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DEF looks at ways to boost public participation

 

Danube Environmental Forum (DEF) held its General Assembly in November. 56 representatives of NGOs from 13 member countries gathered in Obrenovac, Serbia-Montenegro, to discuss matters of water management in the Danube Basin



Credit: Archiv
NGOs know the ways to strengthen public participation

DEF’s General Assembly held in Serbia-Montenegro in November last year was preceded by a special training session on public participation and the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (EU WFD). With EU enlargement looming, it seemed an opportune time to train NGOs in the roles and responsibilities of Public Participation Contacts. NGOs will, after all, be expected to act as mediators between governments and the public regarding the benefits and guidelines of the Directive. Never before has a water directive offered so much promise. Developed by the European Union, the Directive provides a new framework for ensuring integarted water management throughout the EU. What makes the Directive exceptional is its focus on the public. Underlying Article 14 of the EU WFD is the committment to interpret to the general public what has always been the esoteric knowledge of scientists, NGOs and governmental entities. In deliberating over the practical application of the Directive, drafters acknowledged that any directive neglecting the public would eventually fail, as implementation would necessitate public acceptance. It is here that the role of NGOs may be specified. With their grassroots contacts, NGOs can interpret to both stakeholders (i.e. farmers, fishermen) and the general public the significance of the Directive in sustaining their region environmentally and economically, and subsequently, help put the Directive into practice at the local level. Moreover, NGOs, in cooperation with the public, can monitor the activities of the public and private sector to ensure that adherence to the Directive is absolute.

Overall, the training of Public Participation Contacts proved constructive, with NGOs exchanging successful public participation methods. Subsequent national trainings for NGOs will follow in Spring 2004, and will require cooperation with Ministries, ICPDR Delegations, state water authorities and the Global Water Partnership. Meanwhile, DEF continues its initiatives to strengthening the capacity of NGOs: trainings for NGO representatives from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Romania will be organized in 2004 in joint effort with WWF Danube Carpathian Program.

The General Assembly itself opened with a discussion on the possible role of NGOs in the activities of ICPDR. Of particular note was ICPDR Executive Secretary Philip Weller, who, speaking on behalf of the Commission, pledged his full commitment to facilitating public participation regarding water management issues in the Danube Basin.

Much effort was devoted to DEF’s public image, the Danube Day celebrations and current Danube "hot" issues. Public relations matters were also deliberated - a fitting follow-up on the focus on public participation strategies. If DEF really wants to involve the public in EU WFD implementation, will its present public image do? Or will DEF require an image makeover to attract the public, to call attention to the Forum, its achievements and scope? The group discussed various promotion strategies, logo efficacy, and the role of marketing in a NGO. Regarding Danube hot issues, the Danube-Oder-Elbe Canal and the Bystroye Estuary were discussed. Particular progress was made on the Bystroye issue, with the drafting of a NGO petition addressed to Ukrainian governmental officials. The petition concerns construction plans for the Danube-Black Sea navigation canal to be built through the Bystroye Estuary, an internationally recognized nature reserve. DEF member NGOs demanded the halting of canal construction until a proper environmental impact assessment had been conducted. When the DEF General Assembly closed, the members departed inspired by forum solidarity and fully briefed on the issues that make the network worthwhile.

 

Dana L. English

For more information:
www.de-forum.sk