Environmental measures in developing countries in the context of sustainable development

OBJECTIVE: to establish administration procedures and rules applicable to cooperation projects to facilitate the integration of the environmental dimension into the sustainable development process of developing countries. CONTENT: the purpose of the operations covered by this regulation is to: . preserve biological diversity by conserving ecosystems and the natural habitats of species in danger of extinction, . improve the environment (especially the urban environment): refuse and waste water management, air pollution, . preserve coastal zones, . transfer clean energy technologies, . improve soil conservation and management in livestock farming, forestry and the fight against desertification, . adapt production processes in developing countries and increase the awareness of all economic agents of environmental constraints. - Recipients and cooperation partners: states, regions, decentralized departments, regional bodies, public agencies, traditional and local communities, private operators, including cooperatives, and NGOs representing the local people. - Operations to be implemented: within the framework of the general objectives of this programme, Community funding may cover investment expenditure (except for real estate) and operational expenditure in foreign or local currency, but only during the launch stage. They include studies, technical assistance, training and other services. Particular attention will be paid to operations to develop the institutional capacities of developing countries and involve the local people when operations are being planned. Joint funding will be actively sought from Member States, multilateral or regional organizations and local partners. Provision is made for coordination and complementarity with similar Community operations in this sector. - Form of aid: grants. - Decision-making procedure: the Commission will administer operations covered by the regulation. It will be assisted by three advisory committees (EDF, ALA and MED committees). Participation in invitations to tender and the award of contracts is open to the recipient country and the Member States and other third developing countries. In exceptional cases supplies may originate elsewhere. - Exchanges of view: the Commission will hold an exchange of views once a year with the three committees concerned on future operations to be conducted within the framework of this cooperation. - Information: an annual report will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council summarizing and evaluating the operations financed in the course of the financial year (any contracts concluded, independent evaluations etc.). - Budget: the financial statement makes provision for the sum of ECU 15 million in 1996 (this cooperation does not include any provision as to its duration and it is therefore renewable annually).�