Vol 9 No 2 March- 2009 www.delind.ec..eu

Newsletter of the Delegation ofof the European Commissioission toto IndIndiaia Day is Celebrated in New Delhi

The Delhi Chamber Choir sings the Indian and European Anthems

In this issue

Economic and 2 Financial Reforms EU Energy Co-operation 4 with India EU India Research 6 on Climate Change Industry and 7 Climate Change

Economic incentives for he Delegation of the entity of the . Europe Day is 8 Climate Change Tto India celebrated Europe Day with a the occasion for activities and festivities that glittering reception in New Delhi on 9th May. bring Europe closer to its citizens and to its More than 800 guests representing all the partners. Multilingualism 9 different partners and friends of the European On this occasion, the Delhi Chamber Union in New Delhi, Indian officials and Choir, conducted by Gabriella Boda-Rechner Afforestation and Social members of the diplomatic corps attended the sang the Anthems of India and Europe. Development event. In addition to the reception, several 10 On the 9th of , , other events were organised to mark Europe Country Strategy the then French Foreign Minister, presented Day. These included a jazz concert by the 13 Review his proposal on the creation of an organised French band Sangam, co-organised with Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of the Embassy of and the Alliance peaceful relations. This proposal, known as Française; a seminar on "The Challenge of 15 EU Film Festival the "", is considered to be Energy and Climate: The Role of Industry, the beginning of the creation of what is now co-organised with the European Business the European Union. Today, the 9th of May and Technology Centre, a workshop on has become a European symbol (Europe Day) "Market Based Instruments as a Tool for which, along with the flag (12 golden stars on Addressing Climate Change, co-organised a blue background), the anthem (Ode to Joy, with the British High Commission; and written by Freidrich von Schiller in 1785 and an international workshop on "The Future put to music by Ludwig Van Beethoven in the of Water Resources in India Under a final movement of his 9th Symphony in 1823), Changing Climate", which was funded by the the motto (United in Diversity) and the single European Union's 7th Research Framework CURRENCY CONVERSION 1=Rs 64.94 currency (the ), identifies also the political programme. ■ 1=US$ 1.33 Together with Other Major Economic Powers The EU and India Take Action Economic and Financial Reforms to Tackle the World Economic and Financial Crisis

Decisive measures are taken to rectify structural faults in the global economic and financial system and put the world economy back on track.

he London summit of the G-20 (including, They also agreed to implement Tinter alia, the Commission, several EU economic stimulus measures without Member States and India) took place at a time delay by making available an additional when the world confronts the worst economic $1.1 trillion to help the world economy through crisis since the Great Depression. Leaders faced the crisis. Taken together, the global actions to an unprecedented range of challenges – from stimulate the economy represent the most averting an even more severe downturn and comprehensive support programme in restoring growth in the short term, to reshaping modern times. financial architecture, preserving the world The G 20 renewed its pledge to keep trading system, and laying the foundations for a markets open, and called for an urgent sustainable recovery. They rose to the occasion, conclusion of the Doha Round based on and took measures to rebuild the confidence the progress already made. Leaders and credibility needed to put the world economy committed not to resort to protectionism, direct back on track, swiftly, and with unity. or indirect, to save jobs and incomes, and they First, Leaders agreed to do whatever it put in place a transparent monitoring takes to restore confidence, growth, and mechanism. Trade was recognised as an jobs. In order to restore creditworthiness, they important part of the overall solution to the agreed on a list of priorities for dealing with economic crisis and therefore they also agreed impaired assets through a common framework on a finance package worth $250bn. over two of principles which correspond closely with the years to support global trade flows. India and approach agreed at EU level. the EU strongly pledged for such a strong commitment. Europe contributed substantially to the trade finance package. An ambitious plan to reshape global financial regulation has been drawn up. There will now be a better and more credible system of surveillance and regulation to take account of financial risks and prevent excess leveraging, including (for the first time) regulation and oversight of large hedge funds and credit rating agencies. In future, regulations will apply to every bank, everywhere, and at every time. Thus, a first step has been made toward the global regulatory convergence that Europe has long been calling for. Decisive action on offshore tax havens was agreed to ensure a level playing field. The OECD has published a list of countries that have not committed to the

EU-india 2 update Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India Economic and Financial Reforms

international standard of exchange of tax information. The G-20 will monitor progress, and stands ready to deploy sanctions, if needed. The EU Response Leaders took important steps to fund and reform international financial to the Crisis institutions to overcome this crisis and he European Union's priorities in tackling the prevent future ones. They agreed to make an Tcrisis are to protect citizens from the worst effects additional $850 billion in resources available and to save and create jobs; to kick-start sustainable through international financial institutions like the recovery; and to prevent future crises, including by IMF, World Bank, and other multilateral restoring financial stability. To achieve this, a number development banks to meet the needs of of important measures have been taken: emerging markets and developing countries, and speed up reform of international financial 1) In March the endorsed institutions to ensure that national representation the European Economic Recovery Plan is in line with the changing balance of the world proposed by the European Commission economy. All this was very much in line with To boost demand, save jobs and invest in a low- India’s thinking. carbon future, a fiscal effort from EU and national Finally, Leaders committed to an budgets of at least € 500 billion, or 5% of GDP, is inclusive, green, and sustainable recovery. being made to support demand in the EU economy. They reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the The Recovery Plan also ensures that national action Millennium Development Goals and made $50 is taken within a European policy framework. billion available to low income countries, However, EU rules allow state aids to be used where including through the proceeds of agreed IMF necessary to help viable companies through the gold sales; agreed that the IMF would further crisis without damaging others. The European support low income countries; and called on the Commission is also working together with Member UN to establish an effective mechanism to States to apply the Stability and Growth Pact, to monitor the impact of the crisis on the poorest maintain confidence in the euro and ensure that and most vulnerable. Europe has both a route out of recession and a This meeting has shown the relevance route out of debt. of the G-20 Leaders’ process. A global crisis requires global solutions. The collective effort 2) Financial regulation and supervision undertaken in the context of the G-20 is the right The European Commission has just presented to the way to move forward – with large emerging European Council proposals to set up in 2010 a countries such as India and China now fully new European system of financial supervision participating in the steering of the world including pan-European supervisory and crisis economy. prevention authorities. Its proposals on deposit guarantees, credit ratings agencies, capital The EU spoke with one voice in requirements and the insurance industry have been London, based on the approach put adopted by the and Council or forward by the Commission. It took a are near final agreement. leading role in obtaining global agreement on Proposals on hedge funds and private equity will boosting financial regulation, strengthening the rein in destructive speculation based on excessive IMF and other international bodies, helping the leverage and help prevent future crises, while poorest countries and reinforcing the fight maintaining the competitiveness of European against climate change. Key principles of global financial markets and the access of small business to reform of financial markets have been largely the investment they need to create jobs. The based on European thinking and have European Commission also made recommendations contributed to making the London summit a for Member States on directors' and financial market success. The EU under the French Presidency has remuneration. In June it will bring forward further been, from the outset, at the heart of the G20 binding measures to ensure that financial institutions initiative, and it is fully committed to ensuring hold enough capital to cover their risks – including that decisions taken by Leaders are translated risks created by remuneration policies that into action. India and the EU have a lot to do encourage excessive risk taking for short-term together to ensure that this major initiative benefits. ■ delivers concrete results. ■

EU-india Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India 3 update EU Energy Co-operation with India

Scientists to Study Changing Rainfall and Water Availability in the Himalayas Measures for adaptation will also be proposed

Leading European and Indian researchers will map changing rainfall and weather in the sub Himalayan region, and measures for adaptation will also be proposed

HighNoon grew out of the 1st EU-India ~ Strategic Workshop on 'Climate Change Research Needs', organised in New Delhi in February 2007. The EU has earmarked € 3 million for this three-year project which brings together leading research institutions from Europe – Alterra from the Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands, The Met Office and the University of Salford in the UK, The University of Geneva in Switzerland – and he impacts of the retreat of Himalayan The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Tglaciers and the consequences of possible the Indian Institutes of Technology at Delhi changes of the Indian summer monsoon on the & Kharagpur from India. The participation distribution of water resources will be studied of Nagoya University, Japan adds a further by HighNoon, a research project launched international dimension. To launch the project, recently in India. The project will also attempt an interactive seminar on the 'Future of Water to provide recommendations for appropriate Resources in India under a Changing Climate' and efficient adaptation strategies to extreme was organised in New Delhi on 13th and ­­ events of a hydrological nature. Eventually, it 14 May by 'HighNoon' along with another will provide policy makers, water managers EU funded project, WATCH, on Water and and water users in the Ganga river basin with Global Change. The seminar provided a applicable strategies to cope with current and platform for establishing synergies amongst potential future water-related problems. different research projects and initiatives

EU-india 4 update Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India EU Energy Co-operation with India

dealing with the climate change impacts Predicted changes in Indian monsoon: of glacier retreat in India. Speaking on this n Monsoon and glacial melt interact – so occasion the Head of the EU Delegation in there is a need to know how both will India, Ambassador Danièle Smadja remarked change; that “this Seminar and the Project are very n Rainfall simulations for this area are poor topical, as they deal with the subjects of two and contradict each other; These projects are very n There is a lack of verification data. } of the eight national missions drawn up to topical as they deal implement India's National Action Plan on Impacts on the hydrological cycle and Climate Change – The Water Mission and the with the subjects of two water resources: Himalayan Ecosystem Mission.” She expressed n Prediction of the response of river flows of the eight National her confidence that “the results of the Seminar requires the modelling of interacting Missions drawn up and the project would contribute to the debate processes (e.g. timing of snow fall on these two missions”. effecting melt) and needs to include to implement India's Some issues debated during the four science human influences; National Action Plan on sessions of the seminar are briefly summarised n There is a need for a regional approach below. to assess local changes; Climate Change. n While local communities can adapt to ~- Ambassador Glacier and snow melt in the Himalayas: changes more easily it is more difficult for Danièle Smadja larger institutions to respond flexibly. n Temperatures are increasing across Nepal (~0.5 degree per decade), with extremes Water resources: scenarios and increasing even faster. This is leading to adaptation: widespread glacial retreat; n Adaptation measures need to be n Glaciers provide a very useful function in sustainable and thus not contradict smoothing seasonal and inter-annual variations mitigation efforts; in river flows and water availability; n A transdisciplinary approach is required n How glaciers will respond to change will for optimum results; depend on area/mass relationships which n Decision makers need the courage to tell are uncertain. people they need to change. ■

For more information on HighNoon visit www.eu-highnoon.org For more information on WATCH visit www.eu-watch.org To learn more on the activities of the European Commission on environment issues visit http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/environment/index_en.htm To learn more on the research activities of the European Commission on environment-related research visit http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/environment/home_en.html

EU-india Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India 5 update Making Better Use of Reserves Underground Coal Gasification EU India Dialogue on Energy Has Great Potential in India

Turning coal into gas underground makes it easy and efficient to use.

2 day workshop on Underground Coal gas to surface, where it is harnessed to turn AGasification (UCG) was held in New Delhi, turbines or produce chemicals. A power plant India, under the auspices of the EU-India in Uzbekistan has been using the process Working Group on Coal in March 2009. The for nearly 50 years. The practice was largely workshop was co-chaired by Dr Rajiv Sharma, abandoned as increasing reserves of oil and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal and Dr natural gas were discovered, providing a Derek Taylor, Directorate General for Energy cheaper alternative. Now, due to higher oil Due to higher oil and and Transport, European Commission. The and gas prices, underground coal gasification meeting attracted nearly 40 participants from has again become cost-competitive. Major gas prices, underground leading Indian coal and energy companies. advances in the technology, mostly due to the The main aim of the workshop was to coal gasification has horizontal and directional drilling techniques take stock of known factors related to UCG pioneered in the Oil and Gas industry, again become cost in India and share the outcome of research make the practice safe and reliable, and the and development work recently undertaken competitive economics attractive. With dwindling – much of which has answered reserves and security of supply issues, UCG lingering concerns regarding UCG technology. becomes a potentially significant source for the There were presentations by speakers meeting of global energy requirements. from the UK and on UCG including: India has an estimated 467 billion tonnes the history of development; current industry (bt) of possible reserves, nearly 66% is located practices, environmental issues, site selection at depths considered deep to intermediate, criteria, analytical and predictive models; with a high ash content and low grade. economics, and remaining challenges. Underground coal gasification (UCG) is The technical issues addressed included an appropriate technology to access these groundwater contamination, monitoring and unmineable coal seams and extract reserves control of what is happening underground, the economically. amount of gas produced, costs of UCG plants In summary, UCG has several important and infrastructure, and skill requirements. economic and environmental benefits relevant What is Underground Coal Gasification to India’s energy goals: (UCG) n It requires no purchase of surface gasifiers, Nearly 85% of known coal reserves are substantially reducing capital expense unmineable with surface mining techniques. n It requires no ash management, UCG is a method of converting un- n It reduces the cost of pollution management worked coal, while still in the ground, into and emits few black-carbon particulates. n a combustible gas which can be used for It greatly reduces the cost of CO2 industrial heating, power generation or the separation for greenhouse gas manufacture of hydrogen, synthetic natural management, creating the potential for gas or diesel fuel. The basic UCG process, carbon crediting through the Kyoto Clean pioneered in the 1930s has two wells Development Mechanism. drilled into the coal, one for the injection of n It greatly reduces the need to mine and oxidants, and another to bring the product transport coal, since coal is used in-situ. ■

EU-india 6 update Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India Industry and Climate Change

EU-India Dialogue on Energy and Climate Change Industry’s Important Role in Tackling the Challenges of Climate Change and Energy

Industry leaders and experts from the European Union and India meet to evolve strategies for sustainable development

s a part of a series of events to mark conservation, she said “are very important Athis year’s annual celebration of Europe starting points on this journey, even if we hear Day on 9th of May, the European Business more and more that they are relatively short- and Technology Centre (EBTC), established term solutions”. She declared that the EU and by the European Union, organized an European industry were determined to lead interactive seminar on the role of industry in by example, and invited India and Indian addressing the challenges of climate change industry to participate in the journey to a more and energy. The expected adverse impacts sustainable future. from climate change and associated risks Keynote addresses for this seminar were underscore the need to engage the private delivered by Mr Saurabh Kumar, Secretary, sector. Industry needs to take urgent action Bureau of Energy Efficiency, and Mr Jörg Wolff, through investments in clean technology and Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, R&D as well as improved energy efficiency. Paris and its former Resident Representative Businesses have realised that focussing on in India. The panel discussion included Mr environment friendly and innovative energy Saurabh Kumar, Mr Jörg Wolff, Mr Sunil Kant efficient technologies has an enormous Munjal, Chairman, Hero Corporate Services economic impact as well. Huge opportunities Ltd., Mr Mahesh Vipradas, Suzlon Energy, are therefore available for industry to seize in India, Mr Mark Runacres, European Business the years to come. Group, India (EBG). Mr V. Subramanian, In her inaugural address Ambassador Former Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Danièle Smadja remarked that “major Energy, of the Government of India was the efforts at all levels and by all segments Moderator. ■ of society are needed to initiate a new industrial revolution to get to the low-carbon For more details, please visit the EBTC economy”. Energy efficiency and energy website- www.ebtc.eu

EU-india Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India 7 update Climate Change Economic incentives for The EU Shares its Experiences Climate Change in the Use of Market Mechanisms to Reduce Carbon Emissions

India and the EU share experiences in emissions trading .

The EU Emissions } workshop on Market based Mechanisms Speaking at the workshop, UK Deputy Trading Scheme is a Aas a Tool to Address Climate Change: High Commissioner Mr. Creon Butler success story, with a Lessons Learned and Prospects for the Future remarked that “if we can get the design right, trading can deliver on multiple benefits – 99% compliance rate was held in New Delhi on the 11th and 12th of May, 2009. It was organised jointly by notably securing defined objectives at least and a market value of the EU Delegation in India and the UK High cost and, allowing business flexibility over credits traded in the Commission. The workshop forms part of the investment decisions, and providing price EU-India Joint Work Programme on Energy, transparency”. He went on to say that, starting range of 40-50 billion Clean Development and Climate Change in April 2010, the UK would have a new Euro in 2008. which was agreed at the EU-India Summit last auction-based UK emissions trading scheme ~- Ambassador September in Marseille. The Government of – the Carbon Reduction Commitment – which would be “a world first in targeting, on a Danièle Smadja India was represented by Mr. J.M. Mauskar, mandatory basis, energy use emissions from Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment around 5,000 large commercial and public and Forests and Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director sector organizations – like banks, telecoms General of the Bureau for Energy Efficiency. firms, airports, water companies, hotel chains, Participants from the European Commission local authorities, hospitals and Government included Mr Stefan Agne, Mr. Damien departments”. Meadows and Mr. Julio Cardoso. India is an important player in CDM Inaugurating the workshop, Head of the trading with nearly 400 projects registered EU Delegation in India Ambassador Danièle by the CDM Executive Board, and a further Smadja said that “market based mechanisms 700 in the pipeline. The scheme nevertheless are important for the ambitious EU energy- needs improvements since it has been climate policy which was adopted in December associated with high transaction costs (which 2008. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme – an make it uneconomical for small projects), example of such an instrument - is a success and for its negligible impact on the transfer story with a 99% compliance rate and a market of technologies. The EU believes that sector- value of credits traded in the range of 40-50 specific approaches should supplement more billion Euro in 2008”. general schemes for greater impact. ■

EU-india 8 update Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India Multilingualism

Multilingualism and Cultural Dialogue in Globalisation The EU and India, Both With Twenty-three Official Languages, Sign Joint Declaration on Multilingualism

Europe and India will share experiences on living with many languages and diverse cultures.

n the 6th of March, 2009 Mr Leonard OOrban, Member of the European India's experience in Commission, signed a Joint Declaration on } coping with linguistic multilingualism with the Government of India, represented by the Hon. Minister of State Smt. diversity is unique in the D. Purandeshwari. With this Declaration the world and I believe that European Commission and the Government of India aim to reinforce their cooperation and the EU and India can dialogue on key issues, including linguistic learn from each other in diversity and intercultural dialogue; the impact of languages on employability, business this area. Minister of State Mrs Purandeswari and Commissioner Leonard Orban sign competitiveness and social cohesion; lifelong the Declaration on Multilingualism in Brussels ~- Commissioner language learning; new technologies for Leonard Orban Dialogue in Globalisation" which took place language learning; and terminology. in New Delhi, India, in the context of the 2008 "India's experience in coping with linguistic European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. diversity is unique in the world and I believe With a population of approximately 1.1 that the EU and India can learn from each billion people, India represents a unique other in this area" said Mr. Orban, European example of ethnic, socio-cultural and religious Commissioner for Multilingualism. Minister diversity that brings with it a very rich linguistic Purandeshwari said India "is essentially a diversity. According to the 2001 Census Report, multilingual country, where linguistic diversity there are 29 languages spoken by more than is a part of our historical and cultural heritage, a million native speakers, 122 languages with and an integral feature of its nation-building at least 10,000 speakers and another 234 philosophy." languages spoken by a smaller number. India This Joint Declaration is a follow-up to the has 22 official regional languages, and the EU-India Summit in Marseille on 29 September EU has 23 official languages making for a rich 2008, where EU and Indian leaders committed linguistic diversity and contributing to a great themselves to developing a dialogue on the similarity in the linguistic landscape.' promotion of languages, intercultural dialogue This is also why the European Union and multilingualism. considers India a privileged interlocutor for A first step towards this dialogue was Europe in the field of multilingualism. This Joint achieved in December 2008 with the Declaration makes provision for regular debate conference on "Multilingualism and Cultural and exchange of good practices. ■

EU-india Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India 9 update Haryana Community Forestry Project The first Small Scale Afforestation and Social Development Afforestation CDM Project in the World

An EU-supported Community Forestry project changes the arid landscape of western Haryana, and brings social change as well to 337 villages.

n afforestation area of 370 hectares of Asand dune land belonging to 227 farmers in eight villages of Sirsa district in Haryana has been approved for a carbon trading project under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) on March 23, 2009.

Background The CDM project is an offshoot of the nine- year long Haryana Community Forestry Project by the European Union. The western part of this state, bordering the Rajasthan desert, is semi- central plains the soils are affected by salinity, arid and largely covered by sand dunes. In the alkalinity and water logging. A significant portion of community land in the entire state is degraded due to population pressure, over- cutting and over-grazing of vegetation. To restore such degraded lands the EU allocated a grant of 23.3 million Euro in 1995 for the implementation of a community-based “Haryana Community Forestry Project” (HCFP) with supporting technical assistance. This was matched by a Government of Haryana contribution of 6.8 million Euro. The overall objective of the project was to develop a process for sustainable management of natural resources through the active participation of village communities in eleven districts of Haryana.

Innovative methods used A participatory approach to community forestry has been used, from village entry to project exit. The role of Forest Guards has been

EU-india 10 update Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India Afforestation and Social Development

changed from protecting forests against the to sand dunes, nearly 33,000 hectares have people to working as service providers, thereby been planted with trees. Tree cover on common fostering a sense of people’s ownership of land has increased from 9% to 30-34%, with forest resources. Local “Link Workers”, one survival rates of 80% and above. Access to fuel male and one female in each project village, wood from both common and private land has have been deployed to serve as a link between increased substantially for all economic groups. the project and the village community. Full Stabilisation of shifting sand dunes through transparency has been promoted through tree plantation has substantially reduced the display of all physical and financial project occurrence of dust storms and loss of crop land. Afforestation has reclaimed degraded river banks by narrowing water courses and enriching soil from leaf litter. Nineteen earthen water harvesting dams have been constructed and 28 derelict Women have been village ponds rehabilitated. The dams have dramatically increased the potential for involved in community sustainable agriculture by providing year- forestry through round irrigation and allowing a shift to more profitable off-season crops. At the same time, Self-Help Groups; and they have stabilised the ecology of catchment there is a minimum areas and improved the water regime. Four and a half million paid workdays have been one-third representation financed by EU funds to raise and maintain of women in Village project plantations and construct water Resource Management harvesting structures. Around 670 “Link Workers” have been deployed for a period of Committees. up to 8 years, half of them women and the Vermi-composting and others unemployed village youth. inputs on village monitoring boards, involving 180 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been organic farming in villagers in all village monitoring exercises and formed and trained in 101 villages. Poor record keeping and through a comprehensive Haryana have been women have substantially increased their web site. Women have been involved income through micro-enterprises financed introduced through in community forestry through Self-Help from inter-lending of group savings in Groups; and there is a minimum one-third Womens' Self-Help SHGs, helping them clear indebtedness to representation of women in Village Resource moneylenders. These women are also involved Groups. Management Committees. Vermi-composting in action on social and community issues, like and organic farming in Haryana have been health and sanitation, support to widows and introduced through the Self-Help Groups. handicapped persons, access to drinking water, improvement of mid-day school meals and The project has transformed an entire the quality of school teaching, actions against region the sale and consumption of alcohol, and The project reaches out to 337 villages with campaigns against girl foeticide. Thirty-three a total population of around 700,000 - more women from SHGs and VRMCs have been than 110,000 households. Village Resource elected Sarpanch or Panch after they gained Management Committees (VRMCs) have been competence and confidence through the village constituted and trained in all these villages, institutions developed. operating as sub-committees of the village Approximately 8,400 energy-efficient Panchayat with the responsibility of managing smokeless cooking stoves have been provided natural common property resources. From by the project, two thirds of them being used village woodlots, farms and kitchen gardens daily as verified by surveys undertaken every EU-india Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India 11 update Afforestation and Social Development

year. Studies have established that each stove activities like vermi-composting and dairying, saves up to one tonne of fuel wood per year. with no market constraints, have provided a Moreover, the incidence of lung obstruction sustainable income source for SHG women. and eye problems amongst women has come Revenue from the eventual harvest of village down by 35-40% after only six months’ use of woodlots at maturity may come to around Rs. the smokeless stoves. This is actually a major 2000 million, which is 6½ times more than all the achievement since indoor air pollution from costs of raising and maintaining these plantations. cooking stoves claims 500,000 lives each year The project has lobbied for a part of the sales in India, most of them women and children. proceeds of mature plantations on Panchayat land to be ploughed back for replanting, and the Sustainability Government of Haryana has decided that 25% Since all sections of society – those owning of sales proceeds will be used for replanting. land as well as disadvantaged groups like Plantations raised by the project will, therefore, Scheduled Castes, landless and women remain under forest cover. – benefit from the project, a sense of Interestingly, village communities perceive togetherness and brotherhood between that the main contributions of the project different groups has developed. Increased have been: reducing fodder problems (55%); knowledge and awareness in the village tackling common land encroachment (39%); communities has equipped them to undertake solving grazing problems (33%); tackling water self-directed community development. Self- problems (30%); and solving village disputes Help Groups have organised themselves into (21%). With these achievements to its credit, 13 Cluster Associations and a Federation, the project serves as a role model in the design and registered themselves as societies under of other externally funded projects and state- the Societies Act, with the ability to carry SHG sponsored afforestation programmes in the initiatives forward on their own. Land based future. ■

EU-india 12 update Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India Country Strategy Review

two-day civil society consultation on the EU Astrategy for development cooperation with India was held on the 26th and 27th of March 2009, gathering some 75 representatives from around 66 non governmental organizations from all over the country. This consultation, chaired by H.E.Mrs.Danièle Smadja, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to India, was the occasion for the EU to listen to civil society views and receive suggestions on the scope and methodology of future EU cooperation. The meeting was held in the context of the

Mid-term Review Civil Society Organizations Support the EU’s Development Strategy for India

Mid Term Review of the EU Country Strategy reform policies through dialogue at official The session on natural document (2007-13) whose main objectives and expert level on economic, civil society and are to help India meet the Millenium culture, and academic areas of mutual interest. resources and disaster Development Goals and to implement the Governance has a ubiquitous role in service preparedness recommended wide-ranging EU-India Partnership through the delivery, and plays a cross-cutting role in the that success stories of instrument of a Joint Action Plan. Action Plan. The EU’s strategy for India is backed by The 2-day consultation was articulated innovative and cost-effective a grant envelope of € 260 million for the around a series of sessions on the social projects implemented by period 2007-10, of which 70% goes to the sectors including health, education and social sector, and supports the Government's training, human rights, gender and local civil society be brought centrally sponsored schemes in Health and governance in the one hand; and on to the notice of policy Education - the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the sustainable economic growth, environment and National Rural Heath Mission/Reproductive climate change, natural resources and disaster makers so that they could and Child Health Programme. Programmes preparedness on the other. Three thematic be replicated in large scale in these two sectors focus on best practices sessions were organised to focus respectively public programmes. in good governance, decentralised decision- on education, health, human rights, gender making for development, improved service and local governance in the first group, and on delivery to address poverty, gender issues, environment/climate change, natural resources institutional reforms and improved public sector and disaster preparedness, and sustainable management. The remaining 30% has been economic growth in the second group. allocated to activities under the Joint Action In the opening session, recalling the EU- Plan which supports India’s pro-poor sector India Strategic Partnership and the key results

EU-india Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India 13 update of the 2008 Summit in Marseille, Ambassador and local governance were perceived as Smadja highlighted the role of civil society cross-cutting issues that could be tackled as implementing partners in our on-going through engagement in the social sectors. strategy and emphasised the “listening mode” In the discussion of present and potential Country of such consultations. The objective of the Mid interventions in environment, energy and Strategy Review Term Review, she observed, was to verify if the climate change, a wide range of issues was strategy was up to date with developments in discussed, including climate change mitigation India; take into account and implement new and adaptation, promoting sustainable EU-India political initiatives and commitments; livelihoods, agriculture, rural development, assess and performance of what we have been water resources management, small scale doing and draw lessons; and improve the industries in the most polluting sectors, quality of the strategy document. sustainable consumption of environment- friendly products, and food safety and related The Feedback from Civil Society sectors (such as biodiversity and bio-security). It In the area of education, participants wanted was also suggested that the EU should support the EU to continue its support. They suggested work at State and regional level in the poorest that education should be seen as a continuum, regions and tribal areas. from elementary to higher education. They The session on natural resources and strongly recommended vocational training (VT) disaster preparedness recommended that as an additional area of intervention. Similarly, success stories of innovative and cost-effective the meeting gave unanimous approval projects implemented by civil society be to sector support for the health sector brought to the notice of policy makers so that programme on maternal and child heath and they could be replicated in large scale public nutrition, but recommended that TB, malaria programmes. and HIV/AIDS should not be neglected. They The discussion on sustainable economic saw a vital role for civil society in the planning, growth, provided an opportunity to inform implementation, management and monitoring participants about the Joint Action Plan; the of Government schemes. In the area of successful completion of the trade-related human rights, recommendations included capacity building project (Trade and Investment the strengthening of statutory human rights Development Programme) and its follow-up organisations in India. Social exclusion and with the CITP (Capacity Building Initiative for caste-base discrimination were also noted as Trade Development) from 2010. The European areas where to EU should be active. Gender Business and Technology Centre, which was set up last year to promote links between Europe and India in the areas of energy, transport, environment and biotechnology, also presented its programme.

The EU’s work in India is validated It would appear from these consultations that non-governmental organisations, which are often closest to developments at the grass- root level, broadly support the EU's current strategy which focuses on the social sectors (health and education) on the one hand, and implementation of the Joint Action Plan on the other. ■

EU-india 14 update Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India EU Film Festival

European Film Festival 2009 Showcasing European Cultural Diversity

The European Union Film Festival brings the rich diversity of modern European cinema to 6 cities in India.

uropean Member States held the 14th EEU Film Festival in India from March 5 to April 22, beginning at the Siri Fort in New Delhi. A very diverse package of 19 films was broadcast in the following 6 cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune Chennai, Jamshedpur and Calicut. The films were chosen for their broad range of subjects and portrayed emotions that may be aptly seen as a reflection of the diversity of the Member States from which they originate. From the experiences of a retired man who falls in love with his new housekeeper, to the identity struggle of a female Turkish immigrant and passionate kung fu fighter, from a brutal tale of justice and revenge, to a story about a magic

The Danish film "Fighter" portrayed an immigrant girl's struggle with the fact In the Portuguese film "Julgamento", the concepts of justice and revenge begin that the rules of life are not as simple as the rules of kung fu to mix dangerously in a private trial with irreversible consequences

EU-india Newsletter of the Delegation of the European Commission to India 15 update forest and the idea that miracles can EU happen to everyone, the EU Film Festival Film Festival has provided many a viewpoint from the diverse cultures of the European Union. This festive occasion was also an opportunity for all the different missions of the EU in India to come together to present a common cultural European event. The Festival was widely acclaimed by the Indian media at a press conference held before the festival launch which over The Slovenian film "Teah" shows how fiction and reality are inseparable in a magic forest 50 journalists attended. The Festival came to be thanks to the generous support of the Directorate of Film Festivals, New Delhi; Fun Cinemas, Mumbai; the National Film Archive of India, Pune; Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and the Corporation of Kozhikode (Calicut); ICA Foundation, Chennai and Kalamandir, Jamshedpur. To present the 14th EU Film Festival in India, Mr. Carlos Bermejo Acosta, Acting Head of Delegation, Dr. E.N. Sajith, Director of the Directorate of Film Festivals and H.E. Hynek Kmonicek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India, presided over a joint press conference on March 4 at the Press and Information Bureau. They also lit the ceremonial lamp at the inaugural ceremony.

EU-India Calendar of Events – 2009 Date Event Place June-July Media Seminars on the EU and Climate Change Hyderabad, Delhi 1 July Sweden takes over the presidency of the Council September EU-India Macroeconomic Dialogue New Delhi 22-23 September Seminar on International Cooperation in Times of Global Crisis: New Delhi views from G20 countries: ICRIER New Delhi, CEPII (Paris) and Bruegel (Brussels) supported by European Union October 4th EU-India Environment Forum Ahmedabad October 6th meeting of the EU-India Joint Working Group on Environment Brussels November EU-India Summit New Delhi 10 November European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) - India Forum New Delhi

Published by Ambassador Danièle Smadja, Head of Delegation EU-india Delegation of the European Commission in India 65 Golf Links, New DelhiNewsletter 110 003; Telephone: + 91 11 24629237, of43674367; the Fax: 24629206 Delegation of the European Commission to India 16 update E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.delind.ec.europa.eu