The transition to a market economy, which is happening in most of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA)  sub-region, presents both a challenge and the opportunity to put in place policies and incentives that would minimize the environmental impact of increased output.

 

Integrating environment in key sectors – energy, agriculture, forestry, extractive industries and transportation - is central to the long-term sustainability of economic development in EECA countries.

 

These are the main messages of two World Bank reports – “Integrating Environment in Key Economic Sectors in Europe and Central Asia”, and “Integrating Environment into Agriculture and Forestry: Progress and Prospects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia” -  prepared as part of its contribution to the “Environment for Europe” conference, to be held in Belgrade, October 10-12, 2007.