Europe & CIS Subregional Europe & CIS Subregional Workshop: 7-8 March 2007, Workshop: 7-8 March 2007,

Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul, Turkey

Enhancing National GEF Enhancing National GEF Coordination, Communications Coordination, Communications

and Outreach (Session 6):and Outreach (Session 6):The Bulgarian caseThe Bulgarian case

BackgroundBackground

As of 1991 - weak awareness on As of 1991 - weak awareness on environmental issues of global concern at environmental issues of global concern at national and local levelnational and local levelLack of sufficient communication and Lack of sufficient communication and dialogue at national level for identifying dialogue at national level for identifying national priorities. national priorities. More national and FP meetings at the More national and FP meetings at the regional level were needed. regional level were needed. Within the period 1991-2000 awareness on Within the period 1991-2000 awareness on global environmental issues has been raised global environmental issues has been raised gradually.gradually.

Global Environmental IssuesGlobal Environmental Issues

Within the competencies of MOEW are all Within the competencies of MOEW are all GEF focal areas:GEF focal areas:BiodiversityBiodiversityClimate ChangeClimate ChangeInternational WatersInternational WatersLand DegradationLand DegradationThe Ozone LayerThe Ozone LayerPersistent Organic PollutantsPersistent Organic Pollutants

National documents National documents

National strategy for the environment and National strategy for the environment and action plan 2000-2006action plan 2000-2006

National strategy for the environment and National strategy for the environment and action plan 2007-2014 is under action plan 2007-2014 is under development.development.

National Sustainable DevelopmentNational Sustainable Development Strategy is also under preparation.Strategy is also under preparation.

Coordination MechanismCoordination Mechanism

A National Level-Informal GEF Committee is composed of A National Level-Informal GEF Committee is composed of representatives of the following concerned agencies:representatives of the following concerned agencies:

Ministry of Environment and WaterMinistry of Environment and Water

Ministry of Agriculture and ForestryMinistry of Agriculture and Forestry

Ministry of Economy and EnergyMinistry of Economy and Energy

Ministry of Regional Development and Ministry of Regional Development and Public WorksPublic Works

UNDP Country Office and/or WB UNDP Country Office and/or WB

Coordinating with other Coordinating with other stakeholdersstakeholders

Other sector agenciesOther sector agencies

Academic and scientific organizationsAcademic and scientific organizations

Local AuthoritiesLocal Authorities

NGOsNGOs

Lessons learntLessons learnt

The commitment at political level in the initial The commitment at political level in the initial phase of project development is crucial.phase of project development is crucial.Inter-institutional coordination and cooperation is Inter-institutional coordination and cooperation is enhanced through establishment of a enhanced through establishment of a coordination mechanismcoordination mechanismRaising awareness on global environment Raising awareness on global environment issues is important for involving local people in issues is important for involving local people in implementation of environmental protection implementation of environmental protection activities.activities.A range of products and activities are needed to A range of products and activities are needed to improve public opinion and disseminate improve public opinion and disseminate information – e.g. websites, publications, information – e.g. websites, publications, presentations and round tables.presentations and round tables.

How it was achievedHow it was achievedThe greatest awareness has been achieved The greatest awareness has been achieved on biodiversity and climate change issues on biodiversity and climate change issues through:through:– Process of adoption and implementation of EU Process of adoption and implementation of EU

legislationlegislation– WorkshopsWorkshops– Information meetingsInformation meetings– Dissemination of informationDissemination of information– UNDP country office activitiesUNDP country office activities– Small Grants Program in relation to Small Grants Program in relation to

communication with local communities and NGOscommunication with local communities and NGOs

RecommendationsRecommendations Better coordination and consultationsBetter coordination and consultations between between

all stakeholders.all stakeholders. Carrying out information meetings/training with Carrying out information meetings/training with

local stakeholderslocal stakeholders Including GEF national activities in different Including GEF national activities in different

awareness raising campaignsawareness raising campaigns Integrating GEF priorities and objectives into Integrating GEF priorities and objectives into

national sectoral strategies, plans and programsnational sectoral strategies, plans and programs Participation in regional meetings and sharing of Participation in regional meetings and sharing of

experiences within and between different experiences within and between different regions.regions.