The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) moved closer
to fully implementing the Carpathian Convention by establishing an office in
Vienna. The office, opened this July at the Vienna International Centre, will
act as the Interim Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention. The convention
was signed in 2003 by all seven Carpathian nations: the Czech Republic, Hungary,
Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia and Ukraine.
Influencing the Danube River Basin
"What this move means for the ICPDR is a real potential for cooperation,”
said Harald Egerer, Programme Officer for the UNEP office in Vienna. "As
we focus on biodiversity and sustainable tourism, our work will have direct
relevance for the ICPDR and it is our hope that both groups can contribute to
one another now that they are physically close,” said Egerer. To further
develop cooperation, UNEP plans to apply for observer status to the ICPDR. The
new UNEP office in Vienna will promote environmental cooperation in the Carpathians,
but also throughout central and southeastern Europe. UNEP will also focus on
partnerships from the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Through the Carpathian
Convention, UNEP will continue to bring together individuals for the protection
of precious natural resources.