Based on high demand for its continuation and very positive reviews, the Seminar Series on Partnerships for Sustainable Development in the Black Sea Region will be bringing together stakeholders from Black Sea Coastal Countries again, in its third year. As always, there will be one week in Istanbul and one week in Venice, two cities adored by their cultural diversity, historic richness and magnificent yet challenging waterways.

The Seminar Series, developed by the Regional Environmental Center (REC) and carried out with the partnership of Venice International University, Istanbul Bilgi University and Agroinnova - University of Turin, is based on the needs of civil servants.

Donor

The program is funded by Italian Ministry for Environment, Land and Sea. And the secretariat of the Seminar Series is currently at the REC Country Office Turkey.

Why become a participant?

Participants will acquire a deeper knowledge on current sustainable development issues and its practical contexts relevant for the Black Sea Region. This knowledge will enable them to integrate the key concerns of sustainable development into their own specific areas of work and expertise. It will facilitate compliance to various international conventions adopted in each individual country of the Black Sea, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. It is widely acknowledged, especially after the Climate Summit in Copenhagen in 2009, that climate change is no longer perceived as an issue for only environmental managers. It involves all sectors of society. All different government agencies will have a mandate on climate change, be it mitigation or adaptation. Certainly, in an era where we need to address whether the shift to a low carbon economy is possible or not, it is critical to have an understanding of the basics. And, just as important, it is essential to have a strong network.

Target group and eligible countries

The main target group of the seminar is mid-to-high level civil servants of central governments from Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Ukraine, the Russian Federation and Turkey.

Participants representing local authorities and private sector organizations (such as chambers and professional associations) from the Black Sea Coastal Countries are also encouraged to apply.

Scope of the seminar

In addition to general issues of sustainable development and its interlinks with issues such as EU Dimensions, Governance, Health and Economics, the Istanbul session will focus on climate change and adaptation measures.

Lectures will be given by very experienced and knowledgeable instructors and world leaders in their respective fields. There will also be very interesting site visits and study tours in Istanbul and Venice where participants will get hands-on experience and the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences.

The programme also has very interesting and thought-provoking simulations and role playing to encourage participation and the use of our imagination.

Cultural activities

Participants will enjoy the multi-cultural environments they will visit, the many receptions, luncheons, dinners and side events they will participate at while establishing partnerships with each other and with many stakeholders they meet.

Dates and venues

20 - 27 June, 2010, Istanbul - TURKEY 26 September - 3 October, 2010, Venice - ITALY

Training fee and costs

The total fee is 3500 euros. This price includes the lectures and accommodation both in Istanbul and in Venice. It excludes travel costs.

Full or partial scholarships will be available to participants. A full scholarship is provided primarily to government employees and includes all costs (lectures, travel costs, accommodation and meals - excluding dinner unless otherwise stated in the agenda).

Application

The application procedure and forms are available at www.sustainabilityseminars.info All candidates nominated by their institutions will be selected by an Evaluation Committee and only the shortlisted will be announced.

The deadline for the application of 2010 seminar is April 30th.