Marco Boaria from ALDA in the steering Committee of CONCORD EYD2015 Task Force
CONCORD EYD2015 Task Force is an opportunity to improve the level of information in all Member States, raising the level of knowledge in the population at large as to how development, sustainable development, climate change, food security, biodiversity, and other relevant issues are interrelated, and how this affects the poorest people on the planet and promote the concept of policy coherence.
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The Task Force has a new Steering Committee, made up of five members. We are proud to communicate that one of them is Marco Boaria, Resource and Development Unit Coordinator of Alda office in Vicenza! He will collaborate with Inese Vaivare, (LAPAS – National Platform of Latvia), Stefan Grasgruber (NGO Sudwind – member of the Austrian National Platform), Marius Wanders (World Vision and Board) and Tobias Troll (DEEEP).This further increases the ongoing collaboration between CONCORD and ALDA. Our Director, Antonella Valmorbida, in fact, has recently been appointed as the Chair of the EPAN working group of CONCORD.
CONCORD EYD2015 Task Force is an opportunity to improve the level of information in all Member States, raising the level of knowledge in the population at large as to how development, sustainable development, climate change, food security, biodiversity, and other relevant issues are interrelated, and how this affects the poorest people on the planet and promote the concept of policy coherence.
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The Task Force has a new Steering Committee, made up of five members. We are proud to communicate that one of them is Marco Boaria, Resource and Development Unit Coordinator of Alda office in Vicenza! He will collaborate with Inese Vaivare, (LAPAS – National Platform of Latvia), Stefan Grasgruber (NGO Sudwind – member of the Austrian National Platform), Marius Wanders (World Vision and Board) and Tobias Troll (DEEEP).This further increases the ongoing collaboration between CONCORD and ALDA. Our Director, Antonella Valmorbida, in fact, has recently been appointed as the Chair of the EPAN working group of CONCORD.
Strenghtening civil society in Belarus: an important role at the local level
The development and strengthening of civil society is of particular importance in Belarus. A possible facet of this issue has been discussed, looking at its local dimension, during the conference organised by ALDA and EuroBelarus, in Vilnius, from 19th to 21st March 2014. More than 70 organisations from Belarus, from the EU – engaged in the area – and from other Eastern Partnership countries have addressed the topics in plenary and in working groups. The added value of the participation of citizens at the local level has been raised in different field such as culture, social development and urban context and rural living. ALDA took a particular role in identifying possiile strategic paths to reach a more global empowerment of civil society in this country of Eastern Partnership.
“Despite the difficulties encountered and the lack of legislative and environment met in Belarus as for the strengthening of local communities and decentralisation, we still see a strong added value in working with citizens actions at the local level. They could perceive the direct results of the engagement and they create a positive and rewarding mechanism of their participation. Certainly, the isolated action should not remain as such. We – as networks – should connect all these actions to give them a systemic approach and a more global role. Sorting them out either for the stakeholders involved or by the thematic approach to it.” contributed Mrs. Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, in the strategic working group of the conference.
On the other hand, the importance of having – as counterpart – more autonomous and self governed local authorities was highlighted, which is far from being the case in Belarus. Therefore, it is important that our common work as for civil society matters in Belarus at the local level, is accompanied by the lobby and advocacy at the EU level to bring Belarus closer to the stand of implementation of the European Charter on Local Self Government.
The local partner of ALDA, the Lev Sapieha Foundation, was represented by its Director, Miroslav Kobasa, who presented the current implemented project Tandem, highly appreciated as a best practice in the field of community development.
Lev Sapieha Foundation and EuroBelarus are members of ALDA. At the beginning of April, the Director of ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida, and the Financial Officer Barbara Elia, worked with Fondazione Lev Sapieha to further develop future actions.
Read more on Fondazione Lev Sapieha e Euro Belarus websites
‘Eastern Partnership – the way ahead’ – Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit, Vilnius, 28 – 29 November 2013
The development and strengthening of civil society is of particular importance in Belarus. A possible facet of this issue has been discussed, looking at its local dimension, during the conference organised by ALDA and EuroBelarus, in Vilnius, from 19th to 21st March 2014. More than 70 organisations from Belarus, from the EU – engaged in the area – and from other Eastern Partnership countries have addressed the topics in plenary and in working groups. The added value of the participation of citizens at the local level has been raised in different field such as culture, social development and urban context and rural living. ALDA took a particular role in identifying possiile strategic paths to reach a more global empowerment of civil society in this country of Eastern Partnership.
“Despite the difficulties encountered and the lack of legislative and environment met in Belarus as for the strengthening of local communities and decentralisation, we still see a strong added value in working with citizens actions at the local level. They could perceive the direct results of the engagement and they create a positive and rewarding mechanism of their participation. Certainly, the isolated action should not remain as such. We – as networks – should connect all these actions to give them a systemic approach and a more global role. Sorting them out either for the stakeholders involved or by the thematic approach to it.” contributed Mrs. Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, in the strategic working group of the conference.
On the other hand, the importance of having – as counterpart – more autonomous and self governed local authorities was highlighted, which is far from being the case in Belarus. Therefore, it is important that our common work as for civil society matters in Belarus at the local level, is accompanied by the lobby and advocacy at the EU level to bring Belarus closer to the stand of implementation of the European Charter on Local Self Government.
The local partner of ALDA, the Lev Sapieha Foundation, was represented by its Director, Miroslav Kobasa, who presented the current implemented project Tandem, highly appreciated as a best practice in the field of community development.
Lev Sapieha Foundation and EuroBelarus are members of ALDA. At the beginning of April, the Director of ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida, and the Financial Officer Barbara Elia, worked with Fondazione Lev Sapieha to further develop future actions.
Read more on Fondazione Lev Sapieha e Euro Belarus websites
‘Eastern Partnership – the way ahead’ – Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit, Vilnius, 28 – 29 November 2013
Sarajevo: Meetings of ALDA and LDA Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar, Prijedor, Zavidovici)
On 18th and 19th March, the Delegation composed by Dženana Dedic (LDA Mostar ), Jasna Zvekić (LDA Zavidovici ), joined by Dragan Dosen (LDA Prijedor), and led by Stanka Parać Damjanovic (ALDA Regional Programme Coordinator), visited in Sarajevo the Delegation of the European Union, UNDP Head Office, USAID Head Office and the Office of the Council of Europe.
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The main purpose of the visit was to introduce the work of LDAs in local communities and provide information about implemented and planned projects in relevant areas in order to strengthening the capacity of civil society , the development of local democracy, social services, youth empowerment, as well as networking with partners in the EU and neighbouring countries in the region.
Especially important for all LDAs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are the planned activities of UNDP in strengthening local democracy through programs LOD, as well as the EU Delegation and USAID program in the field of reconciliation in local communities. Very important for the future activities of ALDA in BiH is the recognition of Local Democracy Agencies as relevant partners, which have necessary human resources, long standing experience and organizational capacity to successfully develop and implement projects in their local communities and at the regional level.
Per saperne di più il LDA Mostar , LDA Zavidovici , LDA Prijedor .
On 18th and 19th March, the Delegation composed by Dženana Dedic (LDA Mostar ), Jasna Zvekić (LDA Zavidovici ), joined by Dragan Dosen (LDA Prijedor), and led by Stanka Parać Damjanovic (ALDA Regional Programme Coordinator), visited in Sarajevo the Delegation of the European Union, UNDP Head Office, USAID Head Office and the Office of the Council of Europe.
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The main purpose of the visit was to introduce the work of LDAs in local communities and provide information about implemented and planned projects in relevant areas in order to strengthening the capacity of civil society , the development of local democracy, social services, youth empowerment, as well as networking with partners in the EU and neighbouring countries in the region.
Especially important for all LDAs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are the planned activities of UNDP in strengthening local democracy through programs LOD, as well as the EU Delegation and USAID program in the field of reconciliation in local communities. Very important for the future activities of ALDA in BiH is the recognition of Local Democracy Agencies as relevant partners, which have necessary human resources, long standing experience and organizational capacity to successfully develop and implement projects in their local communities and at the regional level.
Per saperne di più il LDA Mostar , LDA Zavidovici , LDA Prijedor .
Citizens’ recommendations on health and environment – international workshop for COHEIRS
The international workshop of the project COHEIRS – Civic Observers for Health and Environment, Initiative for Responsibility and Sustainability – took place last 13-15 March 2014 in Mesagne, in Apulia Region. The event brought together more than 60 international participants and 50 local ones, to debate environmental and health issues. It was an occasion to share common issues and to exchange good practices on how local authorities and civil society organisations can work together to tackle such violations.
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The international conference on Europe, Health & Environment – Bottom-up approaches for environmental and health policies – kicked off the session. Mr Raffaele Baldassarre highlighted the EU’s environmental and health policy and provided up to date information on European programmes that citizens can make use of in order to promote the environmental protection of their territories, and stressed the importance of participating in the European elections to be held next 22-25 May as a further tool to impact on Brussels’ policies on health and environment.
The local institutions were present with Franco Scoditti, the Mayor of Mesagne and Fabio Romito, the Provincial Councillor on EU policies, together with expert contributions of Prof. Alberto Basset and Prof. Ferdinando Boero, from UniSalento, Prof. Alessandro Distante, President of ISBEM, Mr Prisco Piscitelli, from the Italian Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE Italy) and Mr Maurizio Fogar, President of the MIANI Circle. The conference was also an opportunity to debate the key role of citizens. Significant contributions were brought in by Mrs Biljana Zasova and Mr Marco Boaria who highlighted ALDA’s programme on active citizenship with a special focus on the ladder of citizen participation as well as by Mrs Marina Venezia, delegate of Cittadinza Attiva in Taranto who showcased the association’s work on environmental issues in southern-east Italy.
The visit to Taranto was a key moment of the three-day activity. Participants had the opportunity of being informed on the several diseases caused by the ILVA plant. The in-field visit led to the meeting between international participants and representatives of local associations as a moment of exchange of experience.
Through specific sessions dedicated to showcasing the environmental violations affecting public health in partners’ territories and the creation of six working groups, a complete set of recommendations was finalised during the event.
Check this out: one of COHEIRS recommendations on water and public health is reality as from today, 19 March!
Il Europan Commission says yes to first successful European Citizens’ Initiative. Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič said: “Europe’s citizens have spoken, and today the Commission gave a positive response. Water quality, infrastructure, sanitation and transparency will all benefit – for people in Europe and in developing countries – as a direct result of this first-ever exercise in pan-European, citizen-driven democracy. I congratulate the organisers on their achievement.“
A big thank to Mr Jerry Van Der Berge who showcased the Right2Water ECI last 18-20 in Brussels at the occasion of COHEIRS training of trainers
Read also…
Agenda
Aldo Xhani’s presentation in Taranto
Letter of the President of “Ordine dei Medici”
Le sentinelle per la salute e per l’ambiente
The international workshop of the project COHEIRS – Civic Observers for Health and Environment, Initiative for Responsibility and Sustainability – took place last 13-15 March 2014 in Mesagne, in Apulia Region. The event brought together more than 60 international participants and 50 local ones, to debate environmental and health issues. It was an occasion to share common issues and to exchange good practices on how local authorities and civil society organisations can work together to tackle such violations.
***
The international conference on Europe, Health & Environment – Bottom-up approaches for environmental and health policies – kicked off the session. Mr Raffaele Baldassarre highlighted the EU’s environmental and health policy and provided up to date information on European programmes that citizens can make use of in order to promote the environmental protection of their territories, and stressed the importance of participating in the European elections to be held next 22-25 May as a further tool to impact on Brussels’ policies on health and environment.
The local institutions were present with Franco Scoditti, the Mayor of Mesagne and Fabio Romito, the Provincial Councillor on EU policies, together with expert contributions of Prof. Alberto Basset and Prof. Ferdinando Boero, from UniSalento, Prof. Alessandro Distante, President of ISBEM, Mr Prisco Piscitelli, from the Italian Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE Italy) and Mr Maurizio Fogar, President of the MIANI Circle. The conference was also an opportunity to debate the key role of citizens. Significant contributions were brought in by Mrs Biljana Zasova and Mr Marco Boaria who highlighted ALDA’s programme on active citizenship with a special focus on the ladder of citizen participation as well as by Mrs Marina Venezia, delegate of Cittadinza Attiva in Taranto who showcased the association’s work on environmental issues in southern-east Italy.
The visit to Taranto was a key moment of the three-day activity. Participants had the opportunity of being informed on the several diseases caused by the ILVA plant. The in-field visit led to the meeting between international participants and representatives of local associations as a moment of exchange of experience.
Through specific sessions dedicated to showcasing the environmental violations affecting public health in partners’ territories and the creation of six working groups, a complete set of recommendations was finalised during the event.
Check this out: one of COHEIRS recommendations on water and public health is reality as from today, 19 March!
Il Europan Commission says yes to first successful European Citizens’ Initiative. Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič said: “Europe’s citizens have spoken, and today the Commission gave a positive response. Water quality, infrastructure, sanitation and transparency will all benefit – for people in Europe and in developing countries – as a direct result of this first-ever exercise in pan-European, citizen-driven democracy. I congratulate the organisers on their achievement.“
A big thank to Mr Jerry Van Der Berge who showcased the Right2Water ECI last 18-20 in Brussels at the occasion of COHEIRS training of trainers
Read also…
Agenda
Aldo Xhani’s presentation in Taranto
Letter of the President of “Ordine dei Medici”
Le sentinelle per la salute e per l’ambiente
Have your say on EU policies on environment and health!
At the occasion of the international thematic workshop on active citizenship, environment and health, held last 13-15 March in Mesagne, Italy, within the project COHEIRS, more than 100 participants from 12 different countries from across wider Europe contributed to draft a set of recommendations to be submitted to EU institutions.
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Ordinary citizens were called on to make their voice heard on 6 main axes:
1. enhancing citizen participation in the environment and health field
2. urban sustainable development, green spaces and public health
3. waste management and public health
4. agriculture and public health
5. air pollution and public health
6. water pollution and public health.
The recommendations will be submitted to EU institutions at the end of the project in mid April 2014. Have your say and contribute to their development! Support us in making citizens’ voice heard at European level on key topics affecting your daily life as environment and health!
Feel free to send us your comments by emailing COHEIRS project manager Aldo Xhani at aldo.xhani@aldaintranet.org
Scopri about EU Recommendations
At the occasion of the international thematic workshop on active citizenship, environment and health, held last 13-15 March in Mesagne, Italy, within the project COHEIRS, more than 100 participants from 12 different countries from across wider Europe contributed to draft a set of recommendations to be submitted to EU institutions.
***
Ordinary citizens were called on to make their voice heard on 6 main axes:
1. enhancing citizen participation in the environment and health field
2. urban sustainable development, green spaces and public health
3. waste management and public health
4. agriculture and public health
5. air pollution and public health
6. water pollution and public health.
The recommendations will be submitted to EU institutions at the end of the project in mid April 2014. Have your say and contribute to their development! Support us in making citizens’ voice heard at European level on key topics affecting your daily life as environment and health!
Feel free to send us your comments by emailing COHEIRS project manager Aldo Xhani at aldo.xhani@aldaintranet.org
Scopri about EU Recommendations
ALDA is recruiting in Skopje for the Lower Normandy/Macedonia programme
In the framework of the decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Republic of Macedonia, supported by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, we are hiring one Project Assistant. He or She will be working on the organization of the activities of the project, as well as on the coordination and communication regarding the project.
For more information, please visit the website of the project: www.bn-mk.org. The deadline for application is 25th March.
In the framework of the decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Republic of Macedonia, supported by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, we are hiring one Project Assistant. He or She will be working on the organization of the activities of the project, as well as on the coordination and communication regarding the project.
For more information, please visit the website of the project: www.bn-mk.org. The deadline for application is 25th March.
Training Project for Local Self-Government launched by LDA Armenia
Counterpart International Armenia is the Armenian branch of the international organization that works with the communities and the civil society all over the world providing innovative and sustainable solutions to the social, economic and environmental challenges. Counterpart International currently runs the four-year project “Support to the Civil Society and Local Self-Government”, funded by the USA International Development Agency.
In the framework of this project in cooperation with Counterpart International Armenia and with support of ALDA, the “Local Democracy Agency” foundation organizes a 5-day LG training for Gyumri Municipality staff and 2- day trainings for aldermen (15 participants each). The trainings for the staff will take place from 20 March until 2 April 2014, and the one for aldermen on 9 and 11 April. The trainings will be conducted by the “NGO” centre specialists.
The trainings will cover issues on leadership and strategic planning, local self-government legislation, service provision, partnership and cooperation, PR, transparent and participatory governance, community budget. The Municipality will provide the premise for the implementation of the trainings.
Counterpart International Armenia is the Armenian branch of the international organization that works with the communities and the civil society all over the world providing innovative and sustainable solutions to the social, economic and environmental challenges. Counterpart International currently runs the four-year project “Support to the Civil Society and Local Self-Government”, funded by the USA International Development Agency.
In the framework of this project in cooperation with Counterpart International Armenia and with support of ALDA, the “Local Democracy Agency” foundation organizes a 5-day LG training for Gyumri Municipality staff and 2- day trainings for aldermen (15 participants each). The trainings for the staff will take place from 20 March until 2 April 2014, and the one for aldermen on 9 and 11 April. The trainings will be conducted by the “NGO” centre specialists.
The trainings will cover issues on leadership and strategic planning, local self-government legislation, service provision, partnership and cooperation, PR, transparent and participatory governance, community budget. The Municipality will provide the premise for the implementation of the trainings.
The role of civil society in local development in Belarus - international conference
On 19-21 March 2014, the Director of ALDA, Mrs Antonella Valmorbida and the Project Manager from ALDA’s Brussels office, Mariam Khotenashvili will be attending an international conference organized by the International Consortium ‘EuroBelarus’ in Vilnius in cooperation with ALDA, Lev Sapieha Foundation.
The conference is held in the framework of the EU funded project ‘Support to the freedom of association in Belarus and empowerment of civil society actors for public policy dialogue’. Main focus of the conference will be regional development in Belarus and civil society’s role in local development. Participants will also discuss the situation in Ukraine and its implications for civil society in the region.
Big part of the conference will take place in the form of thematic working groups discussing concrete issues such as culture initiatives, local actors working with social protection and social inclusion and the initiatives in the field of urban and rural living environment and infrastructure.
On 19-21 March 2014, the Director of ALDA, Mrs Antonella Valmorbida and the Project Manager from ALDA’s Brussels office, Mariam Khotenashvili will be attending an international conference organized by the International Consortium ‘EuroBelarus’ in Vilnius in cooperation with ALDA, Lev Sapieha Foundation.
The conference is held in the framework of the EU funded project ‘Support to the freedom of association in Belarus and empowerment of civil society actors for public policy dialogue’. Main focus of the conference will be regional development in Belarus and civil society’s role in local development. Participants will also discuss the situation in Ukraine and its implications for civil society in the region.
Big part of the conference will take place in the form of thematic working groups discussing concrete issues such as culture initiatives, local actors working with social protection and social inclusion and the initiatives in the field of urban and rural living environment and infrastructure.
There is a role for CONCORD in the situation in Ukraine - followed by the EPAN group
What are the CONCORD members doing in Ukraine? What is the role of CONCORD members in this situation?
The members of CONCORD (some of them extremely involved in Ukraine) have developed a lot of experience and understanding of needs and important points. The answers have been drafted during a very well participated event/breakfast coordinated by Concord and the EPAN group (Enlargement, PreAccession and Neighborhood) on the 18th of March. From all the participants attending (on the spot or on line) there is a great demand to receive information, lobby the european policies towards Ukraine and the Eastern Partnership and to coordinate their actions.
The active debate was animated by Seamus Jefferson, Director of CONCORD, with the participation of ALDA’ Director, Antonella Valmorbida, now chairing the EPAN group.
The focus in the future will be to raise the voice of the European Civil Society as for the EU policies. Some priorities have been identified: free visa liberalisation, fighting against corruption, strengthen local authorities and decentralisation, support to independent media, funding and possible support.
What are the CONCORD members doing in Ukraine? What is the role of CONCORD members in this situation?
The members of CONCORD (some of them extremely involved in Ukraine) have developed a lot of experience and understanding of needs and important points. The answers have been drafted during a very well participated event/breakfast coordinated by Concord and the EPAN group (Enlargement, PreAccession and Neighborhood) on the 18th of March. From all the participants attending (on the spot or on line) there is a great demand to receive information, lobby the european policies towards Ukraine and the Eastern Partnership and to coordinate their actions.
The active debate was animated by Seamus Jefferson, Director of CONCORD, with the participation of ALDA’ Director, Antonella Valmorbida, now chairing the EPAN group.
The focus in the future will be to raise the voice of the European Civil Society as for the EU policies. Some priorities have been identified: free visa liberalisation, fighting against corruption, strengthen local authorities and decentralisation, support to independent media, funding and possible support.
International conference within TANDEM II project, Minsk
On 14 March 2014 an international conference took place in Minsk in the framework of the TANDEM II project. The conference was organized by Lev Sapieha Foundation in cooperation with ALDA. The main aim of the conference was to present 15 sub-grant projects supported under TANDEM II and to share best practices of cooperation of local authorities, NGOs and citizens from the EU countries.
Mariam Khotenashvili, Project Manager of ALDA’s Brussels office presented examples of successful cooperation between citizens and municipalities in the city of Patras in Greece and in two cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina where Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) have been operating.
Mudite Priede, Secretary General of the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Government (LALRG) and a long-term partner of ALDA and Lev Sapieha Foundation presented Latvian experience of cooperation between local authorities and citizens.
The participants of the conference had possibilities to exchange their ideas and discuss further steps in the implementation of their projects.
See the webpage of the project TANDEM II
EuroBelarus
Latvian Association of Local and Regional Government (LALRG)
On 14 March 2014 an international conference took place in Minsk in the framework of the TANDEM II project. The conference was organized by Lev Sapieha Foundation in cooperation with ALDA. The main aim of the conference was to present 15 sub-grant projects supported under TANDEM II and to share best practices of cooperation of local authorities, NGOs and citizens from the EU countries.
Mariam Khotenashvili, Project Manager of ALDA’s Brussels office presented examples of successful cooperation between citizens and municipalities in the city of Patras in Greece and in two cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina where Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) have been operating.
Mudite Priede, Secretary General of the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Government (LALRG) and a long-term partner of ALDA and Lev Sapieha Foundation presented Latvian experience of cooperation between local authorities and citizens.
The participants of the conference had possibilities to exchange their ideas and discuss further steps in the implementation of their projects.
See the webpage of the project TANDEM II
EuroBelarus
Latvian Association of Local and Regional Government (LALRG)