Rural Development, Natural Resources and the Environment Lessons of Experience in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

This collection of notes covers some of the World Bank analytical and advisory activities and projects in rural development, natural resources, management, and environmental management in Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and Turkey. Each of the notes synthesises interviews with task teams and sector managers, bank reports, and other project documents. These observations from the field and lessons from experience are documented to inform future development projects and activities in these sectors confronting similar issues. The activities discussed in rural development span the areas of agricultural research, agricultural trade policy, European Union integration, land reform and privatization, and rural finance. The topics in natural resources management and the environment include biodiversity protection and conservation, compliance with future environmental regulations, environmental health, forestry, pollution management, and river basin and watershed management. Some common themes are the importance of institutional strengthening, client commitment, and community participation in project design and implementation.