Cooperative Research with CEDARE

The Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) was established in 1992 as an international inter-governmental Organization with diplomatic status. CEDARE works in close partnership with governments (such as MWRI), United Nations entities, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, business, private sector, media, and civil society. CEDARE objective is building a qualified and responsible human resource base, capable of addressing the complex array of environmental challenges and concerns, as a commitment to a sustainable future, through collective action, reform and renewal. Its vision is based on activating the principle of Environment for Development. CEDARE collaborates with a broad range of partners to implement its vision, by weaving an environmental dimension into the fabric of development policies and practices to, inter alia, make the market work for the environment - rather than against it - as a pathway to global competitiveness. CEDARE's Vision has been translated into a target-oriented Plan of Implementation (2005-2010), by focusing on five priority areas, as follows :

1. Water Resources Management: to maximize the economic, social and environmental benefits of water utilization through the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

2. Land Resources Management: to facilitator and advocate promotion of the wise management of land resources, in partnership with other institutions. Emphasis is placed on land degradation and desertification issues, which are addressed through dialogue, stake-holder involvement and exchange of best practices.

3. Dissemination of Knowledge and Information Technology: to provide access to reliable environmental data, knowledge and information technology to institutional and other bodies, thereby supporting the environmental decision making process for sustainable development.

4. Trade, Investment and the Environment: to work with business enterprises to implement the concept of corporate responsibility (social and environmental), to enhance voluntary self-compliance, and adherence to international environmental standards and laws, to reinforce their competitive edge in world markets.

5. Areas of Special Concern to CEDARE: climate change, coastal zone management, waste management, genetically modified organisms, environmental education, environmental impact assessment, and the socio­economics of sustainable development.