Russian regional environmental centre

INFORMATION PROJECTS

НОВОСТИ

EBRD Country Strategy for the Russian Federation Is Now Available

01.12.2004 The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development country strategy for the Russian Federation is now available for the interested organizations.

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S.N.Kuraev: Some Comments on the Climate Policy in Russia

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Russian Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol

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Procedure and Terms of Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol

15.10.2004 The State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation will consider the draft federal law on ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This decision was made on the 14th of October at a joint session of ...

Russia Will Probably Ratify the Kyoto Protocol Next Week

14.10.2004 A session of the State Duma (the lower chamber of the Russian Parliament) Committee for Environment devoted to the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is to be held today.

Russan Government Has Approved the Kyoto Protocol

01.10.2004 September 30, 2004, the government of Russia has approved a draft federal law "On the Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change".

World Heritage Convention Requires Greenhouse Gas Emission Cuts, Say Lawers

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The Government of Russia Will Consider the Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol

29.09.2004 On the 30th of September, 2004, a draft of the Federal Law “On the Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change” will be considered at the session of the Government of the Russian Federation.

“Breaking the Rules” Report Is Published

10.08.2004 A report “Breaking the Rules-2004: Evidence of Violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly Resolutions” was presented by the International Baby Food Action Network. Among the worst Code ...

Other news...

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Working Plan of the Russian Regional Environmental Centre within the framework of Direct Agreement No.2 with the European Commission

November 2002 - January 2004

Preamble

This Working Plan has been prepared by the RREC in connection with the expiry of Direct Agreement No.1 with the European Commission and beginning of financing of the RREC within the framework of Agreement No.2 with the European Commission. It has been developed based on the scope of financing provided for in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement for the new period and additional funds provided by the donors cooperating with the Russian Regional Environmental Centre on the project basis.

The subjects covered by the RREC Working Plan are in full compliance with the top-priority topics laid down in the Memorandum of the RREC founders and setting main objectives of RREC activities as guidance for the Board of Managers. The top-priority subjects have been defined as follows:

Development of civil society and local self-governance;

Encouragement of sustainable development at the global and regional levels;

Environmental protection and economic policy;

Circulation of information, results dissemination and cooperation with mass media.

The fields of activities of the RREC defined in accordance with the Strategy of the RREC Development are specified (where reasonable and possible) within the top-priority subjects. This makes it possible to describe in more detail the types of work and define concrete projects and measures.
When forming a project package, recommendations made by the members of the Advisory Forum Committees at their three meetings in the RREC office in November 2002 have been taken into account in the first line.
The Draft Working Plan has been linked to the RREC Working Programme implemented within the framework of Direct Agreement No.1. It has been developed with the objective to continue the implementation of the mission of the Centre, i.e. strengthening of intersectoral cooperation aimed at environmental protection and sustainable development, as well as involvement of the public in the decision-making process.

RREC: Type of Organisation
At the international level, the RREC is one of the connecting links between Russia and the countries of the European Union through its participation in development of concrete programmes aimed at cooperation and promotion of advanced experience and know-how. At the national level, the RREC is an organization of hybrid type: a think tank organizing and intensifying the intersectoral dialogue; a resource centre for NGOs and fulfilling also the tasks relating to education of the public; an information centre for collection, storage and propagation of information, and a consultancy and project implementation unit.

COMPONENT 1
DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND LOCAL SELF-GOVERNANCE

1.1 Development and Support of Environmental Non-governmental Organisations

Currently RREC carries out the Grants Programme (GP) for NGOs. Strengthening of civil society is a direct aim of this Programme. Due to its scale GP is considered as the major form of support to noon-governmental sector and strengthening of the Russian civil society.
An issue is under consideration whether the next GP should focus on defence of human rights and fight against corruption in the field of environmental protection and natural resources use.
Grants Programme budget: Euro 202,000.

1.1.2 Помощь инициативам и проектам отдельных общественных экологических организаций, направленным на укрепление межсекторального сотрудничества и развитие потенциала российского экологического движения Support for initiatives and projects of individual non-governmental environmental organizations aimed at strengthening intersectoral cooperation and development of the capacity of the Russian environmental movement
Support rendered in the form of refunding the transportation expenses of representatives of NGOs participating in major internationals conferences (seminars). The RREC will provide funds for reimbursement of travel expenses relating to participation in the conference in Kiev in May 2003 "Environment for Europe".

The RREC will develop and submit to the Board of Managers the criteria for support of individual NGOs initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening intersectoral cooperation and the capacity of the Russian environmental movement. The Board of Managers will take a decision relating to the reasonability of support of specific initiatives based on the approved criteria.

1.1.3 Strengthening of law enforcement in the field of environmental protection
Building a civil society is impossible without conscious law compliance. The RREC will encourage improvements of the legal culture in the society on the basis of adequate understanding by different sectors of the society of their responsibility for environmental impacts. The project will facilitate further development of the results achieved within the framework of the seminar "Environmental enforcement in Russia" held on November 29, 2002 in the Russian Academy of Civil Service. It is assumed that the cooperation in this field with the Division of non-member countries of the OECD Environmental Directorate will be continued. Formation and maintenance of a network of activists/organisations for environmental law enforcement may be considered as one of the possible options for the project implementation.
Other possible forms for the project implementation and presentation of results should be discussed within the framework of the joint meeting of the Advisory Forum committee and the members of the Board of Managers in order to find an optimum alternative from the cost-benefit standpoint.

1.2 Raising Public Awareness

1.2.1 Encouragement of Russia's participation in Aarhus Convention
The RREC seeks to impart a more transparent and democratic character to the decision making process. Russia's possible joining of the Aarhus Convention would be a most important internationally recognized step in this direction. A study of favourable circumstances and obstacles hindering the political decision of the RF Government, as well as practical assistance in consideration of the issue of joining the Aarhus Convention will be in the focus of this project.
The RREC will conduct seminars with the public to familiarize it with the contents of the Aarhus Convention and, what may be the most essential factor, prepare a legal framework for public participation in processes of discussion and decision making in environmental matters.

1.2.2 Support of a network of activists in the field of development and implementation of local environmental action plans
The RREC will provide assistance to the network of individuals and organisations in the field of environmental planning at the local level within the framework of a joint project of new regional environmental centres. This network was established during the previous period of the activities of the RREC. Within the framework of this project it is planned to ensure active exchange of information between the participants of the joint network and carry out a number of educational seminars. The project will focus on issues of methodological support for the process of preparation of plans at the local level.

COMPONENT 2
ENCOURAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT THE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL LEVELS

2.1 Encouragement of a Dialogue between All Interested Parties: Global Climate Change
Water Initiative of the European Union and the Region of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia
Organic Farming: Project of New Regional Environmental Centres

2.1.1 Assistance in surmounting the barriers for ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by Russia
The RREC will encourage in an active manner development of the dialogue at the international and national levels on the issue of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. The RREC will participate in preparation of the UN Conference on Climate Change in Moscow. Prior to this Conference the RREC has plans to conduct in cooperation with the Ecoforum and other non-governmental organisations a round table for nongovernmental organisations and research centres on issues relating to climate change and the Kyoto Protocol. It is planned to publish relevant materials. The RREC intends to find sponsors for co-financing of these activities.

2.1.2 Development of a framework for regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from industrial facilities in the Russian Federation
The Project will facilitate mutual understanding between governmental regulating agencies and the private sector. It will continue the work which has begun in Novgorod the Great with elaborating basics for GHG registers. It is planned to organize joint efforts of governmental officials and representatives from the business community for development and introduction of reporting and registration forms on greenhouse gas emissions.

2.1.3 Support for preparation of the High Level Meeting on the Water Initiative to be held in Moscow on March 5-6, 2003
The RREC will implement the functions of the Secretariat in preparation and holding of the High Level Meeting on the Water Initiative in Moscow. This Meeting may be considered as a beginning of substantial work on the Water Initiative, the presentation of which was made in Johannesburg within the framework of the World Summit.

2.1.4 Circulation of information and generalisation of results of the Moscow Meeting at high level
The RREC plans to prepare an information booklet on the results of the Moscow High Level Meeting and prepare a summary for the region of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia for the conference of ministers to be held in Kiev. It will prepare in cooperation with public organisations a separate booklet on the opinions of the non-governmental sector with respect to the start and prospects of the Water Initiative.

2.1.5 Sustainable Organic Farming and Reducing Population Risk for Public Health
In cooperation with the new regional environmental centres (first of all the REC Moldova and REC for the Caucasus) the Russian Regional Environmental Centre plans to carry out its work with the population aimed at modifying the consumer's pattern in favour of environmentally sound and genetically non-modified food products. It is essential to draw the attention of the State Duma and executive authorities to the need for encouraging the growth of production, sales and purchase of such food products and initiate development of corresponding regulatory and legal documentation. The RREC plans to undertake some concrete procedures in the form of PR actions aimed at attracting the attention of the population, domestic manufacturers and importers from the countries covered by the new REC activities to this problem and to the need to supply environmentally sound products to the Russian Federation. It is planned to study the experience in relation to this problem gained in the countries of the European Union.

2.2 Assessment of indicators of sustainable development and establishment of a basis for a network for public monitoring of sustainable development
A number of research projects have been implemented in Russia for assessing the sustainable development. The RREC has plans to carry out a series of discussions aimed at determining a set of indicators, which would in the best way characterize the degree of sustainability. The RREC intends to begin the work for establishment of a network of experts and organisations involved in this problem and prepare a draft document of indicators of sustainable development and their monitoring. It is intended to organise a conference at the State Academy for Civil Service on sustainable development, its measuring and training for monitoring. Extra funds would be requested from DFID (England).

COMPONENT 3
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC POLICY
3.1 Promotion of Public Awareness of the True Value of Natural Resources
The natural resources (wealth) in Russia have an underestimated value. This results in their overexploitation, which poses a threat of rapid depletion of natural resources of the country. Promotion of the awareness of different sectors of the Russian society of the true value of the natural resources (wealth), which does not coincide with their market value (if any) will facilitate gradual formation of a core group of associates capable not only to attract attention to this issue, but also to substantiate with convincing arguments the need for modification of the current type of development. It is assumed that this project will be implemented with the support of the World Bank.

3.2 Introduction of Principles of Public Involvement and Minimization of Risks of Investments in Potentially Environmentally-Hazardous Projects
On an assignment of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development the RREC has been conducting a review of the materials prepared by Rosavtodor for environmental impact assessment of the highway Chita-Khabarovsk and a section of the By Pass in St. Petersburg to verify their compliance with the applicable Russian legislation, Directives of the European Commission and the EBRD environmental policy and procedures. Special attention has been paid to the social aspects of these construction projects: compensations to the residents and their property located within the zone affected by the projects.

3.3 Encouragement of Introduction of Advanced Environmental Management Systems and Cleaner Production Procedures in the Russian Businesses
As practical steps aimed at implementation of the provisions laid down in Johannesburg, the RREC will investigate and summarize (in the form of a report) the practice of development of corporate social responsibility in the EU countries. It will focus on the mechanisms of negotiations and voluntary obligations undertaken by the business community, as well as the methods used for governmental encouragement of transition of companies to advanced standards.
The RREC plans to participate in the programme "Cleaner Production" within the framework of the Northern Dimension.

3.4 Development of Schemes for Financing of Environmental Protection Activities through Introduction of the "Debt for Nature Swap"
In cooperation with the WWF, the RREC plans to accelerate consideration of possibilities for multilateral clearance of debts for implementation of environmental protection (sustainable development) measures in the region of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. For this purpose it is planned to conduct a working meeting of interested organisations and experts and issue a number of pertinent publications. It is also assumed that the World Bank will provide support for implementation of this project.

COMPONENT 4
CIRCULATION OF INFORMATION, REPLICATION OF RESULTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE MASS MEDIA
4.1 Promoting A Public Campaign Aimed at Establishing of a New Environmental Management Structure in Russia Taking into Account the Interests of Authorities, Business Community and Public Over the recent time no significant results have been achieved within the existing system for environmental protection management. Despite the appearance of a number of programme documents (Environmental Doctrine) no consistent steps have been made at the national level for reforming this sector. Difficulties were constantly encountered in the process of environmental expertise, as well as problems of separation of power between the federal centre and the subjects of the Russian Federation; the system of environmental charges is currently at the verge of collapse. At the same time, this situation may not last any further, and a decision has to be taken with respect to establishment of a new environmental management system. The new management system may not be based on the existing model, which institutionally combines the nature exploitation and environmental protection functions; but it should not have many things in common with the previous model of the RF State Committee for Environmental Protection, which was affected by bureaucracy and lack of understanding of national interests of the development of the Russian economy.
At the same time, the worldwide experience indicates that there are effective mechanisms ensuring solution of environmental problems by economic and socially acceptable methods. Dialogue between the authorities, business community and the public is believed to be the only possible method for resolving conflicts in a civilized society.
Under the conditions of integration of Russia into international economic structures (WTO, etc.) and active participation of Russia in the solution of global social, economic and environmental problems it is required to take into account both the growing level of competitiveness of national economies having direct effects on the economy of the RF and the position of Russia as an environmental donor for the world community. The need for consideration of the actual situation of Russia makes it necessary to conduct a public dialogue.
The RREC plans to invite major Russian mass media for organization of a campaign aimed at forming a positive image of a new environmental management system in Russia. It is planned to prepare a report on this subject, circulate it on an extensive scale and conduct its preliminary discussion at conferences, round tables and in TV programmes. On a later date, a final conference will be held and a number of publications issued.

4.2 Circulation of Information and Replication of Results
The RREC plans with the support of the Russian Federal Agency on Environmental Information to provide on a day-to-day basis information in the form of on line news, press releases, messages, etc.
A possibility for publication of special information leaflets will be considered for circulation of information on most significant results of cooperation of Russia with the EU countries in the field of environmental protection, most recent directives of the European Commission, most important results of conferences, news from RREC.

5. BUDGET DISTRIBUTION FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS
It is distributed for individual components in terms of percentages as follows:
- Development of civil society and local self-governance or 62 % of the total
- Encouragement of sustainable development at the global and regional levels or 25 % of the total
- Environmental protection and economic policy or 8 % of the total
- Circulation of information, replication of results and cooperation with the mass media.


Adress: 39/20, building 1, Bol. Yakimanka str., Moscow, 119049, Russia Telephone: 7 095 238-17-96, 7 095 238-46-66. Fax: 7 095 238-27-76 E-mail: info@rusrec.ru

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