Public Participation in Local Sustainable Development in the Cities of Medias and Sighisoara
July 2003 – January 2004
The project - a Romanian – American Sustainable Partnerships (RASP) Umbrella Grant Program World Learning/USAID - started after the signing of the Sub grant Agreement on 21 July 2003, as part of LA 21 project. The partners were the National Centre for Sustainable Development (NCSD), Romanian Environmental Partnership Foundation (REPF) from Miercurea Ciuc, Romania and the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) from Washington DC, USA.
Phase one of the project involved the local assessment of the civil society sector through two roundtables in both Sighisoara and Medias. Phase two of the project involved the engagement of the partners in preparing for and presenting the training to civil society organizations and local authorities in Medias and Sighisoara. As a result, ELI prepared a handbook that addressed the issues of interest to the local participants: Sustainable Development, Environmental Laws, Access to Environmental Information, Environmental Lobbying etc.
The training activities were performed in two sessions by ELI and then NCSD and REPF and included an agenda designed to meet the specific needs of the local partnerships in implementing sustainable development projects. ELI brought expertise and information which was highly beneficial for the Romanian organizations. The meeting between the three partners along with the training provided by ELI, provided capacity building for both REPF and NCSD staff, in that it described alternative approaches regarding environmental law enforcement, environmental advocacy etc. Similarly, the Romanian organizations provided information and examples which sparked ELI’s interest and which initiated talks of future possible projects between the three partners.
In September 2003, the draft of the Local Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Sighisoara and Medias Municipalities, formulated under LA21 UNDP project, were submitted to the public debate. Furthermore, following the technical assistance of REPF and NCSD staff, three proposals for projects were selected for grants in both cities.
In Medias, the project of a partnership of 4 NGOS, PRO NATURA MEDIENSIS – The Citizens of Medias and the Nature – A Sustainable Cohabitation” received the total grant of $9,000. In Sighisoara two grants were awarded, each of $4,500.
The selected projects were:
- "Preservation and development of the natural potential of the Serches Lake" submitted by the association "Partnership for Environment – Tarnava Mare".
- "Adopt an oak", submitted by the organization "Sighisoara Durabila".
Learn more:
Environmental Partnership Foundation, Local Agenda 21 in Sighisoara and Medias
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