The research was carried out between October 1996 and April 1997. In all the surveyed countries, severe environmental damage has been sustained. The development of heavy industry and an energy sector based mainly on coal are among the key causes of pollution. Although there has been a decline in manufacturing activities and a corresponding reduction in environmental pollution, environmental degradation still continues. While air pollution and poor drinking water quality are the most frequently cited environmental problems, management of wastewater and solid waste, pollution from the transport sector, and environmental degradation related to the energy sector also represent major challenges.
Environmental pollution is particularly heavy in industrialized areas.
In practically all the surveyed countries, the two major environmental priorities set by the government are air pollution control and the protection of water resources and drinking water quality improvement. As regards the protection of water resources, the primary goals are to increase the percentage of the population connected to sewage disposal facilities, increase the proportion of wastewater treated by biological processes, and to provide treatment of wastewater from industrial sources. In the near future, air pollution control will continue to be a major priority area, although there is expected to be a gradual shift in focus towards small and medium-sized air pollution sources. Air pollution from traffic will grow in importance, and in general, environmental impacts of the transport sector are expected to be more vigorously addressed. Water management, particularly wastewater treatment, are likely to remain priority areas.