.

Objectives

The following actions were thus implemented in 2003:

� Internet portals established for environmental ministries in both entities at<wwww.fmpuio.gov.ba> and <www.mpugie.rs.ba>;

� Internet portals linked to the webpages of other environmental authorities;

� ministry staff trained in webpage design and maintenance;

� interested stakeholders (authorities, public, business, NGOs) invited to discuss theproposed environmental web content;

� preparation of a terms of reference for the design of data management systems;

� ministry staff trained in data management; and

� Computer equipment and software purchased for data storage, exchange, and webpublishing, while a local area network was installed at the Ecology Ministry inRepublika Srpska.




Expenditures

Item Amount (EUR)


Data management system design 2,500

Training 3,500

Web portal design, launch and maintenance 9,000

Workshops 1,900

TOTAL 24,900

Benefits

These actions will assist environmental authorities to publish information regarding theenvironmental situation. The objectives achieved so far will strengthen links with inter-ested stakeholders, increase the capacities of ministry staff, and strengthen the level ofdata exchange with various agencies, thereby serving as preparation for the next phaseof environmental information system strengthening.

Contact Persons

Mladen Rudez Borislav Jaksic, Assistant MinisterMinistry of Physical Planning Ministry for Physical Planning,and Environment of FBiH Civil Engineering and Ecology of RS

Adress: Marsala Tita 9 Adress: Trg srpskih junaka 471000 Sarajevo, BiH 78000 Banja Luka, RS

Tel: (387-33) 445-146 Tel: (387-51) 215-511Fax: (387-33) 445-031 Fax: (387-51) 215-548E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Key Findings• Many government organisations, including non-environmental bodies, are

involved in monitoring the environment in Bulgaria, but data storage formats varyand 40 percent of data remains in hard copy.

• Diverse media (web, bulletins, info centres, e-mail) are used to distribute environ-mental information at little or no cost to end users.

• Current database systems are built around diverse technical platforms, resulting ina plethora of incompatible data, seldom processed into user friendly information.

• Future priorities include enhancing the technological backbone, improving acces-sibility of useful information, and training and retraining qualified staff.

• Seventy percent of NGOs felt authorities do not sufficiently respond to requests.One NGO felt the range of topics and documentation available were unsatisfactory,and requested updated information online, details on decision-making procedures,and a regular hard copy bulletin of news.



BulgariaCOUNTRY REPORT

R O M A N I A

B U L G A R I A

Sofia

Plovdiv

T U R K E Y

G R E E C E

FYRMACEDONIA

BlackSeaBurgas

Varna

Ruse

0 100

kilometres

50

S E R B I AA N DM O N T E N E G R O


Systems for Data Collection and ManagementThe Executive Environmental Agency, a branch of the Ministry of Environment and

Waters, is the primary body responsible for the collection, processing, storage andpublication of environmental information. The agency is responsible for the NationalAutomated Environmental Monitoring System (NASEM), a network of monitoring sta-tions and datasets that track air quality, surface and ground water quality, soils, forests,ionising and non-ionising radiation, waste, and transport noise. The agency’s 15regional inspectorates of environment and waters (RIEW) collect and maintain localdata. The inspectorate in Rousse, for instance, monitors compliance with air qualitystandards along the border with Romania, as well as Danube water quality.

Monitoring data is obtained from both automated stations and by conventionalsample taking. After reliability assessment, the data is manually or automatically trans-mitted to local databases. Approximately 60 percent of environmental information isstored electronically in a variety of formats, the remainder in hard copy. Three typesof software are used: MS Access, d-Base and Oracle. Following the necessary pro-cessing, the electronic information is transferred via telex to a centralised database atthe executive agency. The frequency of update varies widely: air quality, noise andgamma-background radiation are updated in real time (the former via 29 stations);water quality via three stations quarterly; soil quality and waste annually; and pollu-tant emissions annually. The use of geographic information systems (GIS) to store datain spatial form is limited, as most databases are not suitably structured, and becauseof a lack of digital data (topographic, hydro-geological, etc.).

The environment ministry also maintains registers on permits issued related towaste generation, water use, fines imposed for environmental pollution, environ-mental impact assessment reports, etc.

Inter-agency CooperationOther ministries and agencies independently monitor selected environmental

media as it relates to their areas of interest. The Ministry of Health assesses pollution’simpact on human health and monitors drinking water quality, air pollutants, andurban noise. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, the National Statistics Institute,and the National Meteorology and Hydrology Institute also maintain specialised data-bases with specific geographical coverage. With the data existing in many differentformats and platforms, it tends to be shared only following preliminary inter-institu-tional agreements. The information links are thus poorly developed. Information isnot adequately shared between ministries and agencies on a horizontal basis.

On a vertical basis, information flow regarding the environmental situationbetween the local level and decision makers at the national level is inadequate. Thesame applies to other stakeholders, including the general public. Yet municipaladministrations depend on the information gathered by the regional inspectorates inorder to realise a number of responsibilities (assessing legal compliance, the devel-opment and assessment of environmental policies and programmes of local impor-tance, ensuring public access to information, launching permit procedures concerningwaste management, assessing environmental impact of proposed investments, etc.).


B U L G A R I A : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

Approximately 60 percent of

environmentalinformation is stored

electronically in avariety of formats,

the remainder in hard copy

Public AccessibilityThe collection and distribution of environmental information in Bulgaria is well

regulated and occurs in a variety of formats via different media. This includes dailyweb-based bulletins on air quality and gamma-background radiation, a monthly infor-mation bulletin, and quarterly and annual state of the environment indicator-basedreports/bulletins online and in hard copy. These are made available either free ofcharge or inexpensively (EUR 2.5 for the annual state of the environment reports, forexample, although exceptions are made for members of the National Assembly,municipal bodies and undergraduate, post-graduate and Ph.D students).

In most cases, these publications are also made available free of charge via theInternet at the websites maintained by the environment ministry <www.moew.govern-ment.bg> and the executive agency <nfp-bg.eionet.eu.int>. In addition, two informationcentres located at the ministry and the agency provide a wide range of environmentalinformation to the public, including legislation; planned, ongoing and terminated pro-jects; initiatives; and hosted web-user groups. Generally, though, only limited emphasisis placed on publishing environmental information in formats preferred by users.

According to Article 17 of the 2002 Environmental Protection Act, everyone has theright to environmental information that already exists in published format (bulletins,annual reports, legislation, etc.), without having to state his or her legal interest andwithout charge. In 2000, Bulgaria also adopted a Public Access to Information Actwhich obliges the environment ministry, the Executive Environmental agency and theregional inspectorates to provide environmental information upon request within 14days, or within one month in cases where they do not possess the informationrequested and additional data or processing is required. The ministry receives approx-imately one information request per day, mostly concerning the quality of air andwater, and waste disposal. Citizens can also submit information requests via e-mailand the web, but this is still uncommon.

The box overleaf gives further details on the accessibility and reliability of officialinformation from an NGO perspective.

Obstacles and Challenges for the FutureThe major challenges facing Bulgaria include the following:

• A great deal of information remains in non-electronic format (around 40 percent).

• Information is not integrated (owing to its storage in incompatible databases,whose structures vary, while applied nomenclatures differ).

• The available information is generally unsuitable for use and is not understandablefor decision makers or the public.

An integrated environmental information system will need to overcome the fragmenta-tion and incompatibility of current database systems, even within the ExecutiveEnvironment Agency, but also at the regional inspectorate level. Technical constraints alsoexist in that the available servers are of low specification (weak RAM, hard disk, etc.).

While there is a sound body of legislation regarding information access, the avail-able raw data is not widely processed into user-friendly information, and is therefore



Two informationcentres located atthe ministry and the agency providea wide range ofenvironmentalinformation to the public



NGOs depend on ministries for current and reliable envi-ronmental information. Of the 70 NGOs that responded tothis survey, 96 percent indicated they have requested infor-mation from relevant authorities at one time or another. Onaverage, they request information four times per year.However, 70 percent of NGOs felt that the authorities arenot responding efficiently to requests (see pie chart at right)and in characterising staff, one NGO’s comments rangedfrom “friendly” to “highly uncooperative.” Twenty-five per-cent of NGOs indicated they had been denied information,citing a lack of processed data at the relevant authority asthe primary reason, while 21 percent said responses simplynever arrived. Thirty-seven percent of the surveyed NGOsnoted that responses are generally provided “in time.”

Evgeniya Tasheva of the NGO Institute for EcologicalModernisation found the range of topics and documenta-tion available to be unsatisfactory and highlighted theneed for better access to environmental impact assessment reports related to investment and infrastructure projects, forinformation on the environmental impacts of transport, and details on decision-making procedures, draft legislation andpolicies. In addition, she proposed a regular hard copy bulletin of news about events, legislation, draft decisions, etc.,be widely distributed to NGOs, citizens, and local authorities. Regarding the quality of information, the same NGO feltthat it was “somewhat useful,” “informative” and “adequately presented,” but that it could be improved through moreregular updating. Weekly updates via the environment ministry and local authority’s websites would be welcomed, par-ticularly regarding pollution measurements at both local and national levels and decision-making processes.

Concerning the methods used by NGOs to request environmental information, the following chart indicates telephone(27 percent) and post (25 percent) as the most popular means. E-mail remains surprisingly unpopular given the level ofIT development in thecountry, with only fourpercent of respondentschoosing this medium.One NGO said that inthe future they wouldlike to be able to accessand receive official envi-ronmental informationonline, via e-mail and by post, and would like to see RegionalInspectorates of Environ-ment and Waters hosttheir own websites.


0

5

10

15

20

25

30




Very Well 1%

Well29%

Not WellEnough70%

not understandable to most decision makers and community members. Expertresponses to requests, for instance, must be prepared based on raw/technical data,which first requires interpretation. The main obstacle is the limited staff time, whoseprimary obligation is environmental quality assessment reporting, and the difficulty inretaining staff to publish the data in a user-friendly format. This problem is particularlyacute at the regional/local level. As a result, a great deal of data exists, but it is notwidely distributed.

Needs and PrioritiesThe National Environmental Strategy of 2000 and the national action plan (detailed

overleaf) cite a variety of needs. The most pressing are highlighted below.The development of the technological backbone is central to the effective

exchange of information. Better communication links between the various ministriesand the regional inspectorates (via the Executive Environmental Agency) are essential.All databases should be upgraded to one standard platform (ideally Oracle 9i). State-of-the-art computer hardware is required locally to develop and maintain registers, tocollect and store information, as well as to ensure the network’s connection (mostimportantly via an upgrade to NetWare 6.0) with the Executive EnvironmentalAgency’s centralised database and links with municipalities.

Data accessibility must be improved for decision makers through technical solu-tions such as a catalogue of data sources. This would create an inventory of the var-ious databases and, at the same time, link them, based on a flexible and easily manip-ulated input system. The inventory would be regularly updated by participating agen-cies. Such a registry would also facilitate Bulgaria’s accession process, by listingEuropean Union directive compliance reports.

Useful information should be made accessible to the layman. Environmental datashould not only be presented but also synthesised and interpreted so that its signifi-cance is obvious. An enhanced Internet portal should serve as a one-stop shop andexchange point for real-time environmental information. Ten regional environmentalinformation centres appropriately equipped with seamless access to this portal needto be established in order to serve as effective regional distributors of information, rel-evant to regional issues.

The use of geographic information systems (GIS) would be invaluable in the presenta-tion of vast quantities of environmental quality data, monitoring trends and for modellingexpected changes. In turn this should enable rapid and effective interpretation of the envi-ronmental situation by experts from the Executive Environmental Agency and the public,thanks to subsequent data manipulation via the Internet, brochures and reports.

Integrating indicator-based reporting methodologies at the ExecutiveEnvironmental Agency (with the assistance of the European Environment Agency,OECD, etc.) will enhance data usability within decision-making processes, for com-pliance monitoring and public reporting.

New staff resources need to be employed and constantly trained for the operationand development of a frequently upgraded state-of-the-art technological infrastruc-ture. At the same time, the processing of environmental data into useful, reliable infor-mation is resource-intensive. Additional well-trained staff must be recruited andretained. Training must then occur at both the regional and local level.



The use of geographicinformation systems(GIS) would be invaluable in thepresentation of vast quantities ofenvironmental data,monitoring trends and for modelling expected changes



Bulgaria — Action plan for national environmental information system development(Prepared by Ivanka Todorova, Executive Environmental Agency and Mihail Staynov,REC Country Office Bulgaria)


Institutional • National monitoring and • Develop communication links • Better exchange ofestablishment of information system exists between all key players environmental informationthe environmental • Databases of all key players • Improve compatibility/integrate • Enhanced accessibilityinformation are not linked or compatible databases of environmental datasystem • Limited flow of useful • Train experts at the regional level

information to decision makers and NGOs to know where andor the public what information is accessible

at the Executive Environmental Agency

Legal framework • Sound legal framework • Ratify the Aarhus Convention • Increased provision ofalready in place • Promotion, outreach and training environmental information

• No standards or procedures of municipalities and NGOs locallyexist regarding processing on available environmentaland reporting information and procedures

for access

Data collection • Sixty percent of environmental • Improve the ways data is • Full compliance and integrationand management information collected is stored processed and made accessible with international standards

electronically through software upgrades and• The remainder stays network development

in paper-based form • Store paper-based data • International reporting electronically

requirements are being • Train experts to deal withintegrated into everyday practice international reporting

requirements

Information • A system exists for the • Establish regional • Compliance with thedissemination dissemination of environmental information centres Aarhus convention

information but is not adapted • Enhance national web • Improved access to usefulto end-user interests portal and catalogue information

of data sources

Use of environ- • Technical information exists but • Develop an indicator- • Useful indicators of mental information is not efficiently used for policy based reporting system for environmental quality and in policy and and decision making environmental assessment sustainable developmentdecision making • Train staff on statistical

analyses, reporting and GIS

REReP 1.7: Strengthening National Environmental Protection Agencies and their Inspectorates in the South Eastern European RegionREReP 1.8: Developing National Environmental Information Systems in the SEE CountriesREReP 1.15: Regional Environmental Information Portal for South Eastern Europe REReP 2.2: Support Developing Strategies for Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in South Eastern EuropeREReP 2.3: Promoting Networking and Cooperation of Environmental NGOs: Establishment of Electronic Computer Networks

on a National and Regional Level





• Better communication between • Upgrading and purchase of • REReP 1.7 • 2002-2003national and regional/ additional servers, workstations,local levels modems and specialised

• Instant access to all softwareavailable data

• Widespread implementation of • Staff time to carry out • REReP 2.2 • 2003 onwardsthe new Environmental promotion and outreach REReP 2.3Protection Act

• NGO/citizen satisfaction• Aarhus Convention compliance

• All (100 percent) environmental • Adequate servers, workstations, • REReP 1.7 • 2002-2003information stored in and specialised software forelectronic databases statistical processing

• Full application of and analysesinternational reporting standards

• Deployment and use of those • Upgrading and purchase of • REReP 1.15 • 2002 onwardspriority mechanisms identified additional servers, workstations, REReP 2.2

modems and specialised software for regional use

• Better decision making • Products for statistical • REReP 1.7 • 2002 onwardsand management processing and analyses,

and GIS software



Objectives

Through the generous support of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seed funding was made available todevelop communication links between the Ministry of Environment, the Executive Environment Agency and theregional environmental inspectorates. This was achieved through three activities. First, switching and routing equip-ment was purchased and networks were developed, so as to enhance the environment ministry’s access to theExecutive Environmental Agency’s data. Second, local area networks were set up and database software wasupgraded for the ten major regional inspectorates, in order to enhance their exchange capabilities with the centraldatabase of the agency. Third, environmental NGOs’ access to information at the environment ministry wasenhanced through the provision of computer equipment to the Blue Link NGO Network.

Note: municipality and NGO training on how to use the available data and the newly developed catalogue of datasources (detailing regional level data) were hosted, thanks to funding from other sources.

Benefits

A key step towards integrating data and improving its exchange has been made, with the environment ministry now ableto rapidly access information contained in the Executive Environmental agency’s central database. Through the assistanceprovided to the regional inspectorates, local level information and environmental compliance data are also accessible,thereby supporting compliance with international reporting obligations. National air quality/digital elevation modellingand ozone data is also now available internally in real time, and by the end of 2003 the agency’s website will featurereal-time data on air quality, daily bulletins on radiation data, data on water quality (monthly, quarterly, annually), emis-sions data every six months, and real-time data on soil, waste and noise. This, in turn, will enable a broader stakeholdercommunity to access official environmental information.

Expenditures

Item Amount (EUR)


TOTAL 26,118

Contact Person

Ivanka TodorovaExecutive Environmental Agency

Address: 136 Tzar Boris III1618 Sofia

Tel: (359-2) 955-9812Fax: (359-2) 955-9015E-mail: [email protected]: nfp-bg.eionet.eu.int/ncesd/index.html


Key Findings• Many institutions are involved in environmental assessment and information dis-

semination, chiefly related to inland and marine waters.

• The Environmental Protection Information System will establish “thematic centres”to report data to the new Agency for Environmental Protection.

• A state-of-the-environment report, monthly bulletins, the Internet, an informationservice and monthly meetings ensure citizens’ access to information.

• Most NGOs feel their enquiries are not satisfactorily fulfilled, 40 percent are dissat-isfied with the range of topics and documentation available, and 60 percent wouldlike to see information updated weekly.

• Future priorities include strengthening legal frameworks for sampling andreporting, synthesising and distributing collected data, enhancing partnershipsbetween local agencies, and building capacity.



CroatiaCOUNTRY REPORT

C R O A T I A

Zagreb

Osijek

AdriaticSea

B O S N I A A N DH E R Z E G O V I N A

H U N G A R Y

S L O V E N I A

I TA LY

A U S T R I A

Split

Rijeka

Knin

Dubrovnik

50 100

kilometres

0


Data Collection and ManagementThe Ministry of Environmental Protection and Physical Planning relies on authorised

agencies to monitor and report on the state of the environment. Monitoring of groundand surface water quality, legal compliance and the water supply is coordinated by theCroatian State Water Directorate, and Croatian Waters (a public enterprise). The Rijeka-based office of the ministry’s Environmental Protection Division monitors marine waterquality. The Weather and Hydrological Bureau monitors hydrology, forest fires, andatmospheric status. The Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Healthassesses ambient indoor air quality, pesticide use, and pollution from coal combustionpower plants. The Hazardous Waste Management Agency tracks air quality and wasteemissions. The Rudjer Boskovic Institute monitors radiation.

There is no systematic monitoring regime for soils and no integrated approachto monitoring air quality. Each agency maintains its own system for data manage-ment. For example, Croatian Waters hosts an integrated GIS data system for watermanagement, and the Hazardous Waste Management Agency maintains a GIS data-base on waste disposal sites. Although initiated, a pollutant emissions cadastre wasnot successful because information was not properly processed and therefore notof significant use.

Inter-agency CooperationThere is no formal system for data exchange. An attempt was made in 1991 to

establish a national Environmental Protection Information System, which was sub-sequently defined in the 1994 Law on Environmental Protection. This system pro-posed “thematic centres” to process and report data, and to serve as repositories ofenvironmental information. Partners included the above-mentioned agencies, aswell as the Croatian Information Documentation Referral Agency (HIDRA), theCroatian Information Service for the Environment, and the Croatian InformationService for Biodiversity.

The system was intended as a collaborative initiative between ministries and gov-ernment bodies. The obligations of the participating institutions were outlined in a by-law (1999) on the Environmental Protection Information System, which prescribedprocedures for environmental data transmission and management. In December 2002,a new independent Environmental Protection Agency was established with a mandateto re-establish the system and to collect data (including soil quality) for environmentalassessment through various centres.

The Ministry of Environment is required by law to prepare an official report onthe national state of the environment, for presentation to and adoption byParliament. This report depends on the inputs of the above agencies through theinformation system and serves as a basis for reviewing the government’s environ-mental strategy and protection programme. Ministries and government bodies,other than those directly related to the environment, rely on the environmentalreport, now produced every four years, when drafting national strategies or poli-cies, and spatial plans.


C R OAT I A : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

In December 2002,a new independent

EnvironmentalProtection Agency

was established with a mandate

to re-establish theEnvironmental

ProtectionInformation Systemand to collect datafor environmental

assessment

Public AccessibilityThe environment ministry publish Okolis (“environment”), a monthly bulletin that

reports on the current state of the environment, planned regulations, and related ini-tiatives. Ten thousand copies are printed and widely distributed to experts, govern-mental and non-governmental organisations and institutions, free of charge. Thelaunch of Okolis on the web is still under consideration.

The environment ministry’s state-of-the-environment reports are distributed tostakeholders upon request and are relatively popular. The latest report was publishedin 2003 for the Kiev meeting, and can be accessed online through the environmentministry’s webpage at <www.mzopu.hr>. The website also offers information on theministry’s work, and links to those institutions whose activities, publications, docu-mentation and data it tracks and processes. In addition, the e-mail addresses of infor-mation department of the environment ministry was established in 1998 and handlesapproximately 30 requests and 50 visitors per month from students, NGOs, and citi-zens. The department provides access to 2,500 books, 200 periodicals and 1,800 data-bases and directories covering national monitoring data, environmental assessments,educational resources and contact data to NGOs.

The environment ministry also recognises the importance of NGOs as consumersof environmental information, and hosts monthly meetings with them. It invites NGOsand the business sector to participate in “working groups” for the preparation anddrafting of relevant documents (e.g. regulations, expert material).

Individual agencies also make environmental information available as follows:

• Croatian Environmental Protection Agency – bathing water quality, on-line;

• Croatian Waters – monthly newsletter entitled Croatian Water Management on thestate of water resources;

• The Rudjer Boskovic Institute – virtual library of data and catalogues on Croatianscientific works and approximately 1,500 free electronic magazines,

• The Weather and Hydrological Bureau – monthly bulletin on meteorological,hydrological and environmental issues (available on CD-ROM for EUR 7);

• HIDRA – official government document distribution in a variety of formats (books,journals, maps, CD-ROMs, video cassettes, etc.);

• The Croatian Information Service for the Environment – encompassing air quality,marine and inland waters, protected areas, projects, and contact data;

• The Croatian Information Service for Biodiversity – clearinghouse and library onthe country’s flora and fauna, scientific projects and leading institutions; and

• The Croatian Bureau of Statistics – statistical environmental data collection andpublications (e.g. Environmental Pressure Indicators).

The box overleaf gives further details on the accessibility and reliability of officialinformation from an NGO persepective.



The environmentministry’s informationdepartment providesaccess to 2,500 books, 200 periodicals and 1,800 databases and directories



NGOs depend on ministries for current and reliable environmental infor-mation. Of those surveyed, 91 percent have requested information from theenvironment ministry or other authorities, with an average of 11 requestsper year. Most NGOs felt, however, that the relevant authorities were notfulfilling these requests satisfactorily. None rated the quality of informationprovision as “excellent,” and 73 percent felt improvement was necessary(see pie chart at right). Specifically, only 45 percent said that responses weregenerally provided “in time,” and 9 percent said that responses neverarrived. Forty-six percent of NGOs noted they had been denied information,often without reason, but also because the organisation with which therequest was filed did not have the information. One NGO stated, “the staffis not specifically interested or motivated to provide information.” Anothercommented on the poor level of local access.

As regards the quality of information, one NGO noted that citizens do nothave regular access to objective and truthful information, except throughother NGOs, and cited the inaccuracy of water quality sampling. Sixty per-cent of NGOs were “satisfied” with the range of topics covered, while 40percent were “dissatisfied” and requested better information on industrial emissions, local planning, coastal information,forest decline, and soil quality. Almost all were dissatisfied with the available documentation, one NGO noting “Reportson the status and problems of the environment do not reflect the realistic situation," and that “there is a constant threatfor directors of government institutions giving realistic information to the public.” Respondents also said there was a needfor useful materials for teachers and children concerning local planning policy, legislation and events.

Sixty percent of the NGOs surveyed found official information to be “poorly presented,” but nevertheless informative.All considered it to be “somewhat up-to-date,” though 60 percent requested information related to soil and water quality,pollutant emissions and accidents to be updated weekly. Eighty percent called for more independent reporting on theenvironment, particularly through the popular media (newspapers, TV, magazines), while one NGO called for wide-spread information dissemination and better environment ministry cooperation with NGOs.

Concerning the methodsused to request environ-mental information, thechart at right indicates 72percent of the NGOs sur-veyed tend to makeenquiries “in person” and54 percent by telephone.In the future, NGOs wishto access informationwithin databases elec-tronically online, via tele-phone and in hard copy,including via an indepen-dently published bulletin.

What NGOs had to say about the usefulness,accessibility and reliability of official environmental information

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

How do you rate theprovision of information?


Excellent 0%

Good

27%

NeedsImprovement

73%


Obstacles and Challenges for the FutureMany of the components of a national environmental information system are in

place, although basic data on the environment (e.g. for soils and air quality) is notwidely collected or well integrated. The obstacles and challenges are as follows.

First, a highly complex system has been envisaged with many institutions involved.This situation has resulted in problems of coordination, data incompatibility, the highlevel of funding required for operation and the time required for realisation.

Second, the necessary institutional capacity has been lacking both within and out-side the environment ministry. This includes an outdated legal framework and pro-gramme for systematic monitoring; limited capacities for data collection, processing,and exchange; limited recognition by decision makers of the importance of high-quality environmental data; and weak participation in international initiatives.

Third, the dissemination of useful information is not practicable either because datais not yet collected, or it is not reported according to standardised formats.

Needs and PrioritiesInstitutional strengthening is necessary on several counts. The National

Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) of 2002 defines the environmental informationsystem as one of the highest priority actions. The legislative framework needs to berevised and harmonised with international standards for sampling and reporting.Cooperation with the European Environment Agency is necessary to ensure consis-tency with obligations arising from the accession process.

Strong partnerships are necessary between Croatia’s agencies currently involved incollecting and distributing information within the framework of the EnvironmentalProtection Information System. A unit for the management of information sourcesrelated to nature and environmental protection, placed within the EnvironmentalProtection Agency, needs to operate as the hub of this system. The office will coordi-nate the data providers, synthesise the information received and disseminate it. Theunit needs to have at its disposal the necessary technology and human resources forintegrated information management.

Human resources with the necessary technical skills to deal with environmentaldata need to be hired and current employees respectively trained within both theenvironment ministry and other agencies.

Investment in electronic tools is badly needed. A “meta database” (inventory) of theavailable information needs to be created to help identify gaps for improving futureenvironmental assessment, as well as to enhance accessibility. Conditions for informa-tion access need to be defined. In the longer term, geographically referenced databases(e.g. within GIS) should be linked to improve environmental quality assessment.

Further details on priorities and foreseen actions, and funded components, aredetailed in the national action plan on pages 54-55, drafted with the REReP 1.8project team.



The NationalEnvironmentalAction Plan(NEAP) of 2002defines theenvironmentalinformationsystem as one of the highestpriority actions



Croatia — Action plan for national environmental information system development(prepared by Monika Trsic, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Morana Belamaric, REC CountryOffice Croatia, Ana Babic, Dobrivoj Kleber, programi PINTA d.o.o).


Institutional • A framework exists under the • Create environmental data • Inventory of existing elementsestablishment of auspices of the Environmental flow diagrams comprising the environmentalthe environmental Protection Information System, • Implement a pilot project information systeminformation system but requires significant for one particular theme • Understanding of gaps in order

investment (i.e. funding, • Establish an Environmental to identify future actions tocoordination, human resources) Protection Agency to coordinate strengthen the information

data providers and synthesise the systeminformation received

Legal framework • By-law on the Environmental • Approximation with relevant • Integration with EU standardsProtection Information System EU legislation in the fields

of monitoring and reporting

Data collection • Incomplete monitoring network • Conduct gap analysis and • Improved environmentaland management • Each agency maintains their review of current status against reporting and its accuracy

own system for data management EEA reporting requirements • Improved coordination of• No adequate system for formal • Establish a unit for the agencies involved in data

data exchange management of environmental collection and managementinformation within theEnvironmental Protection Agency

Information • Bi-annual state of the • Produce a meta-database/ • Publicly accessibledissemination environment report and directory of available meta-database on what data

monthly newsletter environmental information exists, and where and how to• Existing environment ministry and those responsible find it for citizens

website being upgraded • Train civil servants on• Lack of coordination among the environmental reporting for

many organisations involved in NGOs and mass media benefitsenvironmental information • Develop coastal waters GISpublishing

Use of environ- • Official environment report • Identify all information on users’ • Simple access to accurate andmental information presented to Parliament, serves needs and expectations reliable informationin policy as a basis for reviewing the • Develop “user friendly”and decision government’s environmental reporting formatmaking strategy and protection

programme

REReP 1.6: Continuation of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia and Extension to CroatiaREReP 1.7: Strengthening National Environmental Protection Agencies and their Inspectorates in the South Eastern European RegionREReP 1.8: Developing National Environmental Information Systems in the SEE CountriesREReP 1.15: Regional Environmental Information Portal for South Eastern EuropeREReP 2.2: Support Developing Strategies for Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in South Eastern Europe





• Institutional use of • EIS development team • REReP 1.6 • Initiated state-of-the-art IT solutions • Hardware/software REReP 2.2 mid-2002in the pilot area for the pilot project REReP 1.7

• Two-months’ manpower REReP 1.15

• Approximated legal framework • Legal expertise • REReP 1.6 • Ongoingfor the information system • Two-months manpower, REReP 2.2

as above REReP 1.7

• Functioning reporting • European Environment • REReP 1.6 • Ongoingprocedures according to EEA Agency consultant REReP 2.2standards • EIS development team REReP 1.15

• Finance, expertise, and coordination from theenvironment ministry

• Six-months’ manpower

• Operational directory for • EIS team • REReP 1.6 • Ongoinginformation exchange REReP 2.2 process (started

• Public popularity REReP 1.15 at the beginningof the meta-database REReP 1.8 of the project)

• Level of use and feedback fromthe public, NGOs, businesses,local governments and ministries

• Completed training workshop

• Policy and decision making • REReP 1.6 • Ongoing(both institutional and general REReP 2.2 processpublic's) based on regularly REReP 1.15reported facts



The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs financed the development of a pilot GIS information system on Croatia’s coastalwaters with a view to it serving as a demonstrator for other countries of the region looking to develop similar itematic tools.The system is hosted within the Environmental Protection Agency’s new national web portal at <www.croea.com>. The systemarchitecture is based around three layers, including a front-end/presentation domain and data layer (see diagram below).

The domain layer is based on a Java2 Enterprise Edition server/platform and relies on open-source software called JBOSS.Upon a client’s search for information, the system interacts with the enterprise information system to extract the necessarydata from a relational database management system. This containsmarine-water-quality data (manually sampled and received in a varietyof formats on a fortnightly basis) in the form of tables, charts and maps(see page 57); pollutant releases from industry (currently in the form of ademonstration map) in Splitsko-Dalmatinska county, enterprise data, andmore. Using Java Server Pages Technology the system dynamically gen-erates an HTML/XML document, via a Java Servlet.

The “coastal waters” element of the portal now provides interactive accessto marine-water-quality data for the bathing season period (May 15 —September 30), presented according to the Croatian by-law on bathingwater quality and broadly in line with the EU directive on bathing waterquality. The website also offers contact data to major informationproviders, details on how to access data, and full texts of environmentallegislation, programmes, strategies, etc. From 2004, the website shouldprovide access to real-time data.

Benefits

The pilot project provides marine and coastal information to a wide range of users via the Internet. This vastly simplifiedaccess to data on bathing water quality is expected to improve coastline management in the region, critical given the hugetourist industry. At the same time, it serves to test the integration of thematic information into the national portal, which overtime will detail other topics via a geographic interface. Compliance with the Aarhus Convention is also achieved by pub-lishing information on operators impacting the environment and on their pollutant emissions.

Expenditures

Item Amount (EUR)


Data management system design 65,000

Trainings & documentation 30,000


Workshops 10,000

TOTAL 164,650




Contact Person

Roko Andricevic

Address: Ulica grada Vukovara 78 10000 Zagreb Croatia


Screenshots from the Environmental Protection Agency website<www.croea.com>

Key Findings• Air and water quality monitoring is well developed, but no systematic approach exists

for data management, with a great deal of manual re-typing taking place centrally.

• A public relations office ensures broad distribution of information via different

mechanisms, although decision makers’ use is limited by incomplete data.

• In 2001, 75 percent of NGOs felt authorities were not responding to requests satis-

factorily. In 2003, 95 percent rated the ministry’s provision of information positively,

but better access to official documents via the Internet was requested.

• Among the future priorities, expanding the monitoring networks, building a rela-

tional database management system, and institutionalising procedures for informa-

tion exchange and reporting have been highlighted.



FYR MacedoniaCOUNTRY REPORT

The Ministry of Environment and PhysicalPlanning and the Macedonian Environmental

Information Centre are the governmentauthorities primarily responsible for thecollection, storage and dissemination of

environmental information. The Centre is dividedinto two units: the Environmental Information

System and the Public Relations Office. Its legalbasis is the Law on Environment and Nature

Protection and Promotion (2000), whichmandates the existence and modus operandi ofan environmental information system, ensuring

the monitoring of the environment, and thepublic’s right to the resulting information.

F Y R M A C E D O N I A

Skopje

Veles

A L B A N I A

B U L G A R I A


Kumanovo

BitolaOhrid

Tetovo

G R E E C E

0 50 100

kilometres


Data Collection and ManagementThe national monitoring network covers air and water. Monitoring of air quality is

chiefly performed by the environment ministry, the Hydro-MeteorologicalAdministration, and national and city health protection institutes. The Automatic AirPollution Monitoring System of the environment ministry transmits average data everyhour for key substances via modem from seven monitoring stations (four in Skopjeand one each in Kumanovo, Kochani and Kichevo) to the environmental informationcentre. The Hydro-Meteorological Administration manages 19 air-quality monitoringstations (18 of which are in urban areas), providing mean daily values of sulphurdioxide (SO2 ) and black smoke (the fraction of total suspended particulates in air).The system is integrated into the European Monitoring Environment Program net-work. The Republic and city health protection institutes monitor the concentration ofSO2 and smoke in seven Skopje locations every 24 hours, twice every seven daysduring spring and autumn. Concentrations of trace metals and dust are monitoredaround the Skopje smelting plant. In Veles and Tetovo, concentrations of SO2 andsmoke are also extensively measured.

With respect to surface water quality assessment, the Hydro-MeteorologicalAdministration manages 110 manual monitoring stations throughout the country,though less than 50 percent are operational due to financial constraints. The adminis-tration’s River Monitoring System includes two automatic stations (in Taor and DemirKapija) and 18 manual stations. The Republic and city health protection institutesmonitor drinking water. Monitoring networks for groundwater, soil quality, noiselevels and biodiversity exist, but their geographic coverage is limited. Biodiversity datais supplied to the (Coordinated Information on the Environment) CORINE biotopesprogramme in Dbase database format, and land-cover data (also for CORINE) is avail-able in GIS/MapInfo format. Furthermore, a polluters' register is being developed bythe Institute for Civil Engineering and will be published following verification.

There is no systematic approach to data management for either air or water qualitydata. All data is received on paper or in annual reports, and manually re-typed intodifferent databases or spreadsheets by the Macedonian Environmental InformationCentre. The standardised European EUROWATERNET model is used for water qualitydata collection and processing, after which it is forwarded to the EuropeanEnvironment Agency (using CIRCA software, a Communication and InformationResource Centre Administrator tool), and imported into a number of databases knowncollectively as WATERBASE. Besides CORINE, there is limited state-of-the-environ-ment reporting according to EU indicators and standards, and limited use of the avail-able data by decision makers in the context of policy planning. A GIS unit, recentlymoved to the environment ministry, provides specialist services (e.g. spatial presenta-tion of air quality data) but its specific role has yet to be fully defined.

More details on the status of monitoring and data management systems are avail-able in two recently completed studies financed by the European Agency forReconstruction and will be available through the environment ministry website at<www.moe.gov.mk> in the near future.


F Y R M AC E D O N I A : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

All data is receivedon paper or in

annual reports, andmanually re-typed

into differentdatabases or

spreadsheets bythe Macedonian

EnvironmentalInformation Centre


Inter-agency CooperationNevertheless, the environmental framework law of 2000 calls for the exchange of

data between government agencies with responsibility towards the environment. Asthe environment becomes a cross-sectoral issue, a variety of other ministries havestarted to utilise the environmental information centre’s data and products in theirwork. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy; the Ministry ofTransport and Communications; and the Ministry of Education and Science, forinstance, use the centre’s data in the development and application of curricula.

In general, however, tangible cooperation between all institutes with an interest inthe environment remains limited and uncoordinated. The most systematic attempt toensure a common understanding and informational basis for policy making is theStatistical Bureau of the Republic of Macedonia, which regularly collects environmentaland other related information (e.g. traffic data, CO2 data based on fuel consumption,etc.) and shares it with relevant ministries. The Statistical Bureau achieves this throughweekly, monthly and annual reports, and via special reports as events dictate.

Public AccessibilityThe Public Relations Office is responsible for providing accurate, timely and trans-

parent information to the public on the state of the environment and for promotingcooperation between the environment ministry and its constituents. Annual reportsbased on air, water and noise quality monitoring data are published by the environ-ment ministry along with monthly reports available electronically and in hard copyregarding air quality for the cities of Skopje, Kichevo, Kumanovo and Kochani. Theseare shared by the office with all interested parties, and typically made available via e-mail and in hard copy. The same reports are also made available via the environmentministry website, which the information centre maintains at <www.moe.gov.mk>.Because access to the Internet is limited in FYR Macedonia, the Public Relations Officeoffers free access from its premises.

Individuals (including the business sector) may request specific informationincluding opinions, permits, etc. With few exceptions, the centre (and any other gov-ernment institution) must provide environmental information in a timely fashion, gen-erally within one month, free of charge. Other channels through which the office dis-seminates information include self-published brochures and posters, videos for stu-dents, manuals and textbooks for use by teachers, and press releases, typically inMacedonian. (Note: 30 percent of FYR Macedonia’s population is Albanian). Publichearings and consultations with the public occur as part of legal and policy draftingprocesses, and also provide an opportunity to receive feedback on environmentalissues from constituents.

Other agencies responsible for environmental monitoring also publish their owndata. The Hydro-Meteorological Institute issues monthly and annual reports containingwater and air quality monitoring data. The Health Protection Institute publishes anational annual report on air and ionising radiation levels, as well as on drinking water.City health protection institutes publish monthly data on air quality and drinking water.The Hydro-Biological Institute of Ohrid issues monthly and annual reports on the mon-itoring results for Ohrid and Prespa Lakes. The box overleaf gives further details on theaccessibilty and reliability of official information from an NGO perspective.


Tangible cooperationbetween allinstitutes with an interest in the environmentremains limited and uncoordinated



NGOs depend on government bodies for current and reliable environ-mental information. There are approximately 150 environmental NGOs inFYR Macedonia, of which 70 are active and frequently request informa-tion. Of the NGOs interviewed for this survey, all request information fromthe environment ministry or other relevant agencies, and do so an averageof nine times per year. In 2001, 60 percent of NGOs felt, however, that theauthorities were not fulfilling these requests satisfactorily (see pie chart atright). Twenty-five percent stated that responses never arrived, while 15percent indicated they had been denied information, sometimes withoutreason, but typically because of a lack of available data, the wrong min-istry had been contacted, or because the information was classified. On apositive note, 25 percent of the NGOs surveyed said that responses weregenerally provided in time, and one NGO noted the importance of per-sonal contact in acquiring information.

When invited to comment on the quantity, currency, and presentation ofenvironmental information and its dissemination by the environmentalinformation centre in 2003, NGOs were far more positive, as shown in thechart below. Ninety-five percent indicated they were “satisfied” with the range of topics and documentation, but alsorequested better opportunities to access legislation, regulations, contact information, annual reports and environmentimpact assessment reports, especially via the Internet. A number of NGOs noted, however, that not all information is madepublicly available (e.g. concerning pollutant emissions), even when required by law. NGOs also stressed the importanceof regularly updated infor-mation, not only for thebenefit of NGOs, but toensure synergy betweengovernment initiatives.

Concerning the methodsused to request environ-mental information, thechart at far right shows theevolution of how NGOsrequest environmentalinformation from min-istries in a variety of ways,most commonly today bye-mail/Internet (90 per-cent). All other meanswere also used by 20-30percent of respondents.For the future, NGOs indi-cated their wish to be ableto access and receiveinformation via e-mail,web and fax.

What NGOs had to say about the usefulness, accessibility, and reliability of official environmental information

0

20

40

60

80

100

0

20

40

60

80

100


NeedsImprovement

60%

Excellent 0%

Good

40%

2000 2003 E-mail Post Telephone Fax In Person


Excellent Good

Needs Improvement

2003 2002

Level of satisfaction with the Macedonian Environmental Information Centre


Obstacles and Challenges for the FutureEstablished at the end of the 1990s, the environment ministry experiences prob-

lems typical to any new organisation.Although most institutions and companies are equipped with hardware resources

and have Internet access, most of the data exchange and reporting takes place on paper.Also, the distribution of responsibilities between various ministries and institutions

has not been fully clarified (despite the Law on Environment and Nature Protection andPromotion). This results in an overlap of responsibilities and the continuation of tradi-tional practices e.g. paper-based data collection and analysis, which is time-consumingand inefficient. In past years, priorities have rested elsewhere, and insufficient coordi-nation among the relevant ministries and institutions has resulted in limited progress.

Another problem is that,the limited budget on which the ministry operates prevents itfrom hiring a sufficient number of employees who are well trained in developing and main-taining environmental information systems and dealing with modern informationtechnology. (Ideally six people are required as opposed to the two currently employed.)Limited resources also prevent the acquisition of much-needed equipment for publishingand necessary software for data management. These constraints result in high staffturnover, which constantly hinders progress and the implementation of any new initiatives.

Lastly, there are gaps in the environmental monitoring network, both geographi-cally and in terms of the elements assessed (groundwaters, soils, biodiversity). At thesame time, industry also lacks (and will for the foreseeable future) the necessaryequipment and expertise for self-monitoring and data reporting. Therefore a trulyclear picture of the environmental situation is not available for either decision makersor other consumers of information.

Needs and PrioritiesThe technical infrastructure must be developed to ensure monitoring regimes provide

adequate coverage of all key media. Of particular importance are the following:

• vehicle emission monitoring stations as a tool for improving public traffic control;

• groundwater and biological monitoring stations for aquatic flora and fauna;

• soil quality and fertility monitoring networks, and stubble-burning assessmentmechanisms; and

• tools for frequent noise monitoring in larger cities.

Hardware and software development is required, including the acquisition ofcomputer workstations and printers to maintain, manipulate and publish datasets. Acentralised database management system and programme are also required to storeand manage the diverse structured and non-structured forms of environmental infor-mation received. The GIS unit needs to be strengthened with additional software tobegin the full integration of monitoring data into spatial environments.

Channels for the flow of geo-coded information into a single relational databasemanagement system (see the diagram overleaf on page 65) should be defined. Such asystem should be enhanced through an Internet/Intranet-based interface applicationfor both information deposit and retrieval via the Web. This would enable the envi-


Six people are required as opposed to the twocurrently employed to develop and maintainenvironmentalinformation systems


ronmental information centre to realise its legal obligation to maintain a centraliseddatabase of relevant, properly processed (systematised and standardised), compre-hensive, accurate, transparent and publicly accessible collection of information on thestate of the environment (encompassing water, air, soil, noise, ionising and non-ionising radiation and the state of FYR Macedonia’s natural heritage).

Institutional strengthening is necessary and can be achieved through the establish-ment of an inter-sectoral group of experts to coordinate and plan the future develop-ment of the environmental information system and to avoid institutional overlaps. Aformal inventory of all data collected on environmental pollution will assist in mappingthe proper intra- and inter-sectoral data collection and management processes. It willalso help to define methodologies for environmental data collection to be applied bythe relevant agencies (e.g. the type, manner, format and time-line of data submissionand reporting). Practices must be standardised and should reflect those set in interna-tional legislation (i.e. the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, PublicParticipation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Mattersand EU legislation on Access to Environmental Information); on reporting (91/692/EC),and those standards applied by the European Environmental Agency. For this, the lawon Environment and Nature Protection and Promotion should be supplemented, or aseparate set of regulations developed.

The quality and range of environmental reports and information products producedby the Macedonian Environmental Information Centre should be improved. At thesame time, the means used to distribute these materials should ensure they becomemore accessible to the general public. A central environmental database will enable theprovision of constantly updated data via the environment ministry’s website (see thediagram on the opposite page). This will enable increased public awareness and apositive behavioural change (of both private citizens and industry), realised within theframework of a long-term plan for education, and effective, coordinated public rela-tions campaigns.

FYR Macedonia’s international cooperation with organisations and other govern-ments occurs in a variety of projects. There is, however, room to further strengthenregional cooperation, which would in turn help to boost expertise while retainingstaff. Cooperation with donor countries is still very important for leveraging foreignassistance, which can help subsidise key services.

Further details on priorities and actions as foreseen within the national action planare detailed on pages 66-67 (besides funded components), as well as in the poster onpage 69.


A centraliseddatabase

management system and

programme arerequired to storeand manage the

diverse structuredand non-structured

forms ofenvironmental

information



Concept for a fully integrated Relational Environmental Database Management System

Database

airwater

waste

…

e-mailradio

ministry

…

Public AccessInternet

Outputs (reports, surveys, etc.)

Public Relations Office

…



FYR Macedonia — Action plan for national environmental information system development

FIGURE 20


Institutional • Sound legal basis, but • Establish inter-sectoral working • Better cooperation on data flowestablishment of fragmented monitoring networks, group to inventory current • Quicker provision of informationthe environmental varied datasets, and disparate practice, define new standards, to all stakeholdersinformation system environmental reporting methodologies

as a result of limited • Launch an operational systemcoordination for data processing

• Eliminate hard-copy state-of-environment reporting

Legal framework • Legal basis exists, but specific • Harmonise with • More effective environmentalregulations on collection, necessary EU directives and reportingreporting, responsibilities have EEA reporting standardsnot been drafted • Adopt secondary regulations

• European Agency for regarding collection andReconstruction project on legal management processesapproximation under way • Implement the Aarhus

Convention

Data collection • Incomplete national monitoring • Establish new monitoring • More complete and integratedand management network in all media and measurement stations datasets and comprehensive

• No vehicle emission, aquatic to enhance geographic picture regardingflora and fauna, or noise and thematic coverage environmental situationmonitoring systems • Harmonise data collection

• Disparate data formats, formats, and processing standardssome in hard copy • Purchase new relational

database management system(RDBMS) for storing all data

Information • All available information is • Produce targeted reports of rele- • Wider availability of usefuldissemination published in hard copy and vance and usefulness to end users information according

online, but significant gaps exist • Provide access to environmental to user’s interests• Information disseminated upon data in hard copy via a library • Increased public awareness and

user request • Improve quality of responses involvement in decision makingto requests • Implementation of Aarhus

• Improve access via the web Convention• Purchase printing/publishing

equipment

Use of environ- • Very little at present due to • Adopt policy indexed indicator- • Greater consideration ofmental information reporting gaps based reporting practices environmental issues andin policy and • Increase environmental awareness policy progressdecision making of authorities through useful • Environmentally sound policies

reporting and decisions• Host public hearings to ensure • Local implementation of the

participatory assessment Aarhus Convention

REReP 1.6: Continuation of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia and Extension to CroatiaREReP 1.7: Strengthening National Environmental Protection Agencies and their Inspectorates in the South Eastern European RegionREReP 1.8: Developing National Environmental Information Systems in the SEE CountriesREReP 1.15: Regional Environmental Information Portal for South Eastern Europe REReP 2.2: Support Developing Strategies for Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in South Eastern EuropeREReP 2.3: Promoting Networking and Cooperation of Environmental NGOs: Establishment of Electronic Computer Networks on a National and Regional Level



(prepared by Svetlana Gjorgjeva, Environmental Information Centre, Metodija Sazdov, NGO representative,Zlatko Samardziev, REC Country Office FYR Macedonia)


• Completed inventory • Well-trained personnel • REReP 1.8 • 2003• New standards and • Computer equipment and

methodologies defined software for collection/storage/• Operational system for data publishing of environmental data

processing, leading to moretimely provision of usefulinformation

• Adoption of new legislation • Technical assistance during • Other donors • Within six• Compliance with national and drafting months (2002)

international reporting • End of 2002obligations

• New monitoring stations • Financial resources • REReP 1.6 • 2002-2005:established and REReP 1.8 improvements

• Common procedures for data and other international donors to existing processing monitoring

• Availability of accurate and systemstimely data in an easy to • 2002-2008:manipulate format new media

• Comprehensive database • 2003: purchasingof relevant data RDBMS

• Satisfied end users • Maintenance of the national • RERePs 1.15 • Ongoing• Comprehensive resource library Internet portal and 2.2 (1)

established• Popularity of available sources• Compliance with the Aarhus

Convention

• Regular indicator-based • Round-tables/public meetings on • REReP 2.2 (1), • Ongoingreport (annual) environmental topics of interest Dept. for EU Integration of the

• Regular public hearings (annual) • Experts on public hearings Govt. of FYR Macedonia• Compliance with the Aarhus • Publishing expertise

Convention




Objectives

Through the generous support of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seed funding was made available to signif-icantly develop FYR Macedonia’s environmental information system in three areas.

First, funds were provided to purchase a relational database management system and to develop software to store allstructured and non-structured environmental data collected and handled by the Macedonian Environmental InformationCentre. Initially, the system will provide a means to manage air quality data (obtained through an expanded network ofstations financed through another project and data received from other institutions and private companies), but over timewill be extended to water, noise, soil, biodiversity, waste, etc. World wide web interfacing will ensure multi-stakeholderaccess, and in time will include GIS connectivity.

Second, hardware was purchased including a colour plotter so as to be able to easily print brochures, posters, flyers, etc.,without engaging external printers.

Third, experts were recruited to provide training to environment ministry staff to improve their efficiency in the use ofmodern technology (LAN, Internet, Lotus Notes), and to develop their electronic communication skills (using the CIRCAextranet tool which enables geographically dispersed communities to exchange information via a private workspace onthe Internet). This latter item helped to produce a handbook in Macedonian.

Expenditures

Item Amount (EUR)


Data management system design/software development 17,860

Training 4,420

TOTAL 27,280

Benefits

Trained staff will be able to use CIRCA to share information and participate in international workgroups. In addition, thesoftware and hardware tools enable the ministry staff to create environmental reports and brochures of high quality,rapidly upon request. In addition, the overall system will experience an improvement in terms of efficient data flow. Inthe longer term, this is expected to improve communication between the ministry and its constituents (including otherministries), improve data accessibility, and improve the quality of environmental decision making.

Contact

Svetlana Gjorgjeva, Head of MEIC Zoran Lozanovski, IT Advisor

Address: Drezdenska 52 Address: Drezdenska 521000 Skopje 1000 SkopjeFYR Macedonia FYR Macedonia

Tel: (389-2) 306-6930 ext. 111 Tel: (389-2) 306-6930 ext.185Fax: (389-2) 306-6931 Fax: (389-2) 306-6931E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]



M AC E D O N I A : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

Poster from the June 2003 Wrap-up/Training workshop

The development of FYR Macedonia’s environmental information system


M AC E D O N I A : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

Key Findings• Comprehensive regimes are in place for monitoring environmental status, but

inspectorates perform this according to their own requirements.

• Little data sharing occurs between inspectorates and national ministries, though

new legislation in 2002 called for integrated pollution monitoring.

• New laws on access to information ensure freedom to request and receive, but at a

cost. State-of-the-environment reports are published annually.

• Eighty-three percent of NGOs felt responses to requests “need improvement,” the

majority are dissatisfied with the range of topics and documentation available,

while all wished to see weekly or bi-weekly updates accessible online.

• Future priorities include developing an Integrated Information System, standards

and methodologies, and investing in technological infrastructure and staff to utilise

data and communicate useful information to stakeholders.



RomaniaCOUNTRY REPORT

R O M A N I A

Bucharest

Iasi

BlackSea

B U L G A R I A

SERBIAAND

MONTENEGRO

H U N G A RY

U K R A I N E

MOLDOVA

GalatiBrasov

Ploesti

ConstantaCraiova

Timisoara

Cluj-Napoca

0 50 100

kilometres


Data Collection and ManagementEnvironmental monitoring in Romania is carried out by a variety of institutions. The

most important today are the 42 local environmental protection inspectorates, estab-lished according to the administrative division of Romania (which includes 41 coun-ties and Bucharest). The inspectorates supervise and coordinate the collection andstorage of data on environmental quality, relying on their own laboratories, relateddepartments, and the National Water Company. They track the levels and location ofwaste, toxic and hazardous substances, and natural/man-made disasters.

Comprehensive regimes are in place for the monitoring of air, water, noise andradioactive pollution. In addition, changes in biodiversity (endangered species popu-lations, protected areas) and soil quality are monitored but a large amount of data col-lection remains paper-based. Inspectorates typically monitor point source pollution,line-pollution (e.g. CO2 emissions along highways), as well as non-point source pollu-tion (e.g. through groundwater sampling to assess the potability of aquifers). A varietyof information on industrial, municipal and specialised waste and municipal sludge isalso stored electronically, by the National Research and Development Institute forEnvironmental Protection, in line with the standards of the European Waste Catalogue.

Inter-agency CooperationThose agencies involved in data collection and management tend to undertake these

responsibilities according to their own requirements. Gathering practice at the locallevel is thus quite different to that at the national level, and limited information exchangeoccurs between inspectorates and ministries, except where bound by legislation.Therefore, the use of this data in the decision-making process is limited. Ordinance243/2000 addressing atmospheric protection, for instance, mandates data sharing on airpollution in accordance with the creation of an Integrated Air Quality NationalMonitoring System. Further legislation has called for the consolidation of environmentaldata in other areas. Ordinance 34/2002 supports the integrated monitoring of pollutionand Ministerial Order 1144/2002 concerns the establishment of a pollutant register.

Cooperation between government bodies with an interest in or impact on the envi-ronment is limited. However, a European Commission PHARE project is supportingthe implementation of so-called strategic environmental assessments, which promoteinter-ministerial cooperation.

Public AccessibilityRomania is a signatory of the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public

Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, andits agencies respond to its requirements in a variety of ways. An annual state-of-the-environment report is made available by the environment ministry, in both hard copyand electronically via its website at <www.mappm.ro>. More timely data is madeavailable by the environment ministry via regular press conferences hosted to updateother ministries on the environmental situation. Individual agencies involved in mon-itoring provide timely data via fax, e-mail, or on their own websites (20 percent of thelocal environmental protection inspectorates have their own webpages). Some local


R O M A N I A : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

There are 42 localenvironmental

protectioninspectorates

monitoring theRomanian

environment

authorities publish mini-reports on the state of the environment, in the local press forinstance, and through their directorates for public relations. In some cities (Baia Mare,Bacau, Ploiesti, Calarasi, Giurgiu and Turnu Magurele), there are electronic panels dis-playing air quality information, with five other cities set to follow in 2003. While thesedirectorates serve as clearinghouses, they typically lack complete information,capacity or the necessary skills to disseminate the data effectively.

Through new legislative measures (e.g. Law 544/2001 regarding free access to publicinformation and Decree 1115/2002 regarding free access to environmental information),requested data must be provided within one month. However, authorities are entitledto charge a fee to cover the cost of copying and processing (a practice which is contraryto the principles of the Aarhus Convention). In practice, overworked staff and decen-tralised data storage and management lead to a high number of unfulfilled requests (seebox on page 74). Usually, information requests are received at the helpdesk of the envi-ronment ministry by fax and e-mail.

Decree 918/2002 and Ordinance 860/2002 relate to permitting and the performanceof environmental impact assessment, establish free access to every EIA report andoblige the publication (especially in newspapers) of requests for environmental per-mits. Refusals to provide information are to be the exception and must be justified inwriting. The box overleaf gives further details on the accessibility and reliability of offi-cial information from an NGO perspective.

Obstacles and Challenges for the FutureA lack of facilities and equipment for database entry and for the dissemination of

information (especially at the local inspectorate level) typically constrains those insti-tutions involved in environmental monitoring and data management.

Shifting from the adoption of the EU’s acquis communautaire (environmental legis-lation) to implementation will require skilled personnel (e.g. software programmers) andcomprehensive training programmes (to ensure compliance with the directives) and themonitoring of the process. However, limited numbers of staff, many of whom are ill-equipped to keep pace with the changing external environment, hinder this progress.

At the same time, few staff are accustomed to sharing information with the publicvia websites, publications, or through public relations directorates. Techniques fordisseminating environmental facts and figures in easy-to-understand and accessibleformats have yet to be integrated into everyday working practices, and this contributesto a lack of public awareness and concern for the environment, and limited participa-tion within the decision-making process.

Needs and PrioritiesNote: As this publication went to press (summer 2003), the government administration in

Romania was restructured with a new Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Waters and Environmentbeing formed. The priorities outlined below are those of June 2003, and while based on existingchallenges and foreseen international obligations including EU accession, may change.

The Framework Law on Environmental Protection (137/1995) called for the develop-ment of an integrated monitoring system. The system’s main functions will include:

• integrating water, air and soil quality data into a unified system;



Few staff areaccustomed tosharing informationwith the public via websites,publications, orthrough publicrelationsdirectorates

NGOs depend on ministries for current and reliable environmentalinformation. Ninety-four percent have requested information fromthe environment ministry or other relevant authority at one time oranother, and 27 percent submit 10 or more requests per year.However, 83 percent of NGOs felt that authorities’ responses “needsimprovement” while only 6 percent rated these services as “excel-lent" (see pie chart at right). Among the concerns highlighted, 30 per-cent indicated they had been denied information and had been toldthis was primarily due to a lack of personnel to process the request.More positively, 61 percent said that responses were generally pro-vided "in time,” though 83 percent of NGOs subsequently surveyedin 2003 noted procedures were complex and time-consuming, andthe same number commented that official staff were “unfriendly.”One NGO also commented that libraries and bookshops were notreliable sources of environmental information.

As regards the range of topics available, half of the surveyed NGOswere “dissatisfied,” and half were “semi-satisfied,” while 66 percentwere “dissatisfied” with the range of documentation available.Improvements in coverage were requested regarding water quality and biodiversity, traffic pollution and nature protection. Interms of documentation, more case studies and good practices on pollution management and public participation, urban devel-opment plans, development policy and strategic plans (e.g. for NATURA 2000 networks) were requested.

Concerning the quality of information, 50 percent of those surveyed considered it to be “somewhat useful,” and “informative,”though 66 percent considered information to be “poorly presented.” All NGOs felt the available information to be “somewhatup-to-date,” and all wished to see information updated weekly or bi-weekly, especially regarding authorities’ decisions. Otherqualitative suggestions included the development of products based on diverse sources, including NGOs as well as scientific insti-tutions, and greater sampling, especially for water quality and biodiversity. Most NGOs wished to receive updated informationvia e-mail, but also sug-gested more public brief-ings should be held.

Regarding the methodsused to request environ-mental information, thefollowing chart indicatesmore than 72 percent ofNGOs submit theirrequests “in person,” 61percent via telephone,and 50 percent via e-mail. For the future, 50 percent of NGOswished to be able to access informationonline via the Internet,and in easily download-able or searchable form(via keywords).



What NGOs had to say about the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of officialenvironmental information

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

NeedsImprovement

83%

Excellent6% Good

11%




• monitoring legal compliance and emergency situations;

• disseminating information to all stakeholders (including the public) on the state of theenvironment, emergency contingencies, and regional and global perspectives; and

• facilitating data exchange at the national and international levels.

The system should be administered by a specialised structure within the environmentministry. The planned new National Environmental Protection Agency could fulfil thisfunction. The agency would process and store the data gathered by each responsibleinspectorate and agency, as well as disseminate the information. Ten new regional envi-ronmental inspectorates will also be established to gather pollutant emissions data.

This system will require the adoption of standards and methodologies among allenvironmental inspectorates and agencies, to make monitoring more efficient and theresulting data more accessible. Responsibilities must be clearly defined for all partiesto the system (as has already happened with air quality monitoring). This will requirecooperation and leadership, especially on behalf of the ministries concerned.

Improvements in the technological infrastructure (IT and communications) arerequired, both within the environment ministry and local inspectorates. Computers,servers and internal networks are needed to facilitate the rapid exchange of docu-ments and data between the ministries, inspectorates, the National Research andDevelopment Institute for Environmental Protection and other stakeholders. The cur-rent priority (as of June 2003) is to ensure that Internet connections exist for all depart-ments and related bodies. This will improve collaboration with the inspectorates andtheir integration, and lay the groundwork for the system’s further development.

Training at the central, regional and local levels within environmental protectioninspectorates is necessary to ensure staff have the technical skills to:

• turn raw data into meaningful information, for internal and public use;

• format data, to comply with international requests (EUROSTAT, EEA, etc.);

• utilise new database infrastructures, software, and manipulation software;

• deal with the public and deliver clear, comprehensive and timely information; and

• apply the Aarhus Convention/EC directives regarding the right to information.

Information products should contain environmental information in easy-to-under-stand formats for the general public. Reports produced at both the central and local levelsshould contain explanations of the data presented, using simple terminology. Theyshould begin to provide some context in terms of the potential consequences of the find-ings. The quality of raw data and very technical information should be more focused, soas to be usable upon the request of different experts (research institutes, NGOs, etc).

Continued international assistance from donors and government support isrequired as follows:

• funding of approximately EUR 1.7 million;

• leadership and guidance, development of legislation and ministerial support; and

• strengthening those with new responsibilities of data collection, management,manipulation and presentation.

Further details on priorities and foreseen actions drafted together with the REReP1.8 project team and funded components are detailed in the national action planincluded overleaf.



Information products shouldcontain environmentalinformation in easy-to-understandformats for thegeneral public



Romania – Action plan for national environmental information system development(prepared by Alberto Simion, Ministry of Environment, Emilian Burdusel, NGO representative, Anca Tofan, RECCountry Office Romania)


Institutional • Existing monitoring systems • Authorities responsible for • Comprehensive, integratedestablishment of (for air, waste, water, soil, disparate monitoring systems environmental informationthe environmental biodiversity,and radiation) need to agree on the system accessible to the userinformation are at different stages of parameters of the system communitysystem development, but do not communicate effectively, nor • NGOs need to be part of the

provide information process, representing public among agencies supplying datato the public demand for information

Legal framework • No specific national legislation • A regulation or law needs to be • Compliance with EUis in place supporting the enacted providing a legal basis requirements and conventions,implementation of the for the system assigning clear such as Aarhus, LRTAP, Basel,environmental information monitoring responsibilities Ramsar, and CITESsystem

Data collection • Data collection on water • PCs for data acquisition • Enhanced flow of data fromand management quality, soil quality and (priority is on county-level counties to national level

biodiversity are paper-based environmental protection • Better communications between• Ten regional environmental inspectorates) environmental protection

inspectorates are expected • Monitoring officers need training inspectorate offices and theto coordinate data collection on the automated system user communityon pollutant emissions • Purchase network and IT appar- • Better environmental reporting

atus to improve data exchange at local and national levels

Information • Level of dissemination varies • Synthesis and repackaging • Better public awareness ofdissemination from place to place and of information in a format environmental issues and

agency to agency suitable for public use state of the environment• Web interface providing the

synthesised data and information• Hard copy materials for

different stakeholders

Use of environ- • Environmental information is not • Trends need to be presented • Better decision making andmental information used in decision making to its in easy-to-understand formats environmental managementin policy and full potential because (e.g. GIS) to decision makersdecision making information is not easy to digest

REReP 1.6: Continuation of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia and Extension to CroatiaREReP 1.7: Strengthening National Environmental Protection Agencies and their Inspectorates in the South Eastern European RegionREReP 1.8: Developing National Environmental Information Systems in the SEE CountriesREReP 1.15: Regional Environmental Information Portal for South Eastern Europe REReP 2.2: Support Developing Strategies for Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in South Eastern EuropeREReP 2.3: Promoting Networking and Cooperation of Environmental NGOs: Establishment of Electronic Computer Networks on a National

and Regional Level





• Creation of formal Romanian • Meeting of key authorities and • REReP 1.6 • 2002environmental information NGOs to discuss integrated REReP 1.7network environmental information REReP 1.15

system (supply and demand REReP 2.5• Better dialogue and cooperation side both need to be represented)

• Law published in official • Political will and firm • REReP 1.9 • 2003 at thejournal recommendation from REReP 1.12 earliest

stakeholder meeting REReP 2.2• Expert consultation to draft

the legislation

• Technical network • Hardware and software as • REReP 1.6 • 2002 onwardsfully operational outlined in the needs section REReP 1.15

• Automated collection of this reportand management of data in each county

• Involvement of municipalitiesin data flows

• National environmental • IT experts • REReP 1.15 • 2002 onwardsinformation system portal • Web servers REReP 2.1

• Published state-of-the- • County level access points REReP 2.3environment reports • Training for county PR officers

• Involvement of municipalitiesin dissemination

• Published maps, graphics and • Financial resources for DTP • REReP 1.15 • 2002 onwardsexecutive summaries

• Involvement of municipalities(county and local councils)



Objectives

Romania is currently implementing EU standards for environmental information andcompliance reporting. The use of electronic monitoring equipment, data storage tools,and data dissemination systems is central to ensuring the effectiveness of this process.Seed funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs was therefore invested inthe deployment of network and IT apparatus: fibre-optic telecommunications lines forInternet connectivity, a back-up server, switches, firewall, and a universal power supply(UPS) to enable efficient interaction with local environmental protection inspectorates,other ministries, and the outside world.

In addition, the environment ministry realised a public environmental awareness campaign.This introduced the information system and services of the environment ministry to themedia and various stakeholders, through the environmental inspectorates. It produced abrochure and CD-ROM (in both Romanian and English), that provided key contact infor-mation for bodies at all levels dealing with environmental issues; details on the transposi-tion of the environmental acquis and environmental programmes, etc. Two thousand fivehundred brochures and 1,500 CDs were produced, and many were distributed at confer-ences and meetings.

In parallel, an interactive website was developed at <www.mappm.ro/gardamediu> wheresite visitors can post environmental problems, suggestions, or legal violations they have wit-nessed. Issues raised will be investigated (by the Ministry of Public Control), and responsesor suggestions are posted online. The site also contains an Intranet, for internal communica-tions and a password-protected “action groups” area.

Expenditures

Item Amount (EUR)

Equipment 18,200

Brochure and CD-ROM 8,060

TOTAL 26,260




Benefits

Prior to the installation of the network equipment, extremely slow and unreliable Internetconnections prevented effective data exchange. With the new set-up, internal informationaccess and exchange has been improved, and provision to the public enhanced. Combinedwith the new website and the media/publications campaign, awareness and use of the min-istry’s services has improved. The immediate impact of these investments still cannot beassessed, but the gain is substantial when considering that the ground has been preparedfor the development of different systems, an aspect which has been widely accepted byministry officials, whose future support has been assured. The new website is expected tocontribute to a sound debate on environmental issues, as well as raise awareness, and inturn, participation in decision-making processes.

Contact Person

Alberto SimionDirectorate for International Programs and ProjectsMinistry of Waters and Environmental Protection

Address: Bd. Libertatii No. 12, Sector 570005 Bucharest

Tel.: (40-1) 312-2599Fax: (40-1) 335-0067E-mail: [email protected]

Key Findings• Basic monitoring of air, water and soils occurs in both republics, but network cov-

erage is incomplete and technologies inadequate for modern reporting requirements.

• Cooperation between agencies within and between republics is limited, and is con-strained by archaic equipment and procedures.

• Technical environmental reports are published but no electronic mechanisms areutilised to disseminate data, and no legal basis yet exists regarding accessibility.

• Eighty-four percent of NGOs felt authorities failed to respond adequately to theirrequests, and 56 percent were dissatisfied with the range of topics available. Almosthalf found data poorly presented and wanted it tailored better to end users. Weeklyupdates via e-mail and a mailing list for hard-copy resources were proposed.

• Priorities include strengthening the technical infrastructure (monitoring networksand staff access to IT equipment), capacity building, development of a single dataexchange system and respective legal basis, and a State Union web portal.



Serbia and MontenegroCOUNTRY REPORT

SERBIAAND

MONTENEGRO

MONTENEGRO

Belgrade

Subotica

AdriaticSea

A L B A N I A

BULGARI

C R O AT I A

BOSNIA ANDHERZEGOVINA

H U N G A R Y

R O M A N I A

F Y RM A C E D O N I A

SERBIA

Vojvodina

Kosovo

Novi Sad

NisNovi Pazar

PristinaNiksic

Cetinje Podgorica

0 50 100

kilometres

In February 2003 the Federal Republic ofYugoslavia was restructured into a State Union

consisting of two republics called Serbia andMontenegro. An agreement was also reached to

hold a referendum in the Republic of Montenegroin three years (2006) on full independence.

Responsibilities for environmental managementexist in both republics as follows:

in the Republic of Serbia, with the Ministry ofAgriculture, Forestry and Water Management,

and the Ministry of Natural Resources andEnvironmental Protection; and

in the Republic of Montenegro with the Ministryfor Urban Planning and Environmental Protection.

At the State Union level, for the time being thereis no formal ministry responsible for

environmental issues.


Data Collection and ManagementMany organisations are engaged in environmental monitoring in the Republic of

Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro. This means organisations at the State Unionlevel are engaged in similar, sometimes overlapping activities.

The frequency and methodology of sampling depends on the media and the location.Air quality, for example, is frequently monitored through a network covering both Serbiaand Montenegro, managed by the Hydro-Meteorological Institute in each republic, andconsists of 25 meteorological stations (basic network), 28 measuring sites (as part of alocal urban network monitoring specific air pollutants), and 14 measuring sites in indus-trial areas. At the same time, air quality monitoring is also carried out at pollutant emis-sion sources by the polluters themselves, on an irregular basis. The results are reportedevery six months or annually, and confirmed through testing by local authorities.Monitoring of both surface water and groundwater quality is conducted via networks of160 monitoring stations managed by the Hydro-Meteorological Institute of the respectiverepublic, as well as at the State Union level. Analyses and reporting of arable soil and irri-gation water is conducted in both republics by the Institute of Soil, according to theFederal Law on Arable Land, in order to determine the levels of harmful and hazardoussubstances. Similar but unconnected systems are also in place for monitoring waste, haz-ardous substances, noise pollution and radiation. Basic monitoring networks exist formost media, but network coverage is neither complete nor adequately comprehensive.

The acquired data is delivered on a regular basis by the responsible institutions andstored within the responsible environment ministries in different formats, utilising var-ious applications, commonly Oracle and Microsoft Access. Some data is still stored innon-electronic format. The majority of OECD environmental indicators are tracked, butan integrated environmental information system does not exist in either Serbia orMontenegro. At the State Union level, the Institute for Informatics handles some datasetson air, water and soil quality, but this does not encompass all relevant environmentalinformation. There is no comprehensive system therefore, electronic or otherwise, forthe systematic collection and dissemination of information on the environment.

Inter-agency CooperationCooperation between agencies involved in environmental monitoring and man-

agement in either of the two republics is limited, even where there are “parallel” net-works (e.g. for surface/groundwater). At the same time, cooperation between agen-cies within the same republic is also limited. This is because the data is stored in var-ious formats, often archaic or proprietary, and not easily exchangeable with other sys-tems. Much is still exchanged via telephone, fax and telex.

At the State Union level, the constantly changing political situation and shifting geo-political boundaries of the last 10 years has prevented formerly federal institutionsfrom maintaining any standardised form of monitoring, exchange and reporting, andhas, therefore, prevented cooperation with institutions at the republic level. Currentlythere is no formal environment ministry at the State Union level. However, the FederalStatistics Bureau seeks to ensure that all government agencies have access to basicenvironmental data for their respective decision-making processes.


S E R B I A A N D M O N T E N E G R O : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

While basicmonitoring

networks exist formost media,

network coverageis neither

complete norcomprehensive

Public AccessibilityAll existing environmental information is available to the public in both republics,

free of charge, unless it falls under a restricted disclosure regime. In most cases, onlythe direct costs related to the provision of the information can be charged. Informationrequests are submitted to the relevant ministry or agency in written format, althoughthe procedures for requesting and providing information vary widely. A proposedRepublic of Serbia law on environmental protection will mandate the provision ofaccess to information according to international best practice and in line with the theUNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-makingand Access to Justice in Environmental Matters.

The environment ministry of the Republic of Montenegro has started to provideinformation online via the Internet by hosting a web portal that, while in an early phaseof development, by autumn 2003 will offer monitoring data (see screenshot below). Itcurrently also offers contact information to responsible environment institutions andpersonnel. Those ministries dealing with the environment in the Republic of Serbiahave yet to provide information online via the Internet, and the various agenciesinvolved in monitoring publish through various hard copy formats at different fre-quencies. Air and water quality data, for example, is published by the environmentministry in the form of yearbooks, besides an annual state-of-the-environment report,with between 500–1,000 copies printed and distributed by post, at meetings and semi-nars. The Republic of Montenegro on the other hand has yet to publish such annualassessments. At the State Union level, the Federal Statistics Bureau publishes annual



Screenshot of the Republic of Montenegro’s environmental portal, offering contactinformation to key personnel <www.mepp.cg.yu/kontakt.php>

Very little data is interpreted or presented informats friendly tothe general public

statistics and state-of-the-environment reports. The latter contains basic information onthe state of various environmental media, collected from various sources.

The various agencies gathering environmental information have adopted indi-vidual approaches to presenting the data. Some is quite technical, accessible only toexperts, while very little data is interpreted or presented in formats friendly to the gen-eral public. Raw data is seldom provided in electronic format, even in response torequests for such information. The box opposite gives further details on the accessi-bility and reliability of official information from an NGO persepective.

Obstacles and Challenges for the FutureInformation systems are proprietary (separate and independent) and, where utilising

information technology, are incapable of being networked with each other for auto-mated data exchange. Access to computer equipment and the Internet for receiving aswell as disseminating information is limited within government institutions in bothrepublics. Furthermore, the state of the telecommunication infrastructure is not capableof handling the advanced transfer of environmental data and processed information.

Funding for the development and maintenance of environmental information systemsin either republic is currently inadequate and inconsistent. Investments in strengtheningand integrating the various systems are badly needed, and are estimated at EUR 10 mil-lion. This would realise the development of the respective networks, both technically andadministratively, and would ensure the development of the necessary databases.

Environmental information management and IT expertise is rather scattered, and is notconsistently or widely available throughout the various agencies, including the Federaland Republic Hydro-Meteorological Institutes and the Federal Statistics Bureau.

Other notable challenges, listed in the national action plan on pages 88-89, include:

• poorly defined responsibilities, and limited integration and cooperation;

• lack of a clear legal basis;

• shortage of expertise and technical know-how (IT, legal, information systems,statistics); and

• absence of an enforced framework for environmental reporting, to the detriment ofdecision makers and the public.

Needs and PrioritiesTechnical infrastructure, including monitoring networks, needs to be extended so as

to provide a complete, timely and comprehensive assessment of environmental condi-tions across the two republics. The purchase of a number of automated monitoring sta-tions could be helpful in the short term to realise the electronic relay of environmentalquality data, while in the longer term, monitoring practice needs to be developed so asto comply with international standards. Better IT infrastructure, including geographicinformation systems and tools, are required within government agencies managing envi-ronmental data, to ensure efficient communication and data exchange among staff. Theinstallation and application of Internet technology will enhance transparency and enable



Informationsystems are

proprietary andare incapable of

being networkedwith each other

for automateddata exchange



NGOs depend on current and reliable environmental information.Of those surveyed, 78 percent have requested information from a rel-evant ministry or authority at one time or another, and average ninerequests per year. Eighty-four percent felt that authorities are “notadequately” responding to their requests (see pie chart at right).Forty-six percent said they had been denied information at least once(with the source citing a lack of information and/or personnelassigned to handle the request) and 7 percent claimed that responsesoften never arrive. Thirty-one percent felt responses were generallyprovided “in time,” and none had ever paid for environmental infor-mation. Eighty-six percent of NGOs said procedures were complexand time-consuming, and that staff were unwilling and unfriendlywhen providing assistance.

As regards the range of topics, 56 percent were “dissatisfied,” andrequested better coverage of environment and health, radiation, GMOs,opportunities for public participation, industrial emissions, and basicenvironmental data for key media. Concerning the available documen-tation, 42 percent were “satisfied” while 28 percent were “dissatisfied,” and called for better access to environmental data-bases, policy and legislation, information on decision-making procedures, and state-of-the-environment reports.

Eighty-six percent found official information “somewhat up-to-date” and “informative,” but 42 percent found it to be“poorly presented.” Suggested improvements included better tailoring of the product to the end user and understandingof his/her interests. All NGOs requested information to be updated on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, especially key envi-ronmental data and that concerning the Danube. As regards NGO preferences for receiving information, 42 percentwished to receive e-mail updates on new information, while 70 percent wished to be part of a mailing list for hard-copyresources, including a bulletin and official reports.

Regarding the methods used to request environmental information, the following chart shows NGOs request environmentalinformation from min-istries in a variety ofways, commonly inperson (50 percent) andby post (44 percent). Bycontrast, e-mail was thelowest, at 8 percent. Forthe future, however, 86percent of NGOs indi-cated an interest in beingable to access informa-tion via the web, andfollowing updates via e-mail. One NGO reques-ted the ability to accessinformation within gov-ernment offices, via simpleprocedures.


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

How well do the authorities respond?


Excellent0%

Good16%

NeedsImprovement

84%




institutes to provide environmental information to the public in a timely fashion.A single data exchange system is envisaged that would serve the State Union,

republic and local level interests as well as those of the public, and would feed datainto similar systems abroad. The heart of such a system would be a series of core data-bases for key environmental media and stresses, including the following:

• status of environmental media according to key qualitative indicators;

• emission sources and measurement results (polluter and pollutant registries);

• issued permits and authorisations related to the environment;

• protected plant and animal species and the state of biodiversity;

• protected sites and areas;

• discharge and movement of hazardous substances and biological agents;

• experts working on related issues;

• environmental plans and programmes; and

• national legislative acts and international environmental conventions.

Institutional strengthening is required in data reporting and storage. Organisationsinvolved in environmental assessment within and between republics must be coordi-nated, in order to strengthen each monitoring system and improve the linkagesbetween them. Complete and effectively formatted data must be realised within theframework of new standards to ensure harmonisation and integration with interna-tional reporting requirements as well as local exchangeability. This could happenthrough the joint discussion of a modus operandi that would mandate:

• establishing a central, supporting environmental protection agency in each republic;

• clearly defined roles and responsibilities;

• standards for collection, transmission, and formal presentation of data; and

• planning for the systems’ future development, taking into account internationalreporting standards.

Other stakeholders — businesses, non-governmental organisations, universities,the general public and international experts — should also be part of this develop-ment. Legal instruments can bind such developments, and should be actively imple-mented. Article 85 of the draft law on the System of Environmental Protection of theRepublic of Serbia for example, mandates the establishment of a central environ-mental information system, through the Ministry of Natural Resources andEnvironmental Protection. The Republic of Montenegro has nothing similar as of yet.

Investment in human resources is required to ensure that a widespread body of exper-tise in the development of environmental information systems exists in the republics ofSerbia and Montenegro. State-of-the-art knowledge should be developed and/orenhanced through joint trainings, in order to help define the contents and maintenanceof the above-mentioned databases. Training civil servants and NGOs on how to accessand utilise environmental data and information through various web services would raiseawareness to the opportunities available for environmental publishing. The sharing ofbest practices is also critical, and experts of the relevant organisations should participate

in international projects in order to gain expertise and, where possible, ensure “leapfrogdevelopment,” thereby bypassing the past mistakes of the West. Cooperation with inter-national organisations would be a source of expert assistance and support.

Further details on priorities and actions as foreseen within the national action plan,and funded components are detailed overleaf, as well as above.



An environmentalprotection agencyin each republicwould overseedata reporting and storage

Poster from the Wrap-up/Training workshop, June 2003

The Republic of Serbia’s planned development of its environmental information system



Serbia and Montenegro – Action plan for national environmental information system development

FIGURE 27


Institutional • Responsibility for collection, • Feasibility study for national envi- • Improved accessibility ofestablishment of processing and dissemination of ronmental information system information and verticalthe environmental information split among several • Establish a modus operandi information flowinformation system state institutions; • Establish an environmental • Efficient environmental

• No effective agency in each republic and information exchangesystem of coordination train staff

Legal framework • Absence of any real body of • Draft laws on environmental • Integration with EUrelevant legislation, drafting in information system and infor- environmental reportingprogress in both republics mation access in both republics, frameworks

• Aarhus Convention not signed harmonised with EU standards • Compliance with Aarhus• Host a campaign introducing the Convention

draft laws to the general public • User-oriented environmentaland adopted laws to the various information servicesagencies to ensure implementation

• In parallel, promote the AarhusConvention

Data collection • Basic monitoring infrastructure in • Develop of consistent and • More comprehensive datasets,and management both republics, but not comprehensive monitoring following international standards

comprehensive network • Improved integration of data• No consistent monitoring of • Purchase several (5-6) across the two republics

biodiversity automated measurement stations • Substantial input for future• Lack of automated monitoring • Establish virtual state-of-the-environment reports

stations in both republics binder/catalogue of data sources• Disparity of databases across

several institutions

Information • Limited electronic distribution • Strengthen technical • Improved public access todissemination of information, limited capacities of state institutions information through a wide

hardcopy circulation, for information dissemination variety of formats reflectingrequest services in a variety of formats, based user interests or planned poor according to NGOs on surveyed user interests measures to this end

• Establish State Union web portal• Host trainings for civil servants

and NGOs for accessing andusing environmental data andinformation through variousweb services, includingestablished web portal

Use of environ- • Insufficient use owing to poor • Identify decision makers’ • Improved decision making inmental information flow of information, weak information needs and plan accordance with environmentalin policy and presentation and constantly a corresponding response realitiesdecision making changing political context • Adopt EEA environmental

reporting standards

REReP 1.6: Continuation of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia and Extension to CroatiaREReP 1.7: Strengthening National Environmental Protection Agencies and their Inspectorates in the South Eastern European RegionREReP 1.8: Developing National Environmental Information Systems in the SEE CountriesREReP 1.15: Regional Environmental Information Portal for South Eastern Europe



(prepared by Mihajlo Gavric, Ministry of Environment, Jelena Beronja, NGO representative,Radoje Lausevic, REC Country Office Serbia and Montenegro)


• Completed feasibility study • Human resources • REReP 1.7 • 2002-2004• Modus operandi finalised • Experienced trainers• Environmental agency • Funds for feasibility study

established• Well-trained staff

• New laws and Aarhus • Legal expertise • REReP 1.6 • 2002-2004Convention entered into force • Financial resources for REReP 1.7

• Full compliance with EEA awareness-raising campaigns REReP 2.2reporting standards • Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Satisfied end users

• Virtual binder developed • Financial resources for • REReP 1.6 • 2002-2003• Biodiversity monitoring network purchasing necessary REReP 1.15

developed equipment • Environmental Resource Center• AMS operational (Japan Special Fund)• Decision makers’ use of

datasets/reports

• Web portal established • IT experts • REReP 1.15 • 2003-2004number of hits and downloads • Web servers • Environmental Resource Center

• Planned activities to develop (Japan Special Fund) asother information sources demonstration projectrelevant to user interests

• Satisfied information consumers• Civil servants and NGOs

capable of efficient IT use ofvarious web services

• Environmentally sound policies • Experts in statistical analyses • REReP 1.1 • 2002 onwardsand decisions • Software for statistical and

GIS analyses

REReP 2.2: Support Developing Strategies for Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in South Eastern EuropeREReP 2.3: Promoting Networking and Cooperation of Environmental NGOs: Establishment of Electronic Computer Networks on a National and Regional Level




Objectives

Seed funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs was invested in developingSerbia and Montenegro’s environmental information system, based on the following objec-tives:

� provide equipment to improve monitoring;

� improve overall connectivity between authorities; and

� increase dissemination of environmental information to the public.

Selecting air quality monitoring as a pilot activity, an automated monitoring device was pur-chased for the continuous monitoring of atmospheric sulphur dioxide (SO2) at a pilot station ofthe Hydro-Meteorological Institute in the Republic of Serbia. This station was fully equipped bythe institute and now provides continuous data that is stored locally by them, along with otherinformation on a range of air quality determinants (carbon dioxide, SO2, nitrogen oxides andparticle pollution).

To demonstrate how to improve connectivity between authorities involved in environ-mental monitoring, an online Environmental Resource Center/web portal was developed at<www.erc.org.yu> to provide interactive access to environmental information containedwithin various state databases, including those referenced in Section 2 concerning envi-ronmental quality and environment-related information (see screenshot below). This isintended to ensure and demonstrate that data from existing monitoring and database sys-tems can be made accessible to all stakeholders.


Screenshot of the onlineEnvironmentalResourceCenter/web portal at<www.erc.org.yu>



To improve the dissemination of environmental information to the public, an annual reportcontaining basic environmental quality data on air, water, land and noise, and details onhow to access environmental information resources, was published (500 copies) in hardcopy and online (PDF format) by REC Country Office Serbia and Montenegro, on behalf ofthe Secretariat of Environment of the City of Belgrade. Relying on the data collected by theHydro-Meteorological Institute, the national television network broadcasts information onenvironmental quality on a daily basis following the nightly news. With a Serbian viewingaudience of 23 percent, this has greatly increased environmental awareness.

Expenditures

Item Amount (EUR)


Air monitoring device 6,000


Internet service provider costs 1,200

Annual report on environmental quality 4,800

Daily report broadcast on national TV station 3,650

TOTAL 30,250

Benefits

The air quality station now provides valuable data on the state of Belgrade air quality,useful for local short-term decision making and planning. Besides enabling the man-agement of air quality in accordance with current national regulations, this pilotscheme also serves as a case study for subsequent development of the air quality mon-itoring network and for other environmental media. The release of this data to the publichas raised awareness about environmental issues. The Annual Report on EnvironmentalQuality and the Environmental Resource Centre, with approximately 1,000 hits permonth, also demonstrate how environmental information can be made effectively avail-able to interested stakeholders.

Contact Persons

Mihajlo Gavric, Deputy Minister and National Focal Point for REReP 1.8Ministry of Nature Resources and Environmental Protection

Address: Dr Ivana Ribara 9111070 Novi Belgrade


Key Findings• Many monitoring stations exist, but their operation yields data of limited value; the

data is analysed on an ad-hoc basis.

• From 2003 a new Environmental Protection Agency will ensure comprehensive andsystematic data collection, and foster cooperation through a monthly newsletter,website and regular state-of-the-environment report.

• Ninety percent of NGOs feel the relevant authorities do not adequately respond totheir requests, and have called for better electronic dissemination of information,preparation of reports and surveys, and weekly news updates, including details onpending decisions.

• Technical upgrades for monitoring equipment, capacity building for environmentalcommunication, new standards and international cooperation are future priorities.



KosovoTERRITORY UNDER UN INTERIM ADMINISTRATION

Kosovo is under the civil authority of the UNInterim Administration Mission in Kosovo

(UNMIK) and is effectively a UN protectorate.UNMIK is authorised to exercise ultimate

legislative and executive powers. Following thefirst general elections in December 2001, a

provisional self-government was established inMarch 2002. Kosovo today remains nominally a

province of the Republic of Serbia, within Serbiaand Montenegro. The Department of

Environmental Protection established by UNMIKin May 2000 as the institution responsible for

environmental protection is now part of thegovernment’s Ministry of Environment and

Spatial Planning. The department todayincorporates several scientific institutions that

were active in environmental monitoring prior to the conflict.

REPUBLICOF SERBIA

A L B A N I A F Y R M A C E D O N I A

KOSOVO

PristinaREPUBLIC OFMONTENEGRO

Novi PazarNis


Data Collection and ManagementThe Hydro-Meteorological Institute (now part of the Department of Environmental

Protection) is chiefly responsible for the monitoring of natural resources (air, waterand soil) and the enforcement of protective measures. Respective information is col-lected through 132 measuring stations, with rainfall monitored at 33 stations, and riverpollution at 22 stations. The Institute of Public Health also monitors the quality of airand water. Drinking water samples were taken from 904 locations in 2000, forexample, and tested for heavy metals, bacterial content and chemical content. TheInstitute for Nature and Environmental Protection (also part of the Department ofEnvironmental Protection) is responsible for nature conservation, including the mon-itoring and protection of natural areas and biodiversity. A joint project between theWorld Health Organization and the Department of Environment sampled environ-mental factors related to health in Mitrovica via mobile monitoring stations. This stop-gap approach to monitoring has proved successful. The use of geographic informa-tion system (GIS) equipment played an important role in the analysis of the impactsof the Mitrovica pollution.

Despite these activities, there is limited coherency. There is no formal monitoringnetwork. The various agencies collect data individually, but this is neither systematicnor complete, and the flow of information from the local to the central level can stillbe improved. Data is often found to be overlapping and/or incompatible. However,with the endorsement of the Environmental Protection Act in 2003, a central authoritywithin the environment ministry, the Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency, hasnow been legally founded to coordinate environmental monitoring, including thegathering of data and its dissemination. All existing institutes will be integrated intothis agency, (though as of June 2003 it has yet to become operational). Within thisagency, all environmental information will be shared and exchanged.

Inter-agency CooperationThe agency will be supported by a GIS unit, already established and located within

the environment ministry, to store all the gathered data electronically. The data is cur-rently analysed on a case-by-case basis, but in time will be more systematicallyassessed. The unit is intended to become the ministry’s main information managementdivision, and will serve other departments (e.g. the department of water within theministry). Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Act and a new law on spatialplanning govern information exchange between ministries.

The Statistical Institute of Kosovo also keeps statistics on various elements andtrends relevant to the environment, relying on data collected through its own sur-veys and based on enterprise self-reporting. The institute publishes a printed reportevery six months.

Public AccessibilityThe new Environmental Protection Act governs public access to information and

has called for state-of-the-environment data, pollutant emissions, and official roles and


K O S OVO : C O U N T RY R E P O R T

The KosovoEnvironmental

Protection Agencyhas been founded

to coordinatemonitoring and

dissemination

responsibilities to be made available with one year. The data is to be made availablein both electronic and hard copy formats, within two months of any request beingsubmitted, and in lieu of any environmental decision-making processes.

The environment ministry formerly published a weekly magazine calledEnvironmental Monitor. This was abandoned due to the lack of relevant data,although a monthly printed publication is planned that will contain relevant environ-mental information, activity reports of ministries and institutes, etc., and will be dis-tributed to various institutions operating in Kosovo. This will be followed by the cre-ation of a tri-lingual website available in English, Albanian and Serbian.

As of April 2003, regular reports on the state of the environment are being published.In the same month, the Department of Environmental Protection published a completestate-of-the-environment report, which has been distributed in hard copy to all relevantstakeholders and published at the environmental portal on the <www.unep.net> web-site. The department has also prepared a Cadastre of Pollutants, which contains infor-mation on emitted pollutants in Kosovo. Postal and telephone enquiries on environ-mental issues are handled by the environment department, although more commonlycitizens and NGOs approach the ministry through written petitions and in person.

Other government institutions (such as those listed above) publish environmental datain the form of regular reports and ad-hoc studies, but typically only in printed format dueto the lack of equipment for electronic distribution. Multinational and non-governmentalorganisations operating in Kosovo also play a key role in disseminating information onthe environment, including the Humanitarian Community Information Center (HCIC),the REC’s Kosovo field office, and Oxfam.

The box overleaf gives further details on the accessibility and reliability of officialinformation from an NGO perspective.

Obstacles and Challenges for the FutureEnvironment-related government institutions and civil society are still in their

infancy, as most post-war efforts have been directed at rebuilding the physical infra-structures and basic social institutions (chiefly through UNMIK). While the environ-mental administration in Kosovo is now established, it is far from satisfactory, and isconstrained by a lack of proper equipment, and educated and experienced staff.

UNMIK is in the process of transformation; the work of the environmental depart-ment is re-focusing towards environmental management and decision making. Thedepartment’s capacity must be enhanced, for instance with respect to applying tech-niques that ensure transparency and public awareness of official activities (in linewith the new Environmental Protection Act). The foreseen reduction of UNMIK inter-national personnel (as well as personnel from other institutions) will mean a largeamount of information and experience will be lost unless adequate mechanisms arein place to ensure the necessary know-how transfer. It remains a challenge to findcapable staff, though the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at PristinaUniversity is bridging this gap by training environmental professionals in areas suchas environmental management, ecology and GIS.

Efforts to establish and maintain a functioning system for environmental informa-tion exchange and management begin from a very weak foundation. A limited legalframework does not clearly define responsibilities and procedures and is poorly



Multinational andnon-governmentalorganisationsoperating in Kosovoplay a key role in disseminatinginformation on the environment



NGOs depend on government bodies for current and reli-able environmental information. Of the 20 that were sur-veyed, 65 percent have requested information from a rel-evant ministry or authority, and average three requests peryear. Ten percent of the NGOs surveyed indicated theyhave paid for environmental information, but only theexpected processing fees.

However, 90 percent of NGOs felt that the relevantauthorities were “not adequately” responding to theirrequests (see pie chart at right). Despite friendly staff, only35 percent said that responses were generally provided intime, while another 35 percent indicated responses oftennever arrive. The same number of NGOs (35 percent)claimed to have been denied information at least once,having been told the main reasons were the lack of therequested information or that insufficient humanresources were available to handle the request.

When asked in 2003 about the range of topics and docu-mentation available, no NGOs expressed dissatisfaction. However, they did state their interest in having better access tosummary reports on the environment and environmental impact assessments, information on decision-making processes,as well as data on biodiversity, water quality information and industrial emissions. Regarding quality, 75 percent feltinformation was “somewhat up-to-date,” but that overall its usefulness varied. Suggestions for improvements includedmore electronic dissemination of information, preparation of reports and surveys, and publication by environmentalexperts and professionalpublishers. Weeklyupdates of informationwere welcomed by threequarters of the NGOswho responded.

Regarding the methodsused to request environ-mental information, thechart at right shows anoverwhelming majority (70 percent) make theirenquiries “in person.”Interestingly, 20 percent ofrespondents also dependon e-mail to communicatewith the authorities.

What NGOs had to say about the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of officialenvironmental information

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8



Well 10%

Very Well 0%

Not WellEnough90%


enforced. Environmental monitoring is poorly coordinated, reporting is not objective,and pulling disparate data together under an integrated information system will posea considerable challenge. Practically entire new entities and institutions must be builtaround limited technical capacities, know-how and financial resources.

International reporting obligations are vague, owing to Kosovo’s legal status, whichinhibits the release of funding and expertise that could improve environmental assess-ment. Domestic funding is limited, and the environmental department remains depen-dent on grants and assistance from external bodies. The lack of coordination of inter-national efforts, and the piecemeal nature of funding, may result in delays, overlap-ping of work and disparate decision making.

Needs and PrioritiesTechnical infrastructure is needed to ensure the systematic and objective collection

of water quality data for hotspots such as Obilic and Trepca, where pollutant emis-sions from power plants, industrial smelters and mining operations are the main envi-ronmental problems. This can be temporarily realised through the use of mobile sam-pling laboratories (as demonstrated at Mitrovica). Hardware and software to properlyprocess, store and interpret data is also required. The purchase and deployment ofGIS equipment would help to this end and benefit the central administration in sys-tematically analysing environmental status.

Institutional strengthening must also incorporate investment in human resources. Toeffectively utilise modern technology, the environment department and ministry need todepend on staff trained to interpret environmental data and generate useful information.

At the same time, new products and services must be developed, including educa-tion and information programmes to ensure environmental awareness and socialcooperation in addressing environmental problems. The new monthly environmentalnewsletter needs to be sustainable, and environmental information centres should beestablished in Kosovo’s five regions.

New legal frameworks and standards are required to harmonise approaches to datacollection, to ensure that results are complementary and to enable exchange andcooperation. This will reinforce the value of a centralised data storage system and theconsequent publishing of environmental status reports.

International cooperation with government agencies and organisations outsideKosovo, particularly other South Eastern European governments, is also important toensure international coordination of data and integration into international reportingregimes. International cooperation will also allow transfer of know-how and experi-ence exchange.

Further details on priorities and foreseen actions, and funded components, aredetailed in the national action plan (included overleaf), which was drafted by theREReP 1.8 project team. See also page 101, which reproduces the winning poster pre-sented at the Wrap-up/Training workshop in June 2003 outlining the current statusand future perspectives.



Entities andinstitutions mustbe built aroundlimited technicalcapacities, know-how andfinancial resources



Kosovo – Action plan for national environmental information system development(prepared by Frank Eibish, UNMIK, Blerim Vela, REC Field Office Kosovo, Bleron Limani, NGO representative)


Institutional • Limited monitoring, data • Offer training on law • Effective environmental establishment of exchange, assessment and enforcement measures reportingthe environmental dissemination • Strengthen monitoringinformation • Basic legal framework endorsed networkssystem • Establishment of the • Increase capacity to interpret

Environmental Protection and report environmental dataAgency still pending • Disseminate information

effectively

Legal framework • Environmental Protection Act • Extend the framework, • Clear and applicable standardsencompasses information including standards for • Societal awareness ofaccess adopted in 2003 collecting and reporting environmental issues and

• No laws or standards governing monitoring data involvement in decision makingmonitoring and reporting, thoughthe environment ministry isentitled to issue standards

Data collection • No regulation of the • Design monitoring network and • Improved availabilityand management monitoring system define objectives of relevant data

• No systematic, objective • Report on environmentaldata collection hotspots and gather

health-related data• Establish procedures for the

effective exchange of data

Information • Many printed publications, • Incorporate previously • Better public awareness anddissemination but of low quality collected data into useful involvement in

• First state-of-the-environment publications decision making issuesreport published in April 2003 • Prepare for regular state-of- • Improved decision making

• Pilot local environmental the-environment reportinginformation website (portal) • Complete environmentalunder construction web portal

Use of environ- • High demand for environmental • Generate state-of-the- • Improved communicationmental information information for these purposes, environment reports as input and flow of informationin policy and but low supply to policy planning among authoritiesdecision making • Create multi-stakeholder • Better integration of

forum for discussion of environmental considerationsenvironmental concerns in into authorities' decisionspolicy and decision making

REReP 1.6: Continuation of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYR Macedonia and Extension to CroatiaREReP 1.7: Strengthening National Environmental Protection Agencies and their Inspectorates in the South Eastern European RegionREReP 1.8: Developing National Environmental Information Systems in the SEE CountriesREReP 1.15: Regional Environmental Information Portal for South Eastern Europe REReP 2.2: Support Developing Strategies for Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in South Eastern EuropeREReP 2.3: Promoting Networking and Cooperation of Environmental NGOs: Establishment of Electronic Computer Networks on a National and Regional Level




• Compliance with legal • Training and expertise in • REReP 1.7 • 2004frameworks network management and REReP 2.2

• Regular environmental reporting law enforcement • Rehabilitation of Hydro-Meteoro-and publicly accessible • Equipment and specific training logical Network, and Institutionalinformation on data interpretation building of the environment

• Functioning Environmental and standards ministry (Environment AgencyProtection Agency • Opportunities for regional for Reconstruction projects)

networking • Improving Environmental Qualityin Kosovo (Italian government)

• Legal compliance • Expertise in environmental law • REReP 1.7 • End of 2003• Timely responses to requests application and enforcement, REReP 2.3• Public involvement in and corresponding financial Local budget

decision-making processes resources • Other international projects

• Regularity of data for key issues • Expertise for the set-up • REReP 1.8 • 2004• Exchange of data of monitoring networks • Other international projects• Reliable inputs for • Financial resources for

environmental reporting monitoring equipment

• Regular publication of • Financial resources for • REReP 1.8 • End of 2003collected data publishing software and colour REReP 1.15

• Regular publication of a laser printers REReP 2.3state-of-the-environment report Local REC field office projects

• Improved understanding • Human resources • REReP 1.15 • 2004of environmental problems REReP 2.3among authorities




Objectives

Seed funding from the Netherlands' Ministry of Foreign Affairs was invested in equipment for water analysis, and intraining for the use of this equipment. The equipment purchased included photometers, spectrophotometers, and amobile monitoring instrument for use in the rapid determination of six key parameters (e.g. biological oxygen demand).The equipment was provided to the Hydro-Meteorological Institute which is chiefly responsible for the monitoring of nat-ural resources. The equipment ensures the accessibility of key environmental data, which will help initiate the furtherdevelopment of the environmental information system in Kosovo.

To ensure the effective use of these instruments, the manager of the KHMI laboratory was trained for two weeks at thefirm Behr Labor Technik GMBh, based in Dusseldorf, Germany, through which the analytical equipment was also pro-cured. The manager of the KHMI laboratory was trained on the application of water-testing methodologies and equip-ment use, and received a comprehensive manual. The training enabled him to train the rest of the KHMI laboratoryemployees on the use of this equipment.

Expenditures

Item Amount (EUR)

Equipment 26,009

Training 1,791

TOTAL 27,800

Benefits

The equipment and training enabled the Hydro-Meteorological Institute to initiate the development of a monitoringsystem in Kosovo, taking into consideration the use of modern technology as well as applying new methodologies forgathering and processing data related to the monitoring of water quality. The equipment ensures the accuracy of waterquality measurements, as well as timeliness and cost effectiveness. The new technology used is thus contributing to thereliability and accuracy of the data for the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, and for its subsequent dissem-ination to the general public and media.

Contact Person

Agron Shala, ManagerKHMI laboratory

Address: Lidhja e Pejes Str.PristinaKosovo

Tel: (381) 3854-0131Mobile: (377) 4424-2211E-mail: [email protected]


Winning poster from the June 2003 project Wrap-up/Training workshop

The development of Kosovo’s environmental information system



The Conclusions section summarises the key findings in the surveyed countries, broadly fol-lowing the same structure as that adopted for the country reports (status of information systems➝ NGO reaction ➝ challenges ➝ future priorities and national action plans). It highlightstrends among the countries so as to remain brief. The Recommendations section reflects on thepriorities identified, and outlines future activities that must be undertaken to further the devel-opment of environmental information systems in South Eastern Europe. The section is based onthe results of the project’s Wrap-up/Training workshop held on June 19-20, 2003, in Sofia,Bulgaria, which reflected on the strengths and weaknesses of the assistance provided over thecourse of the project, and the opportunities and threats regarding its continuation (as part of aSWOT analysis).

Conclusions

Status of Environmental Information SystemsThe long-term goals for all South Eastern European countries and territories remain

integrated information systems (meaning comprehensive networks for environmentalassessment), standardised reporting mechanisms and well-established channels forthe processing, publication and distribution of environmental information. However,the provision of useful information to the public and to decision makers depends onaccess to reliable and up-to-date environmental data — increasingly in electronic for-mats — for ease of manipulation.

This assessment has shown that countries’ environmental monitoring networksand data collection mechanisms vary in their level of development. In Bosnia andHerzegovina, there is no systematic collection, storage or reporting of water and airquality data, in any format, in either of its entities. In Kosovo (territory under UNinterim administration), data is collected but was noted to be of limited value. InAlbania, data collection occurs for a range of issues but in selected regions, andstorage remains chiefly non-electronic. In Serbia and Montenegro, data is stored inboth electronic and non-electronic formats, and in Bulgaria as much as 40 percentremains on paper. In a number of countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, FYR Macedonia,Romania), monitoring networks are well developed, but data is being transferredmanually from paper to electronic format (FYR Macedonia), or is stored in a varietyof formats according to institutions’ own standards. In Serbia and Montenegro, forinstance, monitoring networks cover all media, but geographic coverage is deemedinadequate. Many institutions are involved in data collection, sometimes with over-lapping responsibilities and with limited coordination amongst them.



Conclusions and Recommendations

All South EasternEuropean countriesand territories consider integratedinformation systems a long-term goal

The lack of harmonised reporting formats and the diverse range of technical plat-forms means cooperation and the exchange of data among institutions within allcountries is severely constrained, as is data integration. This impacts upon the use ofenvironmental information in the decision-making process. It can be said that no sys-tematic approach exists for data storage and exchange, though some attempts arebeing made to introduce indicator-based reporting (e.g. in Albania). A clear trend isemerging for establishing agencies or information/thematic centres to coordinatereporting (Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia,Romania, the republics of Serbia and Montenegro) and/or integrated monitoring sys-tems development (Croatia, Romania). Inter-sectoral cooperation and informationexchange remains the exception, although interest is increasing in state-of-the-envi-ronment reports.

Efforts to ensure environmental information distribution are still largely left tothose institutions collecting and storing data. Some countries’ institutions (Croatia,FYR Macedonia, Bulgaria) offer a range of documentation through different chan-nels: state-of-the-environment reports, monthly bulletins, Internet portals, informa-tion service centres and monthly meetings. New laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina,Romania and Kosovo bind the provision of environmental information uponrequest, at little or no cost, but in both republics of Serbia and Montenegro no legalbasis yet exists to ensure citizens’ rights to access environmental information. Insome countries electronic mechanisms (e.g. websites) are not yet utilised (but areplanned) to disseminate official information (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Kosovo, Republic of Serbia).

NGOs on Information Access, Quality and ReliabilityFrom the limited number of questionnaire responses received from NGOs on the

accessibility, quality and reliability of information, the trends identified remain ten-uous. However, from the sentiments contained within the comments submitted, it hasbeen possible to draw some limited conclusions. The summary below provides abroad interpretation and highlights specific observations from various countries andterritories.

NGOs request information in a variety of ways (see the figure on page 9), mosttypically “in person” in Albania and Kosovo (where telecommunications infrastruc-ture was noted to be poor), in Croatia and Romania (where the telephone was thesecond most popular method) and in Serbia and Montenegro (where post was thesecond most popular means). By contrast, 90 percent of NGO requests in FYRMacedonia were submitted by e-mail or over the Internet (in 2003). In Bosnia andHerzegovina, fax was narrowly more popular than “in person” requests, and inBulgaria telephone was narrowly more popular than post.

In all countries, NGOs (ranging from 60 to 90 percent) felt “inadequate” responsesto information requests were received from authorities and that these neededimprovement (specifically regarding content). In Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia andMontenegro, NGOs also commented on the unfriendly nature of staff, and in anothercountry that “staff are not specifically interested or motivated to provide information.”In all countries, procedures were considered to be too complex. In FYR Macedonia,one NGO noted the importance of personal contact in order to acquire information,


C O N C L U S I O N S A N D R E C O M M E N DAT I O N S

In all countries,procedures for

requestingenvironmental

information wereconsidered by NGOs

to be too complex

while only in Kosovo did NGOs state they had paid for information, specifically tocover the costs of processing.

Where information was not available from the ministry, in Bosnia andHerzegovina and Croatia, for example, NGOs relied on data related to their field ofinterest which could be obtained from other NGOs or via the Internet. NGOs also relyon libraries and bookshops, although in Romania these were found not to be reliablesources for environmental information. In Croatia, it was noted that local level accesswas poor. In the future, NGOs wish to be able to acquire information via simpler pro-cedures and via the web (e.g. via search tools, in PDF formats, and via the websitesof regional environmental inspectorates, as in Bulgaria). NGOs also called for themore proactive dissemination of information by authorities, via e-mail/fax updates(in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Romania, Serbia andMontenegro), and in hard copy format as part of a regular mailing list (Bulgaria,Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro).

Typically around half of the NGOs surveyed noted the limited range of topics anddocumentation accessible to them, this figure rising to 83 percent in Albania. Only inFYR Macedonia did NGOs rate positively the ministry’s provision of information(quantity, currency, presentation). Otherwise, the regions’ NGOs called for betteraccess to all kinds of environmental data, with biodiversity and pollutant emissionsdata frequently cited (Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro) along withtraffic emissions (Romania). Better documentation on decision-making processes andevents (e.g. Natura 2000 network development) were also requested, as were accessto contacts, local planning information and environmental impact assessments.

A common trend regarding the quality of information was “poor presentation,” notedin Albania, Croatia, Romania and Serbia and Montenegro. In Bosnia and Herzegovina,one NGO asked for official information to be “written in a common language,” while inAlbania, and Serbia and Montenegro clear explanations of facts and figures, and con-sideration of the end user were requested. In Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia andHerzegovina, NGOs and experts would like to be consulted on draft reports (a form of“participatory assessment”) in order to assist in improving their quality and offset situa-tions whereby “reports on the status of the environment and related problems do notreflect the realistic situation,” as was mentioned in Croatia. Calls for regularly updatedinformation were common to all NGOs, not only because of its importance for NGOactions, but also to ensure synergy between government initiatives.

ChallengesFuture system development will be determined by a number of factors. In the first

place this depends on the current status of the system (e.g. geographic extent of mon-itoring networks, use of IT equipment, systems’ integration, gaps, etc.), in much thesame way as the current state of the environment, for instance, drives future prioritiesfor its protection. System development is also dependent on the overarching informa-tion-related targets or goals of the relevant ministries, usually to improve access toenvironmental information, so as to be able to determine, in consultation with all rel-evant stakeholders, appropriate measures for environmental protection.

This assessment has also revealed various factors that can be considered as internaland external determinants of progress, and may be characterised according to a



In Bosnia andHerzegovina, one NGO asked forofficial informationto be ‘written in acommon language,’a sentiment echoed elsewhere in the region

number of traits. Internal factors, or “framing conditions,” determining current statusinclude the:

• legal framework upon which a system is based;

• clarity of participating institutions’ responsibilities;

• availability of qualified expertise; and

• level of importance assigned at the senior management level (and therefore avail-ability and certainty of funding and other resources, such as institutions).

These conditions can be addressed (to a degree) by those responsible for informationsystems, and response measures can become part of a broader strategy for future systemdevelopment.

External factors tend to be “driving forces” that are less within the control of thoseresponsible for system development, and include:

• a country’s economic progress (which determines available funding as well as thecost of equipment);

• national telecommunications and IT infrastructure (which impacts upon the abilityto exchange information and affects the related costs);

• regional integration in South Eastern Europe (which influences political stability,economic progress and donor assistance);

• EU and European Environment Agency (EEA) accession (determining overall goalsand targets, and influencing internal structural changes, e.g. government rationali-sation in Romania);

• the availability of international assistance (e.g. funding programmes such as thoseof the European Agency for Reconstruction, REReP, the European Commission);

• the demands of the emerging information/e-society (and within this the environ-mental NGO sector); and

• the drive towards online and environmental “good governance” and, in this con-text, the adoption of democratic principles.

Countries have highlighted these issues as challenges to varying degrees,depending on their current status and the level of importance attached to them.

Future PrioritiesThe table overleaf summarises countries’ priorities for information system develop-

ment. It is based on the findings presented in the Needs and Priorities section of thecountry reports, and shows that they broadly correspond across the region. They havebeen grouped according to five key categories. Following, the most common needswithin each category are discussed, beginning with the most popular.

The most common priority was investment in technological infrastructure, which,used effectively, can derive multiple benefits (i.e. yield the necessary data for envi-ronmental assessment, support data exchange and dissemination). Proposed invest-ments ranged from monitoring equipment to improved data collection, such as mobileand automated monitoring stations (Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro, Albania, FYR



Both internal andexternal factors

determine thedevelopment of

information systems. Internal factorsinclude framing

conditions, such aslegal frameworks,

while externalconditions can beviewed as driving

forces, such astelecommunicationsand IT infrastructure

Macedonia) to networking technologies (e.g. local and wide area networks), toimproved data exchange between organisations (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Bulgaria, Romania). Tools to manipulate and store data were also highlighted,including GIS, relational database management systems, and publishing apparatus(Kosovo, Croatia, Bulgaria, FYR Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro). Platform anddatabase upgrades, servers and Internet access to enhance the ability to store, shiftand access data were also frequently mentioned.

Technological infrastructure was followed by developing and improving informa-tion management mechanisms and public services. In this regard, countries consid-ered it important to establish institutions to assist in the management and provision ofinformation (environmental agencies, data repositories, clearinghouses or sub-national information centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo,Romania, Serbia and Montenegro). Management tools such as easily modifiable cata-logues (or directories) of data sources were also highlighted (by Bosnia andHerzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYR Macedonia), particularly as a means to identifygaps in existing reporting mechanisms, link sources of data, enhance decision-makeraccess, and to list European Union directive compliance reports. Regarding informa-tion products, investing in Internet portals were deemed popular (in Albania,Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro) for ensuringaccess “any time, any place.” Other mechanisms include regular newsletters and edu-cational and information programmes (Kosovo, FYR Macedonia). Romania high-lighted the widespread publication of useful reports of environmental information ineasy-to-understand formats for the general public, containing explanations of the datapresented, the potential consequences on health and use of simple terminology.

Developing legal frameworks, standards and methodologies for environmental



Legal Capacity Technological Demo Projects Services & LocalFrameworks Building Infrastructure & International Products Consultations

Cooperation

Albania • • • •

Bosnia andHerzegovina • • • • •

Bulgaria • • •

Croatia • • • • •

FYR Macedonia • • • •

Romania • • • •

Serbia andMontenegro • • • • • •

Kosovo • • • • •

Overview of priorities for environmental information system development in SEE countries and territories

The most commonpriority was investmentin technologicalinfrastructure, whichincludes monitoringequipment andnetworkingtechnologies toimprove the collectionand exchange of data

data collection by the relevant agencies (regarding the type, manner, format and time-line of data sampling, submission and reporting) were common to all countries. Thecountry report for FYR Macedonia noted that practices “must be standardised andshould reflect those set in international legislation (the UNECE Convention on Accessto Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice inEnvironmental Matters) and EU legislation on Public Access to EnvironmentalInformation (2003/4/EC) and on reporting (91/692/EC), and those standards appliedby the European Environmental Agency.” The Kosovo report highlighted a need to“harmonise approaches to data collection, ensure the results complement each other,and enable exchange and cooperation,” to “reinforce the value of a centralised datastorage system, and the consequent publishing of environmental status reports.”Assigning clear roles, responsibilities and procedures were considered critical (inAlbania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia Romania, Serbia and Montenegro) foravoiding overlap and enhancing cooperation.

Capacity building covered a spectrum of needs, spanning from data processing toinformation dissemination. Training was called for on data validation (Albania,Bulgaria), interpretation (Kosovo), storage and database management (Albania,Romania), and on data manipulation for generating and publishing useful informa-tion (Kosovo, Romania) compliant with EEA as well as user requirements. Of partic-ular importance was providing this training to regional and local inspectorates, agen-cies and authorities dealing with local data. In order to implement the AarhusConvention, and respond to increasing public (“customer”) demands for information,trainings were suggested on how to access and utilise information (Serbia andMontenegro), deal with the public (Romania), the media and teachers, and how tohost community meetings (Albania). Technical trainings on IT installation, networkmaintenance, computer usage and Internet programming were also mentioned (inBosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia).

The importance of international cooperation was highlighted as a means to accessexpertise and guidance (e.g. from the EEA), as well as an opportunity to share know-how, experience and best practices, and foster regional cooperation and integration.

Two countries reflected on the importance of hosting workshops and discussionswith a broad range of stakeholders to understand user needs when developing infor-mation products and services, assess interests in planning for the future developmentof systems, and identify capacities to define future roles and responsibilities.

Following the identification of these priorities, national action plans for the practicaldevelopment of information systems were drafted by country representatives in con-junction with international experts and representatives of the NGO community (the fullplan is included in the country reports). These built upon and expanded the above pri-orities into concrete steps, while identifying required resources, indicators of successand a time line, among other things, to ensure development over a five-year period anduntil 2006 in five key areas. Namely, the system’s institutional structure; its legal basis;the mechanisms for data collection/management and dissemination; and the subse-quent use of the information in decision-making processes. Priority actions in each ofthese areas are summarised in the table on pages 112-113, along with those elementsfunded by this project (highlighted and detailed in the case studies in the respectivecountry chapters). This information offers ready reference to SEE countries’ plans forsystem development and provides a clear roadmap and framework for future activity.



In order to implement the

Aarhus Conventiontrainings were

requested on how to access and

utilise information,deal with the public,

the media and teachersand how to host

community meetings

Recommendations The national action plans drafted by each country provide a framework for envi-

ronmental information system development until 2006, of which the responsibility forimplementation rests chiefly with countries themselves. The plans seek to ensure thatdecision makers and citizens in each country can access useful, reliable and timelyenvironmental information, thereby facilitating public participation in decision-making processes, and the development of civil and information society.

However, the two-year “quick start” project that has helped to begin realising theseplans through the provision of diverse technical assistance will conclude in December2003. For this reason, project beneficiaries and environmental information systemexperts from across the region gathered in June 2003 in Sofia, Bulgaria to review thestrengths and weaknesses of the assistance provided over the course of the project,and to identify the opportunities and threats for its possible continuation, if desired.

The participants (numbering 50) included experts from SEE governments andNGOs and international organisations including the EEA, the REC and the AustrianFederal Environmental Agency. These attendees were joined by experts in knowledgemanagement and e-society development from the International Federation of LibraryAssociations/Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Office,and the World Bank.

During the Wrap-up workshop, participants welcomed the assistance to date andendorsed the national action plans as a strong foundation and roadmap for addressingfuture key challenges in each country. At the same time they agreed that the followingactivities should be implemented within the context of a follow-up project.

First, given the internal restructuring and shifting priorities within SEE countries —driven, among other things, by EU integration and acquis approximation, EEA acces-sion and Aarhus Convention implementation (Romania being most notably affected asthis publication went to press) — national action plans should be reviewed andupdated. This would enable countries to check current status, reprioritise activitiesand highlight emerging needs, without undertaking an entirely new assessment. Thisapproach was favoured by several other territories, including the Republic ofMontenegro, where political changes have led to greater autonomy. Furthermore, thesimple but comprehensive structure of the plans would enable other countries notinvolved thus far (e.g. Greece and Turkey) to develop similar roadmaps and be inte-grated relatively quickly into regional developments. The development of municipal-level local action plans was highlighted as the next logical step, based on interest inimproved local access to information.

Second, greater emphasis was placed on addressing specific needs at the nationallevel. This includes offering training assistance to national, regional and local levelbodies, and capacity building to ensure compliance with international obligationssuch as the new EC Directive on Public Access to Environmental Information(2003/4/EC). The integration into Reportnet/EIONET, the EEA’s European environ-mental information system, was also noted, because it does not typically incorporatespecific in-country support for understanding and applying indicator-based reportingprinciples. The techniques for monitoring and sampling, data collection, processing,management and updating need to be well understood by national bodies to enablethe effective set up and development of the European monitoring systems (which relyon the national networks). Integrating air quality monitoring and data management



Responsibility forimplementing thenational action plansrests chiefly with thecountries themselves

was highlighted as an example. National meetings and trainings that would inhelpdevelop domestic systems and provide assistance in the local language were wel-comed. The REC’s complementary assistance in supporting content developmentand handling in-country logistics was welcomed both by the EEA and the region.Other countries, including those already well integrated into Reportnet, highlightedthe need for trainings to be administered for regional and local environmental pro-tection inspectorates to introduce the requirements of the Aarhus Convention. Thiswould incorporate sessions on how to handle and respond to information requestsfrom the public, build and operate help desks and information centres, and so on.Other training topics included introducing geographic information systems andcompatible software to manage spatial data, and utilising the available tools andsoftware for storing and exchanging data and information (e.g. Web portals, Intranetsystems, Catalogue of Data Sources, relational database systems). A short quantita-tive assessment should be made for each country, in order to tailor training coursesto national needs.

Third, countries highlighted the need for further investment in technological infra-structure and in its development (of both hardware and software), in accordance withthe priorities identified in the national action plans. While the start-up project has pro-vided a direct and flexible response to each country’s needs (through seed fundingworth approximately EUR 25,000 per country and EUR 150,000 for Croatia), muchmore still needs to be done. Technology investments should be accompanied bytraining activities to ensure effective technology transfer and implementation.Workshop participants also highlighted the need to explore the availability andusability of open source software (that which is free or inexpensively available via theInternet), as one activity that could provide benefits and offset costs.

Fourth, almost all countries have begun, or at least proposed, the establishment ofagencies or central offices to coordinate, pool and manage environmental data on thenational level. Such agencies typically monitor environmental progress, supportpolicy development and meet reporting obligations to the public and internationalagencies. Support for the development and/or establishment of environmental agen-cies was requested and can be realised through various capacity-building exercisessuch as twinning arrangements with environmental agencies in other countries, staffexchanges, study tours, and through working groups supported by internationalexperts focused on specific issues (e.g. passive and proactive information dissemina-tion, web portal development, networks of information centres/libraries, etc.). TheEngland and Wales Environment Agency, for instance, has hosted experts in the pastfrom countries in transition for periods of up to one month to demonstrate and impartknow-how in collecting, storing, and managing data, and manipulating and dissemi-nating useful information. The newly established Greek National Center for theEnvironment and Sustainable Development has successfully relied on a multi-stake-holder working group to look at how to make useful information available to thepublic. Cooperation with these and other agencies from across Europe will beexplored so as to enable experts from South Eastern Europe to access national exper-tise, and learn and replicate best practices.

Within all future activities, the countries expressed a desire to continue involvinga wide range of stakeholder groups including NGOs, which thus far has helped toensure transparency and solid progress based on common interests. They also



The countries haveagreed on a set ofpriority activities

that should beimplemented

within the context of a

follow-up project

endorsed the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme for South EasternEurope (REReP) as an innovative approach to regional cooperation and knowledgeexchange, and welcomed the contribution made by the project’s steering com-mittee. Countries highlighted the fact that a dedicated network of experts has beenestablished through this project, which included all participating countries. Thishad provided an opportunity for know-how exchange and should be built on infuture activities. The project was also commended for having provided a founda-tion for future system development, e.g. for establishing pollutant release andtransfer registers, web portals, integrated data collections, etc.

Workshop participants noted their concern, however, regarding the uncertainfuture of REReP, “donor fatigue” and financial uncertainties which could endangerreaping the full benefits of the project to date. They also highlighted shifting domesticpriorities and political support with respect to the environment resulting in consider-able instability and uncertainty, weak legal frameworks and institutions, poor enforce-ment, and high staff turnover within their ministries as threats to the future develop-ment of environmental information systems. The threat posed by weak telecommuni-cations infrastructures and the “digital divide” was also a concern. Participants there-fore urged the donor community to continue its support to the region, REReP and forthis project, in view of the priorities highlighted above.

The region’s countries invited FYR Macedonia to lead the project in its second-phase(between 2004-2006), following hand-over by Croatia in December 2003. This invitationwas made based on the country’s years of experience in developing its environmentalinformation system from almost nothing. The facts that FYR Macedonia has won thebacking of decision makers within the environment ministry, as well as internationalpraise, and enjoys a close level of cooperation with a satisfied NGO community, werealso noted. FYR Macedonia accepted the invitation, a decision that was welcomed byother countries, particularly those embarking on the development of information sys-tems (e.g. Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania,). The support of more experienced EUcandidate countries (Romania and Bulgaria) was also welcomed, in view of their expe-riences in grappling with acquis approximation and EU integration.

The REC will work together with FYR Macedonia to elaborate the project’s terms ofreference and to leverage financial support, by targeting both bi-lateral assistancemechanisms (e.g. the Netherlands development cooperation funding and its MatraProgramme, tentatively planned for extension to FYR Macedonia and Albania), andinternational sources (e.g. REReP, the Community Assistance for Reconstruction,Development and Stabilisation Programme [CARDS] and the German Agency forTechnical Cooperation [GTZ]). The range of proposed activities at both the nationaland regional levels enable co-financing options to be explored in continuing envi-ronmental information system development. Cooporation with the EuropeanEnvironment Agency’s continuing support to Balkan countries’ initiative within theframework of the CARDS programme (2004-2006) will also be pursued. EUROPAidassistance for the development of the Turkish environmental information system willensure its involvement in future regional activities. The Greek National Center for theEnvironment and Sustainable Development has expressed its interest in participatingin a follow-up activity and sharing its experiences.

Funds of EUR 750,000 would ensure the continued assistance of internationalorganisations, technological investments, training, international meetings, andnational agency development for the period 2004-2006.



The region’s countriesinvited FYR Macedoniato lead the project inits second-phase.Funds of EUR 750,000would ensure itscontinuation, andfurther technologicalinvestments, training,international meetings,and national agencydevelopment for theperiod 2004-2006



Priority actions for environmental information system development in SEE countries/territories

Institutional Structure Legal Frameworks

Albania • Design/install an electronic exchange • Legislate environmental monitoringsystem, including a front-end • Adopt EU/EEA reporting standardsportal based on user needs • Enforce laws pertaining to EIS

Bosnia and Herzegovina • EIONET and IT training • Assign jurisdictions in the field• Install a Wide Area Network of monitoring, collection,

linking both entities information processing and dissemination,• Found an environmental agency harmonised with EU legislation

• Ratify the Aarhus Convention

Bulgaria • Strengthen communication links • Ratify the Aarhus Convention• Integrate databases • Train municipalities and NGOs• Host expert/NGO training at the on environmental information sources

regional level based on information and their accessibilityavailable at the Executive Agency

Croatia • Map environmental data flows • Identify and transpose relevant EU• Establish an environmental protection legislation for monitoring and reporting

agency to synthesise data andcoordinate providers

FYR Macedonia • Establish intersectoral working group • Harmonise legislation with EUto define reporting standards and directives and EEA reporting standardsmethodologies • Adopt regulations regarding data

• Eliminate manual collection and management processesstate-of-environment data reporting • Implement the Aarhus Convention

• Launch data processing system

Romania • Agree on monitoring system • Enact a law/regulation to provideparameters for authorities a legal basis for monitoring

• Involve NGOs to ensure public practices and responsibilitiesinformation demands are met

Serbia and Montenegro • Complete a feasibility study for • Draft EU-compliant laws on informationsystem development systems and access in both republics

• Establish a modus operandi • Introduce draft laws to the public and• Establish environment agencies adopt and implement them

in each republic and train staff • Promote the Aarhus Convention

Kosovo • Law enforcement training • Extend legal frameworks to include• Strengthen monitoring networks data collection standards• Build capacity to interpret and

report data

NB: Text in green highlights those components partially funded by this REReP project.



Data Collection & Management Information Dissemination Ensuring Usage in Decision Making

• Review and improve national • Establish a system for timely • Ensure preparation of EIAmonitoring practices delivery of key information and SEA statements

• Standardise laboratory sampling, to NGOs, media and public • Provide useful information todata storage and reporting all levels of administration

• Extend monitoring practices • Launch user-driven web portals • Fully adopt indicator-based approaches• Training on data management • Host training in both entities to ensure targeted and useful• Integrate databases and establish for web design/maintenance information for decision makers

data collection centres

• Upgrade software and networks to • Establish regional information • Develop indicator-based reportingimprove data processing and access centres systems for environmental assessment

• Full electronic data storage • Enhance a national web portal • Train staff on statistical analyses,• Host training on international • Develop a catalogue of data reporting and GIS application

reporting requirements sources

• Conduct gap analysis against EEA • Produce a meta-database of • Identify information users' needs andreporting requirements information sources and producers expectations

• Establish an office for information • Train civil servants on • Develop “user friendly” reporting management and accurate environmental reporting formatsreporting • Develop coastal waters GIS

• Install new monitoring stations • Produce targeted, relevant and • Adopt policy-indexed,(enhance geo/thematic coverage) useful reports for users indicator-based reporting

• Harmonise data collection formats • Maintain an open library and • Raise authorities' environmental and processing standards improve request responses awareness through useful reporting

• Purchase relational database • Buy publishing equipment and • Host public hearings to ensure amanagement system improve online accessibility participatory assessment

• Buy PCs for data acquisition • Data synthesis and repackaging in • Present environmental trends inby local inspectorates useful formats for the public, easy-to-understand formats (e.g. GIS)

• Train monitoring officers in the including Web interfaceuse of the automated system • Publish stakeholder-driven

• Purchase network and IT hard-copy reports and materialsapparatus for data exchange

• Develop comprehensive, • Technical trainings on tools for user- • Identify and respond tointegrated monitoring networks driven information dissemination decision makers’ information needs

• Purchase five or six automated • Establish a state web portal • Adopt EEA reporting standardsmeasurement stations • Training for staff and NGOs on

• Develop a catalogue of data sources information access

• Design monitoring network and • Incorporate existing data into • Ensure use of environment reportsdefine objectives useful publications in policy planning

•Report on hotspots and • Prepare regular • Host multi-stakeholder forums to gather health-related data state-of-the-environment reports discuss environmental concerns

• Define data exchange procedures • Complete the web portal in decision-making processes

AlbaniaEno Dodbiba

Environmental specialistECAT (Environmental Center forAdministration & Technology) Tirana

Address: Rr. Avdyl Frasheri, Pa 16/6, Apt. 53Tirana


Alma Bako and Bajram MejdiajLegal specialistsMinistry of Environment

Address: Rr. Durresi 27Tirana

Tel: (35-54) 270-621Fax: (35-54) 270-627

Bosnia and HerzegovinaRanko TicaInstitute for Hydro-Engineering

Address: Stjepana Tomica 171000 Sarajevo

Tel: (38-7) 3321-2466E-mail: [email protected]

Veljko DukicInstitute for Civil Engineering

Address: Jug Bogdana bb78000 Banja Luka


BulgariaVarbinka HristovaFormerly international projects coordinatorMinistry of Environment and Waters

Address: Tsvetan Radostinov Str.Block 246, Apt. 42Sofia

CroatiaAna Babic and Dobrivoj KleberProgrami PINTA d.o.o (nominated as imple-menting agency by environment ministry)

Address: Teslina 1010000 Zagreb


FYR MacedoniaZoran Velickov

Address: Ho Si Min 51b1000 Skopje

Tel: (389-70) 335-464

RomaniaTigau Dragos MugurelInformation technology specialist

Address: Valea Argesului Str. 20, bl A 22, Apt. 85Sector 6 Bucharest



T O P I C 1 : L E A P O V E R V I E W

List of Contributors

Information technology or legal experts contributing to the country reportsinclude the following:

Serbia and MontenegroMihajlo Gavric

Deputy ministerMinistry of Natural Resources andEnvironmental Protection

Address: Dr. Ivana Ribara 9111070 Belgrade


Aleksandar PanovInformation technology specialist

Address: Jurija Gagarina 46/5711000 Belgrade

E-mail: [email protected]

Glisic OgnjenInformation technology specialist

Address: Milana Raspopovica 4/1111000 Belgrade

E-mail: [email protected]

Kosovo (Territory Under UN Interim Administration)Tomor Qela

Chief of GIS sectionMinistry of Environment and Spatial Planning of Kosovo

Address: Nazim Gafurri 31Pristina



L I S T O F C O N T R I B U TO R S

THE REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

(REC) is a non-partisan, non-advocacy, not-for-profit international organisation with

a mission to assist in solving environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe

(CEE). The center fulfils this mission by promoting cooperation among non-governmen-

tal organisations, governments, businesses and other environmental stakeholders, and

by supporting the free exchange of information and public participation in environmen-

tal decision-making.

The REC was established in 1990 by the United States, the European Commission and

Hungary. Today, the REC is legally based on a charter signed by the governments of 28

countries and the European Commission, and on an international agreement with the

government of Hungary. The REC has its head office in Szentendre, Hungary, and coun-

try offices and field offices in each of its 15 beneficiary countries which are: Albania,

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary,

Latvia, Lithuania, FYR Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia

and Slovenia.

Recent donors are the European Commission and the governments of Albania, Austria,

Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark,

Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, FYR Macedonia, the

Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland,

the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as other inter-governmental and pri-

vate institutions.

Snapshot of Environmental Information Systemsin South Eastern Europe

snapshot of environmental information systems in south eastern europe

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