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The mission of the Central and East European Working Group for the Enhancement
of Biodiversity (CEEWEB) is the conservation of the biodiversity
through the promotion of sustainable development.
Today CEEWEB represents the network of several dozens of nature conservation
organizations from Central and East European countries, working
together to protect the biological heritage of the region.
The rich natural heritage, which is vital to the rejuvenation
of these countries, is threatened by intensive agriculture,
forestry and resource exploitation, as well as infrastructure
developments. As CEE countries are trying to imitate the West;
they repeat all the mistakes that were made by these previous
models. Roads, power lines, tourist facilities are just some
elements of developments that are being constructed without
any consideration for the ecological consequences. Since the
ecological systems and features that need to be protected
are linked and interdependent, biodiversity can not be saved
by one country alone. It necessitates regional efforts, based
on biogeographical characteristics.
Enormous political changes are currently taking place. The political map of
Europe is changing, and so too is the focus on nature conservation. Since the
existence of CEEWEB, the work of the member NGOs has shifted from nature study
to political activity, which represented the natural evolution of the nature
conservation movement. This indicates that the strongest driving force influencing
changes in nature conservation is policy making. Therefore, just as in the case
of the environmental movement, the nature conservation movement needs to address
its problems at source, rather than using the "end of the pipe" approach.
Pursuing its mission the CEEWEB aims to:
- form common policies and actions for the enhancement of
biodiversity in the Central and East European region;
- promote the enforcement of international conventions for
nature and biodiversity conservation, with special regards
to the Convention on Biological Diversity;
- promote the concept and strategies of sustainable development
and contribute to their implementation;
- raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity
and its protection.
For these aims the network undertakes lobbying activities
and campaigning, information and expertise exchange, capacity building and educational
activities.
The Central and East European Working Group for the Enhancement
of Biodiversity was established in 1993, with the support
of the European Union and two Hungarian NGOs; the National
Society of Conservationists and Green Action. One primary
aim of the organization is to help with the implementation
of international tasks under the Convention on Biological
Diversity. Presently CEEWEB is the only network in operation
which has been set up and run by nature conservation NGOs
in Central and Eastern Europe.
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