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The European Parliament opposes the Commission’s intention of dealing with environmental inspections through a non-binding recommendation

nancy — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:44:07 +0000

The Commission’s conclusion that full implementation of environmental legislation in the EU cannot be ensured will lead to “continuing damage to the environment” and to “distortions of competition”, say MEPs. Information submitted by Member States showed that only a few have achieved full implementation and that there are still large gaps in the way environmental inspections are carried out.

The resolution, adopted Thursday 20th November 2008, by 390 votes in favour to 8 against with 11 abstentions, opposes the Commission’s intention of dealing with disparate environmental inspections through a non-binding recommendation and through the insertion of specific legally binding requirements in sectoral legislation.

Parliament emphasises that good and even enforcement of environmental law is essential, and that anything less “falls short of public expectations and undermines the reputation of the EU as an effective guardian of the environment”.
Click here for the adopted text and the press release.

(Source: http://www.europarl.europa.eu)

CALL FOR COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION FORCE

nancy — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:49:09 +0000

By a motion for a resolution and a parliamentary question, a key member of the European Parlement urges the European Commission to take firm measures to ensure a good and even enforcement of environmental laws throughout the European Community.The European Commission has been reviewing the “Recommendations on minimum criteria for environmental inspections”. In its conclusions, the European Commissions identified that still large disparities exist in the way environmental inspections are carried out by the Member States, that the recommendations are inadequate and that they do not cover all pieces of environmental legislation.

As environmental policy aims can only be reached by a full implementation of the rules that are developed to protect the environment, the European Parliament asks for stronger and legally binding tools to ensure an effective enforcement of those rules.

One of the suggestions is the establishment of a Community Environmental Inspection Force and the strenghtening the European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL).

3ECOBEES TAKE OFF

nancy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:57:50 +0000

From 24 – 27 July, the ‘3Ecobees’ presented itself for the first time to the public during the environmental fair in Olhão (Portugal). Since June 2008, Ambiendura together with Chama Inc., has joined forces to initiate projects within the field of eco-lifestyle, sustainable tourism and eco-investments.

Visitors of the fair could taste some delicious food made from organic ingredients and enjoy the only biological wine the Algarve knows. By participating in the 3Ecobees ‘Eco Bingo’, people could win a bag full with environmentally friendly products, such as detergents from the Ecover line and soaps from Essência do Mundo. As a special price, we were able to offer the winners of the Eco Bingo a voucher to the Eco hotel ‘Quinta da Fornalha’ in Castro Marim (Portugal).

The persons behind 3EcoBees (Nancy Isarin, Eddie Correia and Moses Mehraban) also met with touroperators from Germany and Spain to exchange ideas regarding eco-tourism and activities in the Algarve.

Based on the positive responses the ‘3EcoBees’ have received and the many interested people and companies we have met, we feel that we are on the right way. Stay informed of our activities via the official 3EcoBees blog.

3ECOBEES HEAD TO OLHÃO’S POPULAR ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR

nancy — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:38:23 +0000

July 8, 2008 – Algarve, Portugal – 3EcoBees, the result of a joint venture between two Algarve based companies Ambiendura, an environmental consultancy, and Chama Inc., a marketing and visibility company, are looking to change the colour of their region to Green.

By joining forces, the two companies are looking to promote and develop the Algarve as a green region for both tourists and locals, in the areas of sustainable tourism, eco-investments, eco-products and eco-lifestyle. With a strong visibility and communications strategy, 3EcoBees wants to shed new light on what already exists and encourage new investments in the Algarve. It is also interested in collaborating with regional and international experts to create a think tank which will support this objective and grow the project more organically.

The founders will be introducing the project at the Feira Nacional de Parques Naturais e Ambiente in Olhão, held from July 24th to 27th. 3EcoBees is looking to work with businesses actively engaged in developing green and sustainable products and services in the region and country. Therefore any eco or green type businesses not taking part in the fair but interested in having their products represented are encouraged to contact 3EcoBees to find out how they can participate.

Portuguese version of this press release.

For further information contact:

Eddie Correia (Pt/Eng.)
T: +351.91.358.8459
E: e.correia@chamainc.com

Nancy Isarin (Eng. /Nl)
T: +351.91.324.1900
E: Nancy.Isarin@ambiendura.com

General
E: bees@3ecobees.com

About 3ecobees.com – a new green think tank in the Algarve, formed by Ambiendura and Chama Inc to promote and develop a sustainable Algarve.

About Ambiendura.com – Ambiendura is an independent environmental consultancy, offering advice in the field of implementation of environmental law, facilitating cooperation at all levels and providing project management and support. A practical approach is key in their strategy and work.

About Chamainc.com - Chama is a creative marketing & web solutions company focused on business visibility and utilizing the most innovative technologies to deliver powerful results.

Still no uniform enforcement of waste shipments in the EU

nancy — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:18:14 +0000

A recently published report by the IMPEL TFS network, discloses big differences between EU member states regarding the implementation and enforcement of rules for waste shipments. Controls carried out during the Enforcement Action I project in 25 countries, reveal that 15% of the inspected waste shipments were in non-compliance with EU legislation. Recommended is therefore to continue with coordinated inspections at EU level, with support from the European Commission, and to create more political support for the work of the inspectors and enforcers. The final report can be viewed here.

Previous IMPEL TFS reports, such as the Seaport and Verification projects, also showed high levels of non-compliance. Results of inspections however depend on various things, such as type, location and time of inspection and if they are ad-random or targeted. Nevertheless, these results again proof the need for a coordinated EU-wide strategy, involving all EU member states and authorities and a set of minimum criteria if one really wants to tackle illegal movements of waste and create a level playing field for all involved players.

At EU level the same rules, laid down EC Regulation 1013/2006, apply in each member state. The enforcement of these rules is however the responsibility of the individual country, which at the moment results in differences between the countries. Also the low priority for controlling waste shipments, results in lack of resources, experiences and cooperation between involved authorities.

Press release: How 2 Portuguese Companies are Forming “A Green Council” to Promote a Greener Algarve

nancy — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:22:57 +0000

Algarve, Portugal — Feb 25, 2008 – Ambiendura an independent environmental consultancy, is looking to capitalize on the momentum of its first workshop by creating a “Green Council” as a think tank for promoting and initiating projects in Algarve, Portugal. Chama Inc. an innovative marketing and web solution’s company in the region will be one of the first organizations to join Ambiendura as part of the council.
The two companies believe promoting a “Green Algarve” would radically differentiate the region, promote responsible sustainability, and attract investment not yet considered. To drive this vision, they are looking forward to working with regional organizations such as RTA, CCDR – in addition, with other public and private groups, with the same mindset.
Ambiendura hosted the first, in a line up of workshops to begin talks about a Green and Sustainable Algarve on Feb 8th, 2008. Attended by NGO’s, citizens and SEPNA, the workshop covered a robust spectrum of quality topics, presentations, new project initiatives and the importance of marketing.
“The Algarve is already a popular tourist destination due to its weather, environment, quality food and lifestyle. Leveraging these natural qualities to create a sustainable environment that’s good for residents and appreciated by tourists, can significantly benefit both locals and the economy”, says Nancy Isarin, of Ambiendura.
The Algarve has long been a popular destination for European summer vacationers. It recently began benefiting from a new influx of foreign investment in summer and retirement homes. With new full and part time residents hailing from eco leading countries such as the UK, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands, the Algarve seems primed to expand on the concept of Green.
“A Green Algarve is a progressive step forward, we have so much to be proud of and protect for future generations. This will align us with other progressive countries already seeing significant benefits from similar initiatives. It’s an exciting opportunity, we’re excited to part of it and look forward to working with and making “Green” businesses visible here in the Algarve.” says, Eddie Correia, of Chama Inc.

About www.Ambiendura.com: Ambiendura is an independent environmental consultancy, offering advice in the field of implementation of environmental law, facilitating cooperation at all levels and providing project management and support. A practical approach is key in their strategy and work.
About www.Chamainc.com: Chama is a creative marketing & web solutions company focused on business visibility and utilizing the most innovative technologies to deliver powerful results.

Nigeria to curb imports of “toxic” old computers

nancy — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:05:19 +0000

Nigeria plans to slap duties on old computers imported for spare parts because much of the excess material is later dumped and causes toxic waste, Information Minister John Odey said on Wednesday. Nigeria has a growing market for computers, especially affordable ones, and there is a strong local culture of patching things up to keep them working for many years.
Currently, importers can ship in old computers duty free. They are then gutted for spare parts and the unwanted bits are thrown away.
“(Old computers) will be banned completely later, but it has to be a gradual process to avoid our country turning into a dumping ground for scrap,” Odey told reporters after a cabinet meeting that approved the idea of tariffs.
“This action became necessary because they are found to have toxic waste that causes cancer and other hazards to health,” he said.
The disposal of unwanted electronic appliances has become increasingly regulated in developed countries but in Nigeria and other poor countries waste management is haphazard.
Burning piles of refuse are a common sight by the side of the road in Nigerian cities while huge dumps proliferate in densely populated areas. (Reporting by Felix Onuah; Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Jon Boyle)

Reports by NGO’s, such as the Basel Action Network and Greenpeace, have shown what happens with the streams of Electric and Electronic Equipments being exported from the developed countries to developing countries. Recently also the National Georgraphic published an article about High Tech Trash.

European Enforcement Network IMPEL signs cooperation agreement with the Basel Convention

nancy — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:49:40 +0000

To strengthen the cooperation, IMPEL and the Basel Convention signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the 6th of February in Geneva. The agreement contains a number of activities regarding the enforcement of transboundary movements of waste regulated by the provisions of the Basel C onvention. Besides the exchange of information and best practices, training activities and joint projects are foreseen. One of the priority areas is to join forces related to monitoring and enforcing shipments of WEEE (waste of electrical and electronic equipment) from the European Union to developing countries.

Click here for the press release.

Commission support for ‘greener’ small and medium-sized enterprises

nancy — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:04:41 +0000

The European Commission has developed a programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) to become greener and assist them to comply with the environmental legislation. In general, SME’s find it harder to comply with the existing environmental rules, which can be very complex. A new website has been launched by the Commission, containing helpful information about trainings, toolkits, funding opportunities, networks and case studies.