Your "RIGHT TO KNOW":

Anyone can obtain free copies of environmental policy guidelines from the European Bank For Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The EBRD was created by western countries to assist in the reconstruction of countries with a Soviet history, in other words to act like the World Bank but with a more regional focus. Since it is a major investment and lending institution in the region, EBRD policies will become more and more influential.

We recommend the following free publications for any NGO or local government dealing with any western investment organizations, private or governmental. They are essential for any NGO or local government involved with an EBRD financed project. Many of the EBRD's free environmental publications are available in Russian, French, and German as well as English.

1. Environments in Transition: The Environmental Bulletin of the EBRD This new publication of the EBRD is designed to be a twice yearly publication outlining the bank's environmental funding activities. The eighteen-page Winter 1993 publication contains several useful articles. We found the EBRD effort to renew their commitment to public participation to be a hopeful sign of change in the institution (see article entitled "Public Participation, the EBRD Approach"). The possibility of change in the EBRD will increase if NGOs know exactly what the bank has promised. Write and ask for this edition of the bulletin and ask to be put on the mailing list for future bulletins.
2. Environmental Management: The Bank's Policy Approach This document outlines the EBRD's policies and procedures for insuring that investment projects are reviewed and evaluated properly for their environmental impacts. The Bank's written policy and detailed procedures on public participation are included. It is available in Russian as well as in German, French, and English.
3. Environmental Procedures This describes the Bank's environmental review process for investments. It is available in English only.

To order EBRD environmental publications, write:
The European Bank's Documentalist - EBRD
One Exchange Square
London EC2A 2EH United Kingdom
(or fax : 44 71 338 6541)

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