The SEENET programme, which is due to end in November 2007, facilitates the implementation of the Pan-European Ecological Network (PEEN) in the South-East European and Black Sea Region. The third and final Focus Group meeting was held on 25 and 26 September 2007 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The main aim of the meeting was to present to the Focus Group members the achievements of the programme so far, to brainstorm about the possible follow-up actions, second generation SEENET ideas, and to evaluate the programme's elements.

In the past two years the SEENET programme has developed an extensive network of experts and knowledge of ongoing activities in the field of ecological networks in the region covered by the programme. A clearing-house mechanism was set up to distribute information and serve as a doorway to the world of ecological networks. The management team was proud to present the SEENET website, which received 5,000 visitors from the region, to the Focus Group and the results were warmly welcomed. 

The programme has provided many opportunities for different stakeholder groups to participate in national or international fora, events, training and seminars organized in the region or in EU bodies and institutions where experts were able to represent their region. The Focus Group evaluated two training seminars organized by the SEENET programme: on spatial planning and ecological networks, in October 2006, and on financing ecological networks, in April 2007. The programme also financed and co-organized nine national or transboundary meetings on ecological network related issues.

Communication materials were also developed on PEEN, and stakeholder involvement in ecological networks, and sectoral brochures were published on ecological networks and forestry, water management, agriculture and road infrastructure.

The SEENET programme served as a messenger from the region to the international policy community and represented the region at several fora, e.g. PEEN Committee of Experts, EU Habitat Forum, PEBLDS Council, PEBLDS Bureau, Environment for Europe Conference, and CEMAT.

The Focus Group was very satisfied with the results of the SEENET programme.

Please visit the SEENET website for information, seminar outcomes, training materials and promotional and communication materials: www.seenet.info

The SEENET programme is funded by the BBI Matra fund of the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.