NIS NGO PARTICIPATION
IN THE PREPARATORY PROCESS TO THE CONSULTATION BETWEEN ECONOMIC/FINANCE AND ENVIRONMENT
MINISTERS
OF THE NIS IN ALMATY (OCTOBER 2000)
On 16-17 October 2000, Almaty hosted a Consultation between
Economic/Finance and Environment Ministers of the Newly Independent States (NIS) at the
territory of former U.S.S.R.
The main topics discussed at this meeting were the following:
Economic damages from inadequate environmental policy, in particular
in the water sector in the NIS;
Ways to reform urban water authorities;
Attracting investments to increase economic efficiency of urban water
supply and improve water quality.
NIS NGOs took active part in the preparatory process to the ministerial
conference. The Issue Group on the Environmental Action Programme (EAP Issue Group) of the
European ECO-Forum (coalition of non-governmental organizations in UNECE) organized an
information campaign, an Internet consultation, as well as three subregional seminars (in
Yerevan, Minsk and Almaty). It also held a preparatory forum for NIS NGOs ahead of the
ministerial meeting.
Participants of the forum adopted a resolution. They have also discussed the role and
strategy of NIS NGOs in water issues and integration of environmental and economic
policies. In addition, they have discussed the problems of activities of the new Regional
Environmental Centers in the NIS region. The document reflecting the position of NIS NGOs
was included in the official documentation of the ministerial meeting. It was discussed at
the plenary, where it received high appraisal.
Documents:
ALMATY GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR REFORM OF THE URBAN WATER
SUPPLY AND SANITATION SECTOR IN THE NIS
POSITION PAPER OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ON THE
MAIN DISCUSSION ISSUES
OF THE ALMATY MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS
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