Challenges of developing national capacity for PRTR systems in Central and Eastern Europe Magda Tóth Nagy Public Participation Program June 2004

Contents PRTR: an instrument for environmental and health information PRTR Protocol paving the way Challenges and needs in CEE countries Building capacities for CEE and EECCA countries

PRTR: an instrument for environmental and health information The major benefits for the Public: Public access to emissions release data Information about toxic chemicals Information about health effects

PRTR: an instrument for environmental and health information For the Government: Pollution reduction and risk reduction Encouraging improvements in environmental performance Monitoring and compliance Setting priorities and evaluating progress For the Business: Pollution reduction and prevention Introducing environmentally sound technologies Better chemical management at the plant level/stimulates efficient or reduced use of chemicals

PRTR: an instrument for environmental and health information Interest in CEE for developing PRTRs in mid- 90s influenced by the Rio process (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary) In the process of EU accession –– focus on EU requirements for candidate countries New momentum by UNECE Aarhus Convention process: leading to development of PRTR Protocol

PRTR Protocol paving the way PRTR Protocol signed by 36 countries and the EU Decision of EU to develop a regulation to implement PRTR Protocol and upgrade EPER to E-PRTR Build PRTR through EPER in new EU Member States and accession countries Wealth of experience in OECD process and outside Europe Synergies of international processes on information systems should be used to meet European environmental and health goals

Challenges and needs in CEE countries Development of legislation on chemical safety and community right to know Implementation of PRTR Protocol used as tool to develop/change legislation Accommodate national priorities and needs Institutional framework for integration of data collection and information flow Overcome lack of coordination of data collection and gaps in information flow Share responsibilities among national agencies Streamline reporting obligations and methodologies, Designate a single responsible agency

Challenges and needs in CEE countries Operational issues Consistency of methodologies for setting up thresholds, common identifiers and adapting to national priorities Resolve issue of confidentiality of statistical information collection: designating environmental authorities as data custodians Verification: unified methodologies and techniques of estimations, calculations and measurements such as sector-based unified estimation methods and factors Enforcement measures and powers of authorities Incentives for industry self- reporting and cooperation

Challenges and needs in CEE countries Operational issues Public accessibility: PRTR databases in electronic form Searchable PRTR system according to parameters and accessible via internet free of charge. Data bases located in different places linked, public access points ensured. Stakeholder involvement in development and operation of systems: open and transparent process, information for and dialogue with public and users Involvement of health experts and NGOs to help interpreting data

Building capacities for CEE and EECCA countries The REC Role Provide forum for discussion for stakeholders during drafting of PRTR Protocol Capacity building workshops for network of governmental and NGO experts to learn from international experience Pilot projects in accession and new Members states to assess legal, institutional, practical aspects and dialogue with stakeholders Support national authorities to set up an operational register, develop web site, provide guidance and information materials to users (NGOs and businesses) and training for officials in Czech Rep. Future projects in selected SEE and EECCA countries to support development of PRTRs through workshops, training, guidance materials and pilot projects

Contact Information Magda Tóth Nagy Public Participation Program REC