CEEweb for Biodiversity works on a number of topics that
are related to the conservation of biodiversity in a direct
or indirect way such as biodiversity conventions and legislation,
agricultural policies and tourism, as well as sustainable
development that provides the basis for all these efforts
and can make them happen. Besides, these activities take place
on various levels from global financial mechanism through
EU policies and national implementation to local projects,
depending on where NGO involvement and influence can reach
the highest positive impact. The methods applied are also
diverse, while the main emphasis is on advocacy work and lobbying.
a. The most comprehensive convention that aims to conserve
biological diversity in a fairly complex approach is the
Convention on Biological Diversity. CEEWEB strives for
better national implementation and recognition of CBD in various
ways.
b. Wildlife trade in is a ludicrous global business, which
is regulated under the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The CITES
Working Group of CEEWEB focuses on effective actions under
this global convention in Central and Eastern Europe.
2. Pan-European
level
Cooperation on environmental issues at Pan-European level
started in 1991 within the so called 'Environment
for Europe' process. Several conventions, strategies and
outcomes were developed within the process with large NGO
involvement.
3. EU level
Nature conservation in EU member states are also determined
by EU biodiversity policies,
while the EU level commitment of halting biodiversity loss
by 2010 needs actions in all EU countries.
Seemingly the biggest challenge in the field of nature conservation
for EU members states, as well as for candidate and applicant
countries during the accession process is the establishment
of the Natura 2000 Network. The Natura
2000 Working Group of CEEWEB aims for a smooth establishment
and management of the system that benefits both rural inhabitants
and nature.
Agricultural activities largely impact natural landscape
without any doubt, and thus require due attention of nature
conservation NGOs. The Rural Development
Working Group of CEEWEB advocates for the agri-environmental
schemes and agricultural policies that respect the principles
of sustainable use natural resources and the conservation
of biodiversity.
4. Regional level
The protection and sustainable development of the Carpathians
are the objectives of the Carpathian
Convention, with a view to inter alia improving quality
of life, strengthening local economies and communities, and
conservation of natural values and cultural heritage. CEEWEB
works in line of these objectives related to the Convention.
5. National level
Several CEEWEB projects are running on national level in
international cooperation in CEE countries (please refer to
the thematic programmes), as well as in Hungary. Read more
on the Hungarian CEEWEB website
and the websites of the member
organisations.
6. Local level
Nature conservation projects on the field are carried out
by the CEEWEB Headquarters, as well as the member organisations.
Read more on the Hungarian CEEWEB
website and the website of the member
organisations.
CEEWEB works through:
1. Advocacy work
Advocacy work for the conservation of biodiversity is the
main focus of CEEWEB’s work. Lobbying and public participation
possibilities in policy- and decision-making within or outside
the scope of the specific projects, such as consultations,
public hearings, commenting draft legislation are some means
of this activity. Advocacy on the various topics are described
under the various topics, while also being carried out by
the CEEWEB Working Groups.
The positions, assessments and reports gathered under ‘From
our point of view’ reflect the standpoint and suggestions
of CEEWEB.
2. Programmes and projects
CEEWEB is implementing various programmes and projects in
the different thematic fields, such as Natura 2000, rural
development or tourism. Further information on the ongoing
programmes and projects is available on the thematic pages.
Read more about the completed programmes
and projects >>
3. Working Groups
Member organizations of the CEEWEB network can establish
thematic Working Groups as mission-oriented task forces, They
set their own goals and objectives, stated in their multi-annual
work programme. Currently three Working
Groups operate: CITES WG, Natura 2000 WG and Sustainable
Tourism WG.
4. Capacity-building
and self-development of the CEEWEB Network
Being a network of NGOs aiming nature conservation, one
objective of CEEWEB is the capacity-building of the network
through trainings, seminars and information dissemination.
Such activities are carried out within the thematic
projects and the Working
Groups, and in addition a series of seminars called CEEWEB
Academy started in early
2005.
