Using the data gleaned in this study, a comparison can be made among the countries regarding potential sources of contaminants. Inferences can be drawn as to the areas of most significant transboundary migration by both air and water transport. Also, information has been compiled regarding deposition rates for several high-risk metals in the rivers and tributaries of this region.

Challenges

Central Europe faces many specific environmental management challenges. Among them are (1) establishing responsibility for past pollution, (2) enforcing existing environmental regulations, (3) meeting consumer expectations, (4) encouraging outside investment, (5) creating a national basis for environmental action, (6) creating channels for public participation in government activities, (7) managing transboundary pollution, and (8) complying with international conventions.

Recommendations

As a means of improving the region’s ability to respond to common environmental problems, five follow-up activities were identified. Three of the proposed activities will lead to better understanding and management of the technically based but socio-politically driven processes for environmental management. The other two entail the development of data acquisition capabilities to support decision-makers.

1. Decision Support System – Effective use of the substantive information obtained in this study is best achieved as part of a decision support system related to the identification and resolution of environmentally related transboundary conflict issues. A decision support system must have information from the decision-makers as to the types of decisions they need to make and the information-related barriers they see as impediments in that decision-making process. Conducting a series of Vital Issues panels with key in-country decision-makers is probably the most effective way to identify those barriers.
2. Review of International Environmental Conventions and Protocols – Such Agreements, addressing board environmental issues such as desertification, biodiversity, climate change, the movement of hazardous chemicals, etc., facilitate development of regional projects. A review of all such Agreements will greatly facilitate understanding of feasible technical options as well as improve the chances for funding for implementation.
3. Institutional Analysis – Once environmental problems are identified and prioritized, most nations of the region look to bilateral and multilateral technical assistance and financing entities to help organize and secure required funding to implement effective solutions. A clear understanding of those organizations active in the region is therefore mandatory if they are expected to collaborate in addressing regional problems. An analysis should be done to identify investment opportunities leading to implementation of cost-effective, long-term solutions.
4. Data Structures – In order to trace the downstream migration of pollutants through the surface water system, the connectivity and direction of the river segments must be included. An algorithm has been developed that will knit the individual pieces of the waterways into a watershed type of data structure. This development will allow the waterways to be dealt with in a watershed context, rather than as individual map features.

For more information contact Dr. Dennis Engi, (505) 845-8284.

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