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With the
definition of the UN Millennium Development Goals it is finally
recognized that sustainable development ultimately depends on
the appropriate integration of economic, ecological, and social
factors in development planning and practice. GITEC's Department
of Economic and Ecological Development assumes a coordinating
role in integrating multidisciplinary expertise required for
preparation and implementation of projects and measures that
support a healthy environment and social well being as the basis
for poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development.
Emphasizing the environment-development link, it renders
consulting services to national, regional and local development
planning processes to promote the most effective allocation of
scarce financial and natural resources and to improve quality of
life.
Regarding poor people and their institutions as initiators,
collaborators and decision makers, GITEC is supporting Social
Funds and other demand driven instruments such as community
driven development specifically designed to adequately respond
to the special needs of vulnerable groups at community and at
municipal level. Realizing that only the participation of
communities and an adapted and economically viable project
approach can lead to substantial results in improving living
conditions, GITEC's economists and financial analysts provide
socioeconomic planning services as part of infrastructure
projects.
Weaknesses
in management are a widespread impediment to the operation of
most public facilities. Efforts to privatize those are underway
in many countries, specifically in transition economies.
Management consulting is therefore another service rendered by
GITEC's Department of Economic and Ecological Development with
special emphasis on marketing of water services. Projects focus
on providing appropriate guidance on how public utilities and
the private sector working with other key stakeholders can meet
the needs and demands of consumers, including the poor, whilst
remaining financially viable by the adaptation of an innovative
commercial / marketing approach. |