23 February 2006
by Andrea Merla

We at the GEF Secretariat are following with interest your initiative, which is proving very helpful to inform our action on transboundary waters in SEE. We are in the process of initiating a new major effort in the Mediterranean (the Startegic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem - see concept in GEF pipeline or project database at www.thegef.org), which would involve amongst others projects in selected basins draining to the sea, and coastal aquifers. This in addition to the numerous projects already ongoing as part of the Danube - Black Sea Partnership, and the three Balkan Lakes projects (Ohrid, Prespa, Skoder). GWPMed will be involved, as well as the World Bank, UNESCO IHP and many others. Your dialogue will certainly influence GEF strategies in your region, and we look forward to further interventions.