In the new MEDA, decentralised cooperation through the MED Programmes should aim to promote the participation and the emergence of civil society in Partner Countries, therefore promoting democracy. WWF considers that it is of outmost importance that the MED Programmes remain an integral part of MEDA and become operational as soon as possible with reviewed management mechanisms, objectives and targets. They should involve groups clearly independent of local governments and benefit target groups within civil society, such as local communities and NGOs. To that end, a MED-Associations programme should be created. The New Regulation should specify that a proportion of the technical assistance provisions available for Partner countries should be set aside for programmes aimed at increasing awareness of sustainable development .
Sustainable development requires new skills and competencies.
It also requires a knowledge that is not widespread. To improve the past situation, training activities funded by MEDA should also be available now to civil society to allow their full participation and involvement. Full access to information is a crucial precondition for partnership, participation and democracy. More active dissemination of information is needed as well as better availability of National Indicative Programmes, NIPs, and Regional Indicative Programmes, RIPs. Explicit references should be included to the development of procedures for effective stakeholder participation and easier public access to environmental information.