Objectives

Reinforcement of the interfaces between the Centre and the wider scientific and non-scientific community at national, regional and European levels through:

• Improving the dissemination of information and results;
• Developing the existing and establishing new contacts with MS, ACCs and national centres having similar scientific interests;
• Linking to EU projects and networks on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning;
• Improving the responses of the Centre to the socio-economic needs and challenges in the country for the sustainable management of the environment;
• Outlining the future scientific policy and vision of the Centre.

Description of work

• Launching and maintaining of website of the Centre for information exchange.

  We propose this tool as increasingly electronic/digital data packager as being used nationally and internationally at the micro and macro interface environment. The website will be the most important instrument used for the promotion of the project activities and events, the dissemination of scientific results, and management.

• Preparation of materials for dissemination of gained knowledge to different target groups
  • Bilingual brochure outlining the Centre's structure and activities to the broader public;
  • Poster materials for exhibitions and seminars (World biodiversity day, Wetlands day; Earth’s day, Open-days, etc.);
  • Multimedia presentations (environmental documentaries) aimed to stimulate the public interest in environmental issues;
  • Annual report of the Centre, which will be addressed not only to relevant research organisations but also to policy-makers, stakeholders, NGOs and end-users;
• Visits

  The aim of the proposed visits is to improve linkage to EU projects and networks on biodiversity and ecosystem research.

  • EU experts visits (incl. co-ordinators and workpackage leaders of FP6 projects) for planning future joint activities (3 × up to 1 week);
  • Study visits of researchers from the Centre to EU institutions for preparing co-operative activities and/or project proposals in the priority area (SUSDEV 3.3) (2 × up to 1 week).
• Organisation of events
  • Organising Open-days - Local Biodiversity days.

    The team will organise two one-day events. This activity will help to raise the public awareness in the country (schools and college sector, universities, NGOs, etc.) on the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem research application. The expected number of visitors is up to 100 per open day.

  • Organisation of a Conference “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research: a Scientific Basis for Sustainable Management of the Environment”.

    In order to create a platform for interaction between scientists and the socio-economic environment, a 5-days international conference will be organized (approx. 100 participants). Guests from the neighboring and other countries will be invited.

  • Post-conference Forum for outlining the Future Scientific Policy Strategy (FSPS) of the Centre in relation to national priorities and European research integrity.

Deliverables

• D11. Website of the Centre - 2nd month;
• D12. Printed and demonstration materials (brochures (1000), posters (30), multimedia - 300 CDs) - 6th month;
• D13. Annual reports of the Centre - 13th and 24th month;
• D14. Minutes of the Open-days - 9th and 21st month;
• D15. Conference programme - 14th month;
• D16. Proceedings of Conference - 20th month;
• D17. Elaborated FSP Strategy of the Centre - 21st month.

Milestones

• M8. M9. Meetings for visit schedule approval and update - 3rd and 12th month;
• M10. International Conference and FSP Strategy Forum - 20th month;

Expected results

• Increased networking and socio-economic integration. Improved capability of the Centre for participation in national and FP6 partnership proposals.