Background
Introduction A recent CAPE survey revealed more than 70% of European local government environment experts and decisionmakers considered the use of IT/telematic applications a future priority. Some 80% indicated as a priority need, decisionmaking support systems, and as many as 90%, public information and dissemination related applications. However, many recognised the need for the improved availability of information on existing IT solutions. In particular, 80% requested conferences and dissemination events, 81% asked for technical training sessions, and 75% requested on-site technical visits. At the same time, the technical and organisational challenges of improving data collection, storage and dissemination are issues requiring increased attention.
Objectives
The objectives of this workshop on environment telematics, co-organised by the Regional Environmental Center (REC) for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and POLIS (Promoting Operational Links with Integrated Services) were thus twofold. First, to facilitate discussion on the challenges (both technical and institutional) and solutions for implementing IT applications. Secondly, to increase awareness to the already available IT systems, and the benefits of experience exchange and partnership building. Two parallel workshop sessions were held enabling opportunity for the exchange of know-how and experiences in the fields of data collection and dissemination. Case-study presentations were offered to facilitate discussion and relate experiences from four key environment areas (waste, monitoring, emergency management, and public access - priority areas according to the above survey), while a final plenary session summarised the main challenges and solutions. An on-site technical visit within Munich concluded the workshop.
Target Audience
Up to 80 environmental experts, senior decisionmakers, and local government representatives participated in the event, thus ensuring broad opportunity for the exchange of dialogue, experiences and know-how. More than 37 delegates represented the CEE region, and some 30 represented CEE and EU local government.
The full proceedings provide copies of all presentations, as well as the overall conclusions and recommendations of the final plenary session. The participant feedback section overviews the interests of participants, their impressions, and recommendations. The full workshop agenda and participants list is also included in the proceedings.
The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe
