Several groups of industrial companies have adopted responsible care programmes. There is also emphasis on capacity building, interdepartmental co-operation, integrated approaches to problem solving, and compliance and enforcement of environmental legislation. Proper enforcement of existing legislation and standards and of appropriate economic instruments also constitutes a major obstacle to environmental improvement. Box 3.12 describes a modelling exercise on the impact of introducing cleaner production technologies on atmospheric pollutant levels in the CEE region. Comprehensive Environmental Funds have become an increasingly important interim means of financing environmental expenditures in many CEE countries.
Environmental funds derive revenues mainly from pollution charges and taxes.
These are set aside for environmental purposes only and cannot be used for the general Government budget. This contrasts strongly with the situation in the former Soviet Union, where, in terms of per capita gross domestic product, only negligible amounts are being spent on the environment. National State of the Environment reporting is done throughout the region, often on a regular basis. Environmental Management in Germany Since Reunification German unity represented an unprecedented challenge for environmental management in Germany. In particular, a host of emergency measures have helped protect the people living in the most affected areas from immediate health hazards.