Explanatory Memorandum to COM(1984)206 - - Main contents
Please note
This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(1984)206 - . |
|---|---|
| source | COM(1984)206  |
| date | 11-04-1984 |
COLLECTION RELIEE DES DOCUMENTS 'COM'
Contents
- COM (84) 206
- CONTENTS
- 1. General features
- 2. Environment
- 3. Socio-economic problems
- 4. Scope for action
- 5. Environment policy
- 6. Objectives
- 7. Short-term measures
- 8. Long-term measures
- 9. Financial and staff requirements
- 10. Strategy •
- 11. Proposal for immediate action
- Exploiting low-yield aquifers
- Greece
- Information and public awareness schemes
- ANNEX VI
- COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL ON THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN
- 1.- General features
- 2.- Environment
- 2.1. - The ecology of the Mediterranean is already subject to major
- 2.3. - Environmental problems are not, however, confined to the
- 2.4. - Finally, soil morphology, climate and the scarcity of fresh
- Socio-economic problems
- 3.1. - The economic and social problems which arise in most regions
- 3.2. - If these problems were resolved, this would enhance the role of
- 4. - Scope for action
- 4.1. - This state of affairs warrants specific Community action to
- COMMUNITY ACTION
- 5. - Environment policy
- 5.1. - The action programme of the European Community on the environ
- 5.2. - Considerable importance is attached in the Community action
- 5.3. - Finally, environmental considerations must be taken into account
- 5.4. - The Commission proposed a major programme to the Council on
- 5.5. - The Community is also contracting party to the Barcelona Con
- III.- A STRATEGY AND PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN
- 6.- Objectives
- 6.1. - The strains on the environment of the Mediterranean area stem
- 6.2. - In view of this, a plan of action in this field cannot be con
- 6.3. - In applying this long-term strategy, however, it should not be
- 6.4. - The plan of action should be backed up, where necessary, by
- Short-term measures
- 7.1. - A number of other specific measures proposed in this paper are
- 7.2. - These Annexes list the following key fields in which environ
- i. Increase in the availability and protection of water
- 8.- Long-term measures
- 8.1. - The measures proposed in paragraph 7 are designed to deal with
- 8.2. - Such an examination should be based on an overview of existing
- 8.3. - An Advisory Committee should be set up as soon as possible to
- 8.5. - At a later stage, the Committee could turn its attention to
- 9.- Financial and staff requirements
- 10 -
- 9.2. - The initial financial requirements related to the new budget heading
- 9.3. - The Community's contribution to the UNEP Action Plan for the
- 9.4. - Furthermore, DG XI would require additional staff to cope with
- IV.- CONCLUSION
- 10.- Strategy
- 10.2. - The strategy and plan of action for the protection of the
- Proposal for immediate action
- 11.1. - The first step towards formulating such a strategy and plan
- 11.2. - The Committee's terms of reference and the requisite appro
- 11.3. - The implementation of the proposed action programme could
- WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY
- 1.1. - Water supplies are not only one of the essentials for the well
- 1.2. - This shortage of water resources in the Mediterranean brings out
- II. Training for specialists
- III. Application of appropriate technology
- IV. New infrastructure
- 2.1. - As a virtually landlocked sea with a large population living along
- 2.2. - Eutrophication of parts of the sea is the most visible, and un
- 2.3. - Finally, the clean-up measures conducted by the Community and by
- These training schemes should be financed as one of the new Community measures on vocational training for environment specialists
- Waste Management
- 1Urban waste
- 2.- Industrial wastes
- Sewage sludge
- RATIONAL USE OF LAND
- 1. - To avoid creating serious problems in the medium to long term, economic
- 3. - The following action in particular must be taken to achieve balanced
- 3.1.- Description of the state of the natural resources
- 3.2. - Conservation of reclamation of sites or regional, national or
- 3.3. - Systematic environmental impact assessments for development
- 3.4.- Training for specialists and dissemination of knowhow
- INTERNATIONAL ACTION
- 1.- Field of action
- 1.1.- The Action Plan for the Mediterranean, which is split into three
- 1.2.- The bilateral cooperation agreements which the Community has
- 1.3.- Specific measures by other international organizations and in
- Participation by the Community in International activities
- 2.1. - The Action Plan for the Mediterranean is a multilateral framework
- 2.2. - A firmer commitment to the Action Plan for the Mediterranean on
- 2.3.1. - A more active contribution to the second phase of MED-POL
- 2.3.2. - Detailed research into pollution from land-based sources
- 2.3.3. - Feasibility studies on the prospects for constructing de
- 2.3.4. - Closer collaboration with the authorities responsible for
- 2.4.1. - Environmental measures in the Mediterranean have not es
- 2.4.2. - A number of chapters of the Final Act of Helsinki deal
- 2.4.5. - The meeting to be held in Brussels in 1984 on cooperation
- 2.4.6. - This will call for close collaboration between all Commis
- 2.4.7. - Finally, 1985 will mark the tenth anniversary of the
- 1. Subject
- 2. J ustification
- 3. Results expected
- 5. Costs
- 35.000 ECU
- 1. Subject
- 2. J ustificati on
- 3. Results expected
- 4. Arrangement
- Costs
- 64.000 ECU
- 1. Subject '
- 2. Justificat ion
- 4. Arrangements
- 5. Costs
- 12 man/months : ........................... 30.000 ECU
- 40.000 ECU
- 1. Subject
- 2. J ustification
- 3. Results exptected
- 4. Arrangements
- 5. Costs
- 3 technical experts for six months at 2.000 ECU/month : ... 36.000 ECU 1 chemistry expert for six months at 2.000 ECU/month : ... 12.000 ECU
- 1 agronomist for 12 months at 2.500 ECU/month : .......... 30.000 ECU
- 1 hydraulic engineer for 12 months
- 142.000 ECU
- 1. Subject
- 2. J ustification
- b) feasibility studies and projects to add to existing facilities and
- 3. Results expected
- 4. - Arrangements
- 48 man/months : ............................... 120.000 ECU
- 155.000 ECU
- 1. Cartographic study of soil erosion in the islands of the Aegean Sea
- Estimated cost : 80.000 ECU (DR 6.000.000)
- 2. Pilot t':udy on the organization and management of the Thessaly water
- Period : 1 year
- 3. - Study on the management (treatment and storage) of waste from
- Period : -18 months
- 4. - Technical and economic study of waste from nickel-bearing ore
- Period : 1 year
- 1. Subject
- 2 . J ustification
- 3. Results expected
- 4. Arrangements
- Costs
- Cost of each seminar, assuming a total of some 20 participants
- 1. Subject
- 3. Results expected
- 4. Cost s
- 128.000 ECU
- 1. Subject
- 2. J ustificat ion
- 3. Results expected
- 4. Arrangements
- 5. Costs
- 120 man/months '.............................. 150.000 ECU
- 10.000 ECU
- 10.000 ECU
- financial contribution to symposia, seminars, meetings of those responsible for managing the environment, administrators and local authorities on technical aspects relating to the protection of the
- 10.000 ECU
- 10.000 ECU
- 10.000 ECU
- 50.000 ECU
- Holding a meeting in Brussels of the Contracting Parties to the Action Plan for the Mediterranean (APM)
- 1. - In accordance with decisions taken at the last meeting of the Contrac
- 2. - Advantage should be taken of this initiative by close cooperation
- 3. - The cost of the meeting will be included in the Community's annual
- Advisory Committee on Environmental Measures in the Mediterranean
- 1. Description and aims
- 2. Brief
- 2.1. Specific tasks
- 2.2. Management techniques
- 2.3. Evaluation of the results '
- 2.4. Cooperation with other Advisory Committees
- 3. Composition
- Operation and resources
- FINANCIAL RECORD SHEET
- 1.984
- Cost of committee meetings Chapter : 25
- Article
- 2. - Legal basis
- 3. - Proposal to classify expenditure as non-compulsory
- 4. - Description and grounds
- 5. - Nature of the expenditure and method of calculation
- 5.1.- Nature
- 5.2.- Calculation
- 1. Operating costs for the Committee
- Item 6600 ...................................... 300.000 ECU
- 3. Consultancy costs (3 consultants to prepare
- Item 6600 60.000 ECU
- 380.000 ECU
- TOTAL ......................................... 808.400 ECU
- 11. Operating appropriations for the Committee
- Article 665 2.000.000 ECU
- Article 665 1.000.000 ECU
- 6.- Financial implications of the measures on the intervention appropriations
- 6.1. - As these are non-differentiated appropriations, there is no need
- 7.- Observations
- 8.- Financial implications for staff and current administrative -appropriations
- 1 A 7 ............................. 21.370,81 ECU
- 1 B3 ............................. 18.644,82 ECU
- 1 C5 ............................. 11 .328,50 ECU
- 8.2.- Administrative appropriations required
Vol. 1984/0102
Disclaimer
Conformement au reglement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er fevrier 1983 concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communaute economique europeenne et de la Communaute europeenne de l'energie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983, p.
1), tel que modifie par le reglement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003 (JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p.
1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas echeant, les documents classifies presents dans ce dossier ont ete declassifies conformement a l'article 5 dudit reglement.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983 concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p.
1), as amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243, 27.9.2003, p.
1), this file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.
In Obereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom 1. Februar 1983 uber die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europaischen Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europaischen Atomgemeinschaft (ABI. L 43 vom 15.2.1983,
S.
1), geandert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. September 2003 (ABI. L 243 vom 27.9.2003, S.
1), ist diese Datei der Offentlichkeit zuganglich. Soweit erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Obereinstimmung mit Artikel 5 der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
COM(84) 206 final. Brussels, 12 April 1984.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL
ON THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN
COM(84) 206 final
pages
I. INTRODUCTION 1 - 3
II. COMMUNITY ACTION 3-4
III. A STRATEGY AND PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE
ENVIRONMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN (MEDSPA) 5-10
IV. CONCLUSION 10 - 11
ANNEX I
Water quality and supply ANNEX II
Waste management ANNEX III
Rational use of land ANNEX IV
International action
ANNEX V
Sgec i_f i £_measure_n°_1
Seminars on the legal, administrative and technical problems encountered in implementing Community directives on the management and protection of fresh water and sea water.
§£££11 l£_E!££§E££_D2_2
Training course on the management of the water resources of the Mediterranean .
§E££ill£_!I!£§£E££_Q2_Z •
§E££ili£_!I!£a§E££_Q2_i
Recycling effluent from purification plant and using it in agriculture in order to prevent eutrophication along the Abruzzi coast.
-§E££lli£_!I!£§§y££_Q2_2
Water supply in Sicily.
§E££lll£_!I!£SSE££_D2_§
§E££ili£_L03EEE£_D2_Z
Seminar on the legal, administrative, technical and economic problems connected with the integrated management of land and natural resources (systematic collection of data on the state of the environment, management of the natural habitat, impact studies, etc...).
§E££ill£_!I!£££y££_E2_§
Training courses in impact studies and the integrated management of natural resources.
§E££lll£_!I!££§EE£_E2_2
Drawing up plans for the integrated management of areas which include typical Mediterranean biotopes and are of special importance to the Community.
§ES£lll£_!D§2§y£I_D2_lQ
§Ee£lll£_!!!£§5£!££_D2_ll
Holding a meeting in Brussels of the Contracting Parties to the Action Plan for the Mediterranean (APM).
Advisory Committee on Environmental Measures in the Mediterranean
ANNEX VII
Financial record sheet.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL ON THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN
INTRODUCTION
1.1.- The Community's Mediterranean seaboard stretches for some 22,000 km out of a total Mediterranean coastline of around 40,000 km. This seaboard will be lengthened with the future accession of Spain.
1.2.- The Mediterranean basin is a region with its own characteristic physical, socio-economic and cultural features and Community policies wilt have to take due account of its problems and potential.
1.3.- The Mediterranean is a region of key importance for the Community from the economic, political, historical and cultural viewpoints, but it is also assuming greater strategic importance, particularly in view of the vigorous economic growth that some countries on its southern shores have experienced thanks to their oil and natural gas resources.
strains stemming in particular from the density of the population on its shores, growing industrialization in coastal areas, rapid - but uneven - growth in tourism and the number of ships plying its waters.
2.2. - This has given rise to different forms of pollution, notably :
- microbiological pollution caused by the discharge of waste water from urban centres. The water is frequently discharged untreated into the sea or rivers which flow into it.
- industrial effluents, the impact of which is more widespread because they are more persistent and because they are dumped at sea;
- hydrocarbon pollution resulting from leakage from refineries and oil depots and discharges from ships or illegal deballasting by tankers.
The effects of these forms of pollution are compounded by the fact that the Mediterranean is an enclosed sea with litte movement in the body of water.
quality of the water; cases of serious pollution of the atmosphere also occur, but these are fortunately more isolated.
Special mention should, however, be made of the growing risk of the impoverishment of species, particularly as a result of the gradual destruction of wildlife, and the threat to the countryside of this region and its cultural heritage.
water resources are all problems with repercussions on the environment of the Mediterranean regions, which can only be controlled and resolved by means of land use and management techniques.
of the Mediterranean have certainly not facilitated the efforts of the countries concerned to ensure adequate protection of the environment. While it is true that these regions are among the least developed in the Community, it is also true that there has been rapid growth in certain sectors of economic activity such as tourism, transport and oil-related activities. This growth has given rise to serious problems which have endangered the environment and which must be tackled without delay.
the Mediterranean environment as a natural resource which, wisely exploited,particularly from the point of view of tourism, could help resolve some of the region"s economic and employment difficulties.
protect the environment, particularly in Mediterranean regions forming part of the Community, but also throughout the Mediterranean Basin.
4.2. - This paper analyses the scope for appropriate action.
ment (1982 to 1986), adopted by the Commission on 4 October 1982, approved by the Council on 17 December 1982 and finally adopted on 7 February 1983, makes it plain that the environment should serve as a yardstick which determines the limits on socioeconomic development. The programme states further that the Community should seek as far as possible to integrate environmental considerations into the planning and development of certain economic activities so that an overall strategy can be devised, notably in agriculture, fisheries, industry and tourism.
programme to the 'Mediterranean dimension' of Community environment policy and to the need for environmental protection measures to make an effective and specific contribution to the rational management of the resources of this area. Moreover, in its Resolution adopting the programme, the Council considers that one of the fields in which Community action would be particularly important is that described as follows : "Environmental protection in the Mediterranean, paying particular attention to the specific aspects of that region in implementing the action programme".
in the development of activities in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, energy and industry, particularly in the context of measures to help the Mediterranean regions, if we are to avoid harmful and unforeseen ecological effects which are often very difficult and very costly to eliminate.
17 March 1983 aimed at the Mediterranean regions (the integrated Mediterranean programmes (C0M(83)24 final)), which is currently being examined by the Council. In this context, it is important that the measures proposed should contribute not only to the protection but also to the improvement of the environment.
vention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution and is participating actively in the work taking place under this Convention.
THE MEDITERRANEAN (MEDSPA)
not only from difficult ecological conditions and excessive concentration of certain economic activities both geographically and in terms of the time scale involved, but also from the backwardness of the technical and administrative facilities required to tackle the often very complex problems that arise.
fined to certain ad hoc measures but necessitates the implementation of a gamut of coordinated measures which will create conditions to the harmonious development of the region's socioeconomic activities. Such measures should be defined in close consultation with regional or local authorities at an appropriate level of jurisdiction.
overlooked that a rapid solution is needed for certain pressing problems. In particular, the results of studies already conducted or in progress will have to be turned to good account, existing infrastructure which is not yet being properly utilized or is not functioning satisfactorily should be upgraded, and speedy and vigorous action should be taken to train those responsible for management of the environment.
specific scientific and technical research measures aimed at tackling the region's priority problems. The Community environmental research programme already comprises a series of projects dealing with the Mediterranean environment and implemented either by the Joint Research Centre of by contract with bodies in Member States on the Mediterranean. Such measures should be strengthened by concentrating on clearly-defined objectives and allocating increased financial resources to them under MEDSPA.
6.5.- Finally, parallel measures are proposed :
- in the short term, to alleviate the more serious and pressing problems on which the relevant Commission departments already have sufficient details.
- in the long term, to rectify certain structural deficiencies which might in certain cases be at the root of, or responsible for, ecological damage.
described in the Annexes. These relate to :
- water quality and supply (ANNEX I),
- waste management (ANNEX II),
- rational use of land (ANNEX III),
- international actiqn (ANNEX IV),
- specific measures already formulated in detail and relating to specific needs (ANNEX V).
mental action is clearly necessary :
resources; ,
ii. improvement in systems for managing and treating municipal wastes, sewage, industrial and agricultural effluents and discharges from ships, in particular hydrocarbons;
iii. better planning in the field of land use, protection of sensitive areas and monitoring of development;
iv. development of Community initiatives under the Action Plan for the Mediterranean or cooperation agreements.
only some of the problems affecting the Mediterranean region.
A detailed examination of the whole range of environmental protection problems will require the collaboration of the States and regions concerned.
environmental problems, an inventory of measures already under way and a study of the socio-economic developments envisaged in these regions. This preparatory phase should take due account of any known requirements and data already available (1) if duplication of effort is to be avoided.
help gather the requisite information and advise on matters such as the formulation of a long-term strategy, the plan of action and any specific measures to be taken. The Committee would be chaired by the Commission, which would appoint its members after consulting the Member States. The Committee should comprise persons with a wealth of experience and excellent technical knowledge in all the fields of activity covered by the plan of action. The Committee's brief and objectives are set out in Annex VI.
In particular, the Blue Plan which forms part of
the Action Plan for the Mediterranean (see Annex IV).
8.4. - As a first step, the Committee would :
i. gather information on foreseeable environmental problems and on measures envisaged or under way.
ii. identify any necessary feasibility studies and pilot schemes.
iii. choose a group of consultants to draw up more detailed proposals on the basis of the information gathered.
studying and examining problems requiring the deployment of more appropriate fund and which can be resolved only in the longer term (see Annex VI).
9.1.- The funds made available will be limited initially to those required for the establishment and administration of the proposed Committee and for the preliminary studies, but in due course specific measures of a more concrete nature wilt be carried out with more appropriate funds necessary to support environmental protection measures within the limits of the Community's contribution.
It would therefore be appropriate to enter a new budget heading for expenditure incurred under the Action Plan for the Protection of the Mediterranean (MEDSPA).
are detailed in Annex VII. They amount to 808.400 ECU in the first year of the scheme.
Mediterranean (see Annex VI, paragraph 2.1.) is currently entered under Item 6620, which is more specifically international in scope.
the organization of the Committee's work and implement the measures envisaged. These tasks would be undertaken by one A official, one B official and one C official.
10.1. - To sum up, the environmental protection in the Mediterranean,
particularly subject as it is to pollution and ecological . strains due to the concentration of economic activities in a narrow coastal belt, will require the identification of the particular environmental protection problems of the region and the implementation of appropriate proposals.
Mediterranean (MEDSPA) should, however, be formulated in close consultation with the relevant authorities in the Member States concerned at the appropriate level of jurisdiction in order to devise an overall approach and define the specific measures required, such as feasability studies, the establishment and strengthening of standards, an evaluation of the impact on the environment, vocational training, the
investments and structures required to put these measures into practice, and information activities.
10.3.- This strategy and plan of action should make it possible in the course of time to identify those measures which could be properly integrated into existing or proposed Community action or policies and those which do not come within the help of other sources of finance. Finally, the ultimate aim of these measures is to under line the Community's contribution to the Action Plan for the Mediterranean under the Barcelona Convention.
of action would be the implementation of the proposals and measures described in the Annexes, notably those in Annex VI (Advisory Committee).
priations and staff are set out in Annexes VI and VII.
begin three months after the appropriations and staff requested have been made available.
In 1984, appropriations available under existing headings (Article 251 and Item 6600) will be used. From 1985 onwards, a separate budget heading should be entered for this programme (Article 665).
I-- y§l££_E!i52yE££§
being of the population but also determine the level of industrial development, of agricultural activity and of tourist trade.
Throughout the Mediterranean region, the climate is semi-arid so that water is in scarce supply. Precipitation is concentrated in a few isolated rain spells with sharp seasonal fluctuation leading to correspondingly abrupt changes in the natural water flows - from severe low river levels in the summer to perhaps violent flooding in early winter and spring. This sharp seasonal variation is further aggravated by equally violent changes from one year to another.
Against this background, particular attention must be paid to the coastal regions where there is regularly an imbalance between the surge in demand as the population density increases over the holiday season and the available water supply. Finally, the Mediterranean islands face difficulties of their own stemming from the inherent problem of the limited resources of such isolated places, from their small size and from the population influx at certain times of the year.
the need to make rational use of all the exploitable resources that can be made available, in other words to strike a balance between conservation and exploitation of them.
- 2 -
Rational use of resources entails four series of measures :
I„ Improvement of basic knowledge of the resources available
Although, generally speaking, relatively good progress has been made on building up the available knowledge on the location and hydrogeological features of the ground water resources, the systems for drawing on these data to plan rational use of the resources still lag behind. Very often, up-to-date samples cannot be evaluated accurately for want of precise well maps and for lack of effective supervision of the samples drawn off.
One essential if better use is to be made of these resources is to set up training centres to stimulate research and education on this subject.
Technologies designed to reduce water consumption should be employed particularly in agriculture, where more efficient methods of irrigation should be introduced and in industry, which should opt for processes that allow recycling, re-use or any other method of reducing water requirements.
New infrastructure must be built primarily :
- to regularize natural water flows to ensure that they are used more evenly at different times and places;
- to provide a choice between surface water and ground water or means of combining and coordinating supplies from both these sources; .
- to recover underground waters discharged directly into the sea.
1.3.- Another factor limiting the amount of water available in the Mediterranean region is that the quality of the resources is deteriorating.
Before it is possible to get a firmer grip on the problem, knowledge of the source, nature and impact of the pollution is needed.
Only then can the areas where action is necessary be pinpointed, a clearer picture be obtained of the infrastructure called for in the futureCe.g. sewers of sewage treatment plant) and, above all, the best possible results be achieved with the infrastructure already in place.
its coastline, the Mediterranean Sea is exceptionally vulnerable to pollution. Industrial and agricultural activities of all kinds combined with the continous expansion of the tourist industry have all played a part in the steady deterioration in the quality of the sea-water, particularly in estuaries and gulfs and near large towns and cities.
sightly, sign of this deterioration, which could lead to a decline in the number of tourists visiting the area; in the fish population and in the diversity of species living in the sea. Action must be taken to arrest the decline and to restore the precarious ecological balance.
the Member States must deal with activities in the northern Mediterranean (i.e. in the Community) which 'export' pollution to the southern Mediterranean countries.
E2§§l!2.k2_E2£!22_£2_§_22i2£i2D
3.1.- Implement at i^n_ancMm|3rovement_of_the_jie22sj.at2on_and_admi_rns-
iI2ii^2_2£2£§^2£2§
First the Commission should join the Member States to look into the legal and administrative problems encountered in the application of the Community Directives on freshwater and sea-water.
It should single out areas where financial support from the Community - whether from the resources already available or from new ones yet to be requested - would help the Member States and should map out and carry through development plans designed to achieve the objectives set in the Community Directives.
For their part, the Mediterranean countries should do more to implement Directive 64/464/EEC, and in particular the rules on discharges of List II substances, especially phosphorus compounds and nitrogen compounds.This should prove an effective remedy to the eutrophication of the freshwater and of the coastal waters, a phenomenon which has already alarming proportions, particularly in the Adriatic.
In the spec i f i c case of freshwater, the effectiveness of the rules on irrigation must be assessed and further measures devised to lim - overexploitation of the groundwater and to curb water consumption in industry and agriculture.
Besides this, the entire Mediterranean area would benefit from legislation applying the international conventions on marine pollution in general and on oil pollution in particular.
3.2. - Ctnoi_ce_of_i_nvestment_backed
Investment aid from the Community to the Mediterranean regions has not always produced the expected results.
In some cases this is because the aid granted was too little or came too late. More fundamentally, some of the financial support has been piecemeal, poorly coordinated and outside any step-bystep programme aimed at specific overall objectives.
In the future, the Community must give priority to financing large-scale investment in pilot plants, drawing on all the resources at its disposal. It must also check that the national authorities in turn make a significant contribution to the projects sponsored and are properly equipped to monitor them.
As indicated in Sections 1 and 2, the Community aid must be directed towards installing facilities to supply, treat or save water, to improve irrigation and to prevent marine pollution.
3.3. - Management_trai_ni_ng .
Sewage treatment plants, drinking water abstraction units, water supply systems and deballasting stations need skilled engineers and technicians to run them properly. Analysts are needed to calculate present and likely future water requirements and to put forward a consistent package of corresponding measures. Vocational training for specialists at all levels must therefore be an integral part of the development programme. Special training will also be essential whatever planners and managers are required for complex water supply systems.
These training schemes should be financed as one of the new Community measures on vocational training for environment specialists
3.4.- Disseminati_on_of_the_knowJ.edge_accumuj.ated_on_water_resources
Several design, planning and research centres in the Community's Mediterranean countries are working on water resources. Most, though, are too small and lack the resources to mount an effective scheme. To remedy this, the Community could support selected insti tutes to poet the knowhow on this topic and to disseminate it more effectively.
Another way in which the Community could help the Mediterranean Member States would be to allow them access to the experience acquired in countries with similar problems. The findings made in the western USA, South Africa and Israel could all add to their understanding of the subject.
There is a serious lack of adequate waste management arrangements in the Mediterranean region.
Uncontrolled tipping and even repeated illegal dumping are, unfortunately, relatively widespread practices in the Mediterranean region.
Both have serious consequences and risks for the environment and for human health.
Insufficient public awareness of the effects, inadequate or inappropriate refuse,col lection systems and facilities and dumping sites ill-suited to present-day requirements are the root cause of the problem. What is more, the potential of the waste is largely underexploited (for example, there is not a single recycling plant in the entire Mezzogiorno and only 9 % of the waste arising there is incinerated - and without heat recovery at that).
Action is urgently needed :
- to create a greater awareness of waste management amongst the public at large and the responsible authorities;
- to combat illegal dumping and to create more effective waste collection and waste disposal systems;
- to clean up the many ill-suited uncontrolled tips which still exist;
- to encourage more efficient management of waste, which should be reused as compost,, fuel or as a secondary raw material.
Although the Mediterranean regions indisputably produce far less toxic and dangerous wastes than highly-industrialized areas the problem of disposing of the wastes safely must not be underestimated.
Inadequate supervision, misreading of the problem, lack of treatment plant in the region and the distance from plant in the industrialized regions are all conducive to haphazard waste management in the Meditei ranean region - sometimes with disastrous results for the environment.
Steps must be taken to encourage the construction of new treatment centres and/or of special tips.
Clearly, it is essential for the Mediterranean regions with their sparse water supplies to manage their water resources efficiently. Sewage treatment therefore has an important part to play in this regions. But, it will simply create fresh problem unless the resultant sewage sludges are in turn used adequately.
Bearing in mind that the sludges arising in the Mediterranean region generally contain less metal than those form highly-industrialized regions and that the Mediterranean is a predominantly agricultural region, every effort should be made to ensure the safe use of sewage sludge in agriculture.
Consequently, the programmes to bring new sewage treatment farms into operation must be accompanied by parallel measures to manage and supervise the sludges and to sell them or dump them safely.
development in the Mediterranean regions must be planned to conserve all the diverse components of the environment, each of which is a vital resource setting the bounds for all subsequent development.
2. - The action taken by the Community must therefore :
- lay the foundations for rational management of the natural resources of the regions concerned; and
- give preference to projects planned to restore the balance between
the self-regeneration capacity of the environment and the demands made on the environment by society and by the economy wherever this has been upset by past development. .
development of this kind :
The idea is to obtain a clear picture of the environment in which development programmes are conducted so that their impact can be assessed. Such a description also provides a means of pinpointing sites where specific measures must be taken to eliminate pollution (e.g. polluted gulfs which depend on the fishing or tourist industries or historic sites endangered by industrial development).
It could also detect sites with a special type of environment which it would be in the interests of the nation, of the Community or of the wider international community to conserve and which must therefore be protected from all activities that could endanger their unique features (wetlands are on example).
Commission staff have devised a methodological approach to an information system on the state of the environment and natural resources (known as 'ecological mapping') which should prove a practical system for collecting comparable data in easily accessible form for the responsible authorities.
Community interest
Preventive measures are needed to ensure that the development planned cannot cause irreversible damage to these sites or even lead to their disappearance forever. A few sites must have total protection, thought most could be adequately covered by integrated management plans imposing conditions on all economic activities there in order to safeguard the self-regeneration capacity of the sites. Pilot studies have already been completed with a view to paving the way to management plans of this type. Drawing on the findings made, work can now start on the most important or 1
most threatened sites.
Particular importance must be attached to the growth of the tourist industry. Economically beneficial forms of tourism which are compatible with the need to conserve the environment must be sought.
projects
Since the environment in the Mediterranean region as a whole is extremely fragile and the natural resources of several parts of the region are overexploited, a comprehensive system for assessing the environmental impact of all public and private projects must be introduced as soon as possible, along the lines of the proposal for a Directive submitted by the Commission in 1980 and still before the Council.
Environmental impact assessments should be made for all development or land-use plans and programmes.
It is vital to consider the environmental implications at the earliest possible stage of the planning and decision-making procedure in order to avoid damage later on; prevention almost always works out cheaper for the Community as a whole than measures to cure the damage once it has been done - if still possible.
To attain the results sought, steps must be taken :
- to introduce the appropriate procedures at all levels; and
- to encourage the development of impact assessment procedures tailored to the specific problems of the Mediterranean.
At any event, the Commission must play its part and assess the likely environmental impact before going ahead with any of the Community-sponsored projects and developments programmes which, it is thought, might have a major impact on the environement.
Integrated planning and use of the land and natural resources in the Mediterranean undoubtedly raises the questions whether the requisite expertise is available and whether the data and knowhow on appropriate planning methods are being circulated fast enough.'
The fact that the Community will gradually be insisting that the methods are applied to the programmes and projects which it sponsors will generate a demand for the appropriate professional skills and provide an incentive to include these subjects in future and training jobs. ■
Needless to say, specific measures must be taken to sustain and boost this underlying trend - for example, seminars, specialized courses, exchanges and so on could be arranged. Finally, it would also be useful to write and distribute handbooks on land use and on the management of natural resources.
The Mediterranean is of vital interest to the Community, partly because oil and gas resources are increasing the importance of some of the southern Mediterranean countries and partly because multilateral action backed by every country on the sea is the only way to protect a landlocked sea such as the Mediterranean.
The Community measures to protect the Mediterranean Sea must therefore be extended up to the whole of the region through the intermediary of the international organizations working in this field and of the cooperation agreements reached between the Community and the southern Mediterranean countries.
Above all these include :
parts :
a) a framework Convention on the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution and the four specific Protocols to it -one on the prevention of pollution by dumping from ships and aircraft, one concerning cooperation in combating pollution by oil, one against pollution from land-based sources and one concerning Mediterranean specially-protected areas;
b) integrated planning of development and resource management in the Mediterranean basin (the Blue Plan and the Priority Action Programme (PAP));
c) a coordinating programme of continous monitoring and research relating to pollution in the Mediterranean (MED-POL).
concluded since 1972 as part of its global environment policy.
These include financial arrangements and provisions for joint efforts to protect the environment.
particular ' : .
- UNESCO and its MAB programme, which includes measures to combat sedimentation and erosion with particular emphasis on sensitive vulnerable environments, on land/sea subsystems and on the impact- of human activities on them;
_ - the UNDP, which has been funding selected priority projects on
new sources of energy and on aquaculture.
plan which opens up many attractive opportunities for cooperation between the Mediterranean countries.
From the outset the Community has played an active part in building up and expanding this framework; in addition to its know-how it has also provided an important financial contribution, rising from the original nominal payment of USS 50.000 to US2 400.000 in 1982 and t USS 550.000 in 1983. ■
The Community's financial commitment must therefore be put on a firmer footing and all the requisite political steps taken to ensure that this budget operation is recognized as a normal piece of procedure.
the part of the Community would be warmly welcomed by all countries concerned and could well enhance the Community's relations with them.
It would also emphasize the non-Mediterranean Member States' resolve to safeguard the Mediterranean Sea which political, economic, cultural and tourist ties mark as part of our common European heritage.
2.3.- This commitment could take the form of participation in a wide range of scientific work, including :
(to set objectives for the measures to prevent, reduce and combat pollution and to protect and improve the marine environment). One way of doing this would be to step up the JRC 'Archimedes' project on the monitoring of pollutants by remote sensing.
and into the mechanisms controlling the spread of pollution, particularly in estuaries and in the adjacent coastal waters. Already the JRC is conducting research into methods of forecasting the spread of pollution along the coast.
ballasting stations at the ports where they are most urgently needed, based on the findings of the recent Com -mission study on the need for installations of this type in the Mediterranean.
Some of these projects in the Mediterranean region could be financed by the Regional Development Fund. For others -outside the Community - the Commission could act as a catalyst in the bids to raise funds from the relevant international organizations (e.g. CIDIE, UNDP, etc.).
i
the Regional Oil-Combating Centre for the Mediterranean in Malta, for the Priority Action Programme and for the Blue Plan.
Recent meetings between Commission staff and the authorities responsible for the Blue Plan and for the Priority Action Programme confirmed ihe advantages of closer cooperation -,n this field.
The talks on the Mediterranean Sea raise deeper issues than environmental affairs alone. The urgent need to combat pollution and to conserve the Mediterranean Sea has prompted countries with different politics and economic to forget the existing tensions and work together closely. Israel sits at the same table as all the Arab countries at the Action Plan meetings.
■ caped the attention of the Soviet Union which has made
several unsuccessful attempts to secure observer status of Action Plan meetings.
with the problems of the Mediterranean environment.
2.4.3.- The Community bridges bilateral cooperation with the southern Mediterranean countries and multilateral cooperation under the Action Plan for the Mediterranean but has yet to capitalize fully on this central position.
The Community could use its good relations with the countries on the other side of the cooperation agreements to encourage its partners projects amongst the development projects funded under these agreements. This would be a significant step towards combating pollution of the Mediterranean.
2.4.^.- The Community greatly regrets that political considerations preclude cooperation along similar lines to the Lome Convention with the southern Mediterranean countries. Nonetheless the multilateral cooperation allowed by tne Action Plan for the Mediterranean presents the Community with an opportunity to extend its environmental protection measures to the southern Mediterranean countries.
between the contracting parties to the Action Plan for Mediterranean - and at which all the southern Mediterranean countries that have concluded bilateral cooperation agreements with the Community are expected to be represented -will be an excellent opportunity to work out a coordinated environmental strategy for the Mediterranean Sea.
sion departments to sound out the prospects for cooperation in different areas and the opportunities offered by the Community's existing financial instruments.
Action Plan for the Mediterranean.
Provided the outcome of the 1984 meeting in Brussels is satisfactory, perhaps the occasion could be celebrated by a ministerial-level meeting of the contracting parties in Genoa to lend fresh political impetus to the efforts to protect the Mediterranean environment by agreeing a package of specific measures.
Specific measure n° 1
Seminars on the legal, administrative and technical problems encountered in implementing Community directives on the management and protection of fresh water and sea water.
Awareness of the importance of protecting freshwater and seawater resources makes it necessary to adopt rules to maintain their quality and to prevent wastage, in certain social and economic circumstances. National and Community standards and regulations impose constraints and it is essential for the Commission to have regular and up-to-date information on the effects of the implementation of standards, laws or regulations and the extent to which they accord with the latest scientific thinking.
The main purpose of these seminars is to provide information which can be used to monitor areas of Community concern where new developments occur yearly. They should also help the Member States who have asked for Community financial s oport to take advantage of the possibilities provided by the resources made available to prepare and carry out improvement schemes which help to fulfil the objectives laid down in Community directives.
'4. Arrangements ■
These regular seminars would bring together representatives of the authorities, water users, members of the public and, of course, the Commission. They would be held on a regular basis (e.g. once a year) and would be relatively short (two to three years). An institute with the requisite
facilities and in a position to contact those people who are asked to attend would have to be commissioned to organize these seminars.
- Budgetary heading : 665
- Community contribution : 100 % of the total cost
Cost of each seminar, assuming a total of some 20 participants :
- Travel and subsistence : .......................... 25.000 ECU
- Administrative costs : ............................. 10.000 ECU
Specific measure n° 2
Training course on the management of the water resources of the Mediterranean.
Work done by the Community to identify requirements in respect of water resources management specialists has revealed a clear need for courses at European level to train specialists for varying degrees of responsibility. In the Mediterranean regions in particular there is an obvious need for highly-qualified people able to take decisions on the management of water resources.
It would be useful to provide courses with a comparative approach, consisting of a number of modular units, each lasting one week, with economic support f'r candidates from the Community's Mediterranean Countries.
The initial aim of this specific measure is to set up an experimental full scale course lasting one week on a subject of recognized interest not currently covered by conventional training courses. One subject of particular interest would be a study of the various apsects of a Community directive on water protection - its preparation, its implementation and its effects. •
The experimental course would involve some 30 people, including lecturers and would last one week.
An Institute with the requisite facilities would have to be commissioned to organize this training course.
- Budgetary heading : 665
- Community contribution : 100 % of the total cost
- Travel and subsistency and lecturers' fees : 34.000 ECU
- Travel and subsistence for students : 20.000 ECU
- Administrative costs : 10.000 ECU
Specific measure n° 3
Exploiting low-yield aquifers locally.
Some of the coastal regions and larger islands of the Mediterranean have a fissured granitic sub-soil. This granite rock contains groundwater reservoirs which, although they have very irregular yields, can constitute an important source of water locally for irrigation or for industrial plants. A study should be carried out to determine the size and potential of these aquifers.
3. Results expected .
The study should :
- list the types of area where these kinds of aquifer occur (hydrogeology, depth of the aquifer, type of the rock, flow, etc...);
- select one representative aquifer;
- work -.ut a method of approach, taking into consideration the factors which govern exploitation of the aquifer;
- conduct a cost/benefit analysis comparing the cost of exploitation with the present cost of transporting water.
The study shouldprovide all the information required for a decision on whether or not to exploit a specific aquifer on which studies have been conducted and should determine the methods to be used for aquifers of this type in the Mediterranean region.
A firm of consultants selected jointly by the local authorities and the Commission would have to be commissioned to carry out the study and would be given one year to complete the work.
Budgetary heading : 665
Community contribution : 100 % of the total cost.
Breakdown of total cost :
travel : ................................ 7.000 ECU
Reproduction costs and general expenditure : 3.000 ECU
Specific measure n° 4
Recycling effLuent from purification plant and using it in agriculture in orderto prevent eutrophication along the Abruzzi coast.
A preliminary study carried out for the Commission into different ways of reducing and if possibLe eliminating eutrophication in the coastal waters of the Abruzzi considered three possible solution :
a) treating effLuent and discharging it into the sea through a network of five discharges;
b) artificially replenishing the underground aquifers with the processed eff luent;
c) recycling the treated effLuent by using it in agriculture.
It is worth studying in greater detail the various technical, health and economic tspects of the third of these solutions, possibly in combination with the second during periods when irrigation is not required (autumn and winter).
The object of the study is to :
- analyse the water;
- investigate the various problems linked with the use of this water in agriculture and the effects it has;
- identifiying those areas in the Abruzzi where effluent could be re-used in agriculture;
- investigating the position as regards water supplies for agriculture in the area;
- devising and studying possible alternative solution during periods when little water is required for agriculture (replenishing aquifers, etc.);
- describing the work required and estimating the investment cost.
A firm of consultants specializing in chemistry and agronomy would be selected jointly by the local authorities and the Commission to carry out the study and would be given two years to complete the work.
Budgetary heading : 665
Community contribution : 50 % of the total cost.
Breakdown of the total cost :
3 technical experts for six months at 2.000 ECU/month : ... 36.000 ECU 1 chemistry expert for six months at 2.000 ECU/month : ... 12.000 ECU
at 3.000 ECU/month : ..................................... 36.000 ECU
Travel : ................................................. 10.000 ECU
Administrative costs : ................................... 18.000 ECU
Water supply in Sicily.
At the request of the European Parliament, the Commission has commissioned a contractor to undertake a study intended to :
■ - use the information available to describe the present position as
regards management of water resources in Sicily, and in particular the supply of water for agricultural use;
- work out a number of proposals for action to improve the management of water resources with the possibility of a Community financial con-t ribution.
It emerged from the study that contributions would be usefuL in two areas :
a) studies of integrated water management systems,
to build new facilities. -
As regards point a), it will be necessary to coordinate and supplement forecasts of water requirements and availability taking every thing into account, including cost-effectiveness, and the recycling of and savings in water which would help to rationalize the use of this resource. -
Under b), the object of the study is to determine the additional facilities required to optimize efficiency. It will be necessary here to identify priorities for.action, particularly regarding supplies of drinking water to certain towns.
These two studies could also be used as models for simitar cases in other regions of the Community.
A firm of consultants selected jointly by the national and local authorities and the Commission would have to be commissioned to carry ■ out the study and would be given two years complete the work (1984-85).
5. - Cost .
Budgetary heading : 665
Community contribution : 50 % of the total cost
Breakdown of total cost : .
Travel : ...................................... 15.000 ECU
Administrative costs : ........................ 20.000 ECU
Commission's financial contribution : 77.500 ECU
The following proposals for measures were sent in by the Greek authorities.
Soil erosion on these islands is a serious problem because it results in the loss of large expanses of productive land each year. The project would be in two stages :
a) the preparation of geomorphological maps on the erosion process in the islands of the Aegean Sea in order to collate information on soil, development patterns and the type of erosion, to identify the natural and human factors which affect this phenomenon and to
. devise possible ways of preventing it;
b) a pilot project to apply these prevention measures in up to three representative islands.
This second stage would take three years.
Community contribution : 100 % of the cost. ’
catchment area
The purpose of this study is to set up a kind of "water authority” to improve the management of water quality.
Estimated cost : 26.700 ECU (DR 2.000.000)
Community contribution : 100 % of the cost.
pig-rearing in the prefecture of Arta
Because of the Large number of pig units in this prefecture, because of the importance of pig-rearing for the regional economy and because of pollution problems, a special study must be carried out to :
a) register pig units;
b) assess their economic importance in the prefecture;
e) work out proposals for rational organization (geographical dispersal);
d) manage liquid waste by treating and storing it.
Estimated cost : 40.000 ECU (DR 3.000.000).
Community contribution : 50 % of the cost i.e. 20.000 ECU
Study of better methods of disposing of and storing the slag from the factory using this ore, and consideration of various alternative solutions .
Estimated cost : 13.400 ECU (DR 1.000.000) '
Budgetary heading : 665
Total cost : 160.100 ECU
Community contribution : 50 % of the cost i.e. 6.700 ECU Commission financial contribution : 133.400 ECU
Seminar on the Legal, administrative, technical and economic problems connected with the integrated management of Land and natural resources (systematic collection of data on the state of the environment, management of the natural habitat, impact studies, etc. ).
The importance of training and the dissemination of knowledge on the management of the environment was explained in Annex III, 3.3. It is essential for the Commission, therefore, regularly to monitor problems arising in this area, wi-th particular emphasis on the extent to which the measures decided upon or to be decided accord with the information avaitable.
The main purpose of this seminar is to provide information which can be used to monitor areas of Community concern where new developments occur . yearL '.
.These seminars should also help the Member States who have asked for Community financial support to take advantage of the possibilities provided by the resources made available to prepare and rarry out improvement schemes which help to fulfil the objectives Laid down by the Community.
These regular seminars would bring together representatives of the authorities, land users, members of the public and, of course, the Commission. They would be held on a regular basis and would be relatively short (two to three days). An institute or a firm of consul- .
tants with the requisite facilities and in a position to contact those people who are asked to attend would have to be commissioned to organize these seminars.
Budgetary heading : 665
Community contribution : 100 % of the total cost.
- travel and subsistence : ....................... 50.000 ECU
- administrative costs : ......................... 20.000 ECU
TOTAL : ........................................ 70.000 ECU
Specific measures n° 8
Training courses in impact studies and the integrated management of natural, resources.
2. Justification .
Work done by the Community to identify requirements in respect of natural resources management specialists have revealed a clear need for courses at European level to train specialists for varying degrees of responsibility. In the Mediterranean regions in particular,there is an obvious need for highly-qualified people to take decisions on the integrated management of land and natural resources (systematic collection of data, impact studies, management of biotopes, coastal and mountain areas, etc.). .
It would be useful to provide courses with a comparative approach, consisting of a number of modular units, each lasting one week, with economic support for candidates from the Community's Mediterranean countries .
The init. 1 aim of this specific measure is to set up an experimental fullscale course lasting one week on a subject of recognized interest not currently covered by conventional training courses. Subjects of particular interest could be brief reviews or simulations of impact studies on projects of a specific type or plans for the integrated management of areas which contain biotopes of Community importance.
Budgetary heading : 665 •
Community contribution : 100 % of the total cost
- Travel and subsistence and lecturer's fees : ......... 68.000 ECU
- Travel and subsistence for students : ................ 40.000 ECU
- Administrative costs : ............................... 20.000 ECU
TOTAL
Drawing up plans for the integrated management of areas which include typical Mediterranean biotopes and are of special importance to the Community.
As explained in Annex III, 3.3, it is essential immediately to make every effort to prevent the irreversible destruction of biotopes of Community importance while at the same time allowing any aconomic development of these areas compatible with conversation objectives.
The best way of achieving these results is to draw up integrated management plans and to impose limits and restrictions on human activity in these areas.
The methods required1 to achieve this end have already been the subject of pilot studies undertaken by the Commission. These methods have now developed to the stage where techniques can be adapted to the various features which typify these Mediterranean areas.
In this connection and without prejudice to other similar projects already under way or planned as part of other Community measures -although at the same time systematically serving to complement them -a work programme should be undertaken consisting of two or three projects a year which will gradually cover all the Mediterranean areas containing biotopes of major importance to the Community.
This work programme should help to
- devise management plans for the areas selected which in the near future should provide essential information on development schemes compatible with conservation objectives in these areas;
- supplement, improve and adapt the techniques to be used;
- train a number of specialists;
- disseminate the information acquired during these programmes;
Sites will be selected on the basis of information already obtained by the Commission on biotopes and habitats of special Community importance taking particular account of the requests of the Member States concerned and the extent to which they are prepared to implement the plans devised.
Institutes and firms of consultants selected jointly by the national authorities responsible and the Commission would be commissioned to prepare these plans.
Work on each plan should not take longer than two years, although this will also depend on how much information is already available.
Budgetary heading : 665
Community contribution : 75 % of the total cost of two projects each year.
Travel ...................................... 30.000 ECU
Administrative costs ........................ 20.000 ECU
TOTAL ............................ 200.000 ECU
Community financial contribution ............. 150.000 ECU
Information and public awareness schemes
It would be useful, in conjunction with the Action Plan for the Meditei— ranean, to contribute to Mediterranean information and public awareness campaigns to tell members of the public about the environment, threats to the environment and what can be done to conserve it; in order to encourage them to take responsibility for managing and protecting the environment.
The campaign would consist of :
- publication and distribution of a pamphlet designed to tell the public about the dangers threatening the Mediterranean and to encourage the formation of habits which will protect and improve it;
participation in information campaigns organized by the media (news
papers, exhibitions, ect.);
financial contribution to symposia, seminars, meetings of those responsible for managing the environment, administrators and local authorities on technical aspects relating to the protection of the
Mediterranean environment;
organizing an 'Annual Mediterranean Day' in conjunction with the Action Plan for the Mediterranean, the EEB and the local autho
rities;
providing information for schools in the countries concerned
TOTAL
li
Community contribution : 100 % of the total cost.
Holding a meeting in Brussels of the Contracting Parties to the Action Plan for the Mediterranean (APM)
ting parties in Dubrovnik, a meeting is to be held in Brussels at the beginning of 1984 to study the contribution made by bilateraL and multiLateral Mediterranean programmes to the objectives of the APM.
between the Directorates-General for the Environment, External Relations, Development and Fisheries.
There are several advantages to holding the meeting in Brussels :
- linking the APM and bilateral cooperation
- providing an opportunity for the Directorates-General and departments involved in bilateral cooperation fo familiarize themselves with the problems of protecting the Mediterranean environment.
- impi ving awareness of the problems and needs of the APM countries and considering ways in which the Community can help.
contribution to the APM (currently budgetary heading 662).
As part of Community policy on measures to protect the environment in the Mediterranean basin, it would be desirable to set up a Committee comprising nationals of the Member States who are highly qualified experts in the filed of environmental protection.
The Committee's brief would be to assist the relevant Commission departments and authorities in the Member States to define and implement the measures referred to above. It is proposed that the Committee's term of office should be five years and that it should be renewable by Commission decision.
The Committee would advise the Commission and the Member States on the kind of information to be gathered, the studies to be carried out, the strategy to be adopted and the criteria for selecting specific projects to be implemented with a view to ensuring rational management of environmental resources in the Mediterranean region.
At the same time, the Committee should make use of the information available to develop integrated management techniques for dealing with complex environmental systems. This would assist those responsible to make existing infrastructure works more effective and rationalize programmes for new infrastructure works. It would thus be easier to estimate the resources available for this purpose and gauge the needs to be met, while at the same time avoiding duplication of effort and operational deficiencies resulting from poor distribution of the resources as between the various investment projects taken into consideration.
At the request of the Commission or the Member States, the Committee would evaluate the results of programmes already implemented or in progress. It could then recommend the conclusion of study or consultancy contracts.
The Committee should cooperate with other Advisory Committees set up by the Commission, for example those dealing with pollution of the sea by hydrocarbons and with waste management. It should also exchange information of mutual interest with groups whose task it is to devise and review the integrated Mediterranean programmes.
The Committee would be chaired by a representative of D6 XI appointed by the Member of the Commission responsible for the environment. DG XI would also provide Secretariat services. The Committee would comprise a maximum of twelve highly-qualified experts on the matters referred to in Annexes I to IV. Greece, Italy and France would provide two experts each and non-Mediterranean Member States one each. These experts would be appointed by the Commission after consultation with the Member States.
The appointments would be for five years. If, however, Spain and/or Portugal should become members of the Community during this period, the Commission may appoint additional members.
Representatives of DG V, VI, XII, XIV and XVI would be involved on a permanent basis in the Committee's work. The Committee could decide to enlist the help of independent experts or representatives of other Commission departments and could set up specialist groups from its midst.
including those should be made
The Committee would hold two to four meetings a year, of any specialist groups. The necessary appropriation available to cover its administrative costs.
The Committee could recommend that studies or expert reports be carried out, and funds should also be made available for this purpose.
Budget heading concerned
| Basic studies | relating to environmental protection |
| Chapter : | 66 |
| Article : | 660 |
| Item : | 6600 |
| and |
| Chapter : | 25 . |
| Article : | 251 |
| 1985/1988 |
| Chapter : | 66 |
| Article : | 665 |
| Title : | Specific measures relating to environmental protection in the Mediterranean basin |
| and . |
251
Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 7 February 1983, on the continuation and implementation of a European Community policy and action programme on the environment (1982 to 1986) (OJ C 46,
17 February 1983). .
In accordance with the annex to the Joint Declaration, as for all other expenditure in Chapter 66.
4.1. - Object i_ves
Formulation of a range of coordinated measures in the filed of environmental protection of the Mediterranean basin to create conditions conducive to a harmonious development of socio-economic activities in the region.
4.2. - Persons_concerned
Mediterranean regions of the Community.
In 1984, the expenditure relates mainly to the cost of studies and consultancy; for 1985/1987 expenditure relates to the organization of seminars, training courses for specialists, pilot schemes. ,
§ydcjet_£ear_i 984
Article 251 .................................... 20.000 ECU
2. Costs of studies (6 contracts) '
specific proposals for the protection of the Mediterranean basin and to keep these projects under review) .
• ^
New budget Article : 665 '
1. Specific measure n° 1 ......................... 35.000 ECU
2. Specific measure n° 2 ......................... 64.000 ECU
3. Specific measure n° 3 40.000 ECU
4. Specific measure n° 4 ......................... 71 .000 ECU
5. Specific measure n° 5 f7.500 ECU
6. Specific measure n° 6 133.400 ECU
7. Specific measure n° 7 70.000 ECU
8. Specific measure n° 8 128.000 ECU
9. Specific measure n° 9 150.000 ECU
10. Specific measure n° 10 50.000 ECU
(Item 251) 25,000 ECU
TOTAL 1985 833.400 ECU
Article 665 1.000.000 ECU
(to be allocated according to the development of measures and applications from Member States).
§2£!2®£._i;ear_1987
(to be allocated according to the development of measures and applications from Member States).
§ydcjet_year_2988
(to be allocated according to the development of measures and applications from Member States).
for a schedule of amounts of and due dates for commitments and payment s.
6.2. - Community financing percentage of total cost of the measures :
100 % in 1984.
With the regard to the specific measures envisaged in 1985, the Commission's contribution varies between 50 / and 100 % of the total cost of the measures with an average of 77 %. This percentage should be reduced from financial year 1986 onwards.
8.1.- Staff required to carry out the projects and appropriations to cover this staff.
These amounts take account of salaries (Chapter 11) for the second half of 1984 and recruitment expenses (Chapter 12).
The implementation of the Action Plan for the protection of the Mediterranean will involve the following tasks :
Fo r_t he_grade_A_of f i_c i^a :
- Regular contacts with national authorities in the countries concerned and organization of the advisory committee's work.
- Negotiation, conclusion and review of preliminary study contracts and pilot schemes.
- Participation in the work of international bodies active in the environmental protection of the Mediterranean.
Fo£_ t h e_g r ade _B_of f i^ c i_a J-
- Organization of meetings of the advisory committee and the Secretariat of the committee.
- Administration of study contracts and pilot schemes.
£o£_t he_g rade_C_of f
- Typing and filing work.
These appropriations to be included in the Commission's overall request for funds.