Regional Environmental Centre Moldova
Charter
PREAMBLE
1. LEGAL STATUS OF THE REC MOLDOVA
1.1 Purpose
The Signatories confirm that the REC Moldova is a Moldovan legal entity, governed by Moldovan law as an independent, nonprofit and nonpolitical organization of international character.
The Signatories confirm that the mission of the REC Moldova is to assist in the solving of environmental problems in Moldova and in neighboring countries through the promotion of co-operation at both a national and regional level among NGOs, governments, business, local communities, and all other environmental stakeholders, in order to develop a free exchange of information; offer assistance to all environmental NGOs and other stakeholders; and increase public participation in the decision-making process, thereby assisting Moldova and the region in the further development of a democratic civil society.
1.2 Co-operation with other Regional Environmental Centers
The REC Moldova agrees to co-operate whenever possible with the other Regional Environmental Centers and with any other RECs which may be established, in the solving of trans-boundary and regional environmental problems.
1.3 Activities
The REC Moldova shall:
- assist in the exchange and dissemination of information on issues of environment and sustainable development;
- provide access to national and international databases making use of already existing structures and facilities; produce newsletters and other publications ;
- provide support for education, training and capacity building
- provide support wherever possible for initiatives aimed at increasing environmental awareness;
- establish a grants programme which maintains a balance between small and large grants and participate with other RECs in developing a grants scheme for regional and trans-border projects;
- promote public participation in the decision making processes of society which relate to the environment;
- provide a forum for discussion of environmental issues; policy analysis relating to environmental issues, sustainable development and interaction between governments, NGOs and other stakeholders;
- provide a framework for regional co-operation at a governmental and non-governmental level;
- provide a link with the business community and industry on environmental issues.
The responsibilities of the Board of Directors shall include the following:
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to make broad policy decisions for the REC Moldova;
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to establish the Organizational and Operational Regulations for the Centre and oversee the implementation of these regulations;
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to oversee the financial management of the REC Moldova and its activities;
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to approve in writing the annual budget and work plan of REC Moldova;
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to appoint the Executive Director;
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to develop an organizational structure and staffing procedures for the Centre;
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to approve a grants programme, and appoint an independent grants committee which has open and transparent procedures;
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to play an active role in fund raising;
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to provide the Advisory Council with information to enable it to review and assess the REC's activities;
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to represent the REC Moldova nationally, regionally and internationally.
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the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director shall represent the REC Moldova on the International Co-ordinating Committee (ICC).
In addition, the President of the Advisory Council and the Executive Director shall participate ex officio in the meetings of the Board. Neither shall be entitled to vote at Board Meetings.
The Chairman may by decision of the Board invite distinguished individuals considered essential to the Board's work, to participate in any or all of the Board Meetings. Such invitees are not allowed to participate in the decision making process or entitled to vote.
a) Government (one/two);
b) Private sector/academic institutions (one);
c) Non-governmental organisations (three/four);
d) Bilateral and multilateral sponsors (two).
The Advisory Council may make recommendations to the Board for members representing categories (b) and (c). Nominations may also be made by the NGO community for members representing categories (b) and (c).
Seats on the Board of Directors shall not be assigned to, nor do they represent any particular sponsor, organisation, or non-governmental organisation.
The initial Board members shall be appointed by the Signatories.
In order to ensure continuity in the early years, a rotation system shall apply. The initial Board shall remain in office until the end of the second year, then two members of the Board, one NGO and one government member, shall be replaced or re-appointed for three years. At the end of the third year, one NGO and one sponsor member shall be replaced or re-appointed for three years. At the end of the fourth year, the remaining three or five members of the initial Board shall be replaced or re- appointed.
If a member is unable to serve out his or her term, the Board shall nominate a new member to complete the remainder of that term, following the procedure for appointing new members. If a member fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the Board, then the Board shall propose a replacement for approval by the Board.
Additional meetings shall be convened at the request of the Chairman of the Board. Its operational languages shall be English and Romanian in order to provide wider international transparency.
The vote of the majority of members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute the action of the Board. Each member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members of the Board. The Chairman's vote shall be the deciding vote in the case of an equal split of the vote.
The Executive Director and the President of the Advisory Council shall not be entitled to vote.
In addition the Advisory Council may at the request of the Board of Directors, support the REC Moldova through such activities as fund raising, public relations, technical assistance and policy recommendations.
The President of the Advisory Council may, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Directors, establish advisory committees from among the members of the Advisory Council. The Chairman of the Board and the President of the Advisory Council shall establish procedures to facilitate co-operation between these two bodies.
b) six to ten (6/10) representatives from the non-governmental organisations (NGO) community; (not to exceed 40% of the total number of Council members on the Council at any time )
c) three or four (3/4) representatives of the sponsor countries and organisations;
d) (not to exceed 10% of the total number of Council members on the Council at any time)
e) four to seven (4/7) independent members, from the academic and business community or individuals selected for the knowledge and experience he or she might bring to the business of the Centre (not to exceed 20% of the total number of Council members on the Council at any time)
Once a President of the Advisory Council is elected then, he or she shall with the Executive Director consider all nominations when identifying future members of the Advisory Council. Sponsor countries and organisations shall inform the Advisory Council President of their nominations for appointment to the Advisory Council.
To ensure continuity, the members of the Advisory Council shall retire by rotation under a system established by the President, at the first meeting of the Advisory Council.
Any rotation system adopted by the Advisory Council shall ensure that a balance is maintained at all times between the number of government and non-government representatives.
The appointment of the Executive Director shall be for a term of three years, with an initial trial period of six months, and renewable once by mutual agreement with the Board.
If it is discovered that a conflict existed and was not declared prior to an action by any of these bodies then the decision will be void and shall be reconsidered without the participation of the member in conflict.
The Board shall appoint an independent auditor to conduct annual financial audits of the REC Moldova. Additional audits may be authorised by the Board.
Moldova