PECE Networking Event April 2008

PECE Networking event took place on 10 April 2008 at St Bride Foundation, London. The event was attended by 30 PECE members and guests and a keynote speaker Ms. Anne Burrill, Deputy Head of Unit “Enlargement & Neighbouring Countries”, Directorate General for Environment, European Commission. PECE members present at the event came from various organisations, including FCO, Shell International, RSPB, Environment Agency, Stakeholder Forum, and many others.

The keynote talk on EU Environment Policy for Eastern Europe presented by Ms. Burrill was well received by the audience and was followed by interesting discussions on key elements of the presentation.

Participants were informed about new PECE web site re-design that is currently under development. New online features to support PECE activities will include a complete database of all PECE members in the UK and in the EECCA region, and tools to facilitate exchange of project ideas and cooperation proposals on environment and development issues between PECE members.

Trevor Rees reminded participants about the history of PECE and outlined the new vision for the initiative focusing on:

• Promotion of knowledge sharing and collaboration on environmental and sustainability issues between PECE members and EECCA partners
• Expansion of PECE membership from UK-only to include institutions in Europe and the EECCA region
• Development of innovative projects focusing on EECCA region priority issues, including capacity building and facilitating and managing change using PECE’s strong multi-sectoral nature
• Database of UK and EECCA institutions – matching interests
• Online learning groups, online collaboration tools
• Proactive secretariat facilitating exchange and inviting participation

Participants were informed about new PECE web site re-design that is currently under development. New online features to support PECE activities will include a complete database of all PECE members in the UK and in the EECCA region, and tools to facilitate exchange of project ideas and cooperation proposals on environment and development issues between PECE members.

Three working groups focused on three themes - Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) – that are of particular relevance to PECE partners and identified as priority areas of focus in the outputs of the Belgrade Environment for Europe Conference (October 2007). The working groups shared experiences on the issue and explored opportunities for the PECE network to facilitate learning and exchange of good practices with EECCA partners.