site.btaEnvironment Minister Dimov Opens 21st European Eco-innovation Forum

Sofia, February 5 (BTA) - Environment Minister Neno Dimov Monday opened the 21st European Forum on Eco-innovation, which is to examine eco-innovative solutions for improving air quality on February 5-6.

The event held at Sofia Tech Park involves over 500 participants from all over Europe. Eco-innovations are something to rely on for emergency solutions to present-day problems and the strategic goal for entirely pure heating in the future, Dimov said.

Ambient air pollution concerns all countries and for this reason Bulgaria has chosen it as a priority for its EU Presidency. Eco-innovations are important for overcoming the air quality problems because they provide cleaner technologies and new science-based business and management models, Dimov noted. There are few areas where science and politics are as close as in the quest for environmental solutions.

Partnership should be supported, as well as the establishment of a new infrastructure of clusters, tech parks and business incubators where science meets business, Dimov added.

The EU funds are to be channeled into the introduction of eco-innovations in renewable energy sources and combustion systems for vehicles - all solutions directly related to ambient air quality.

Bad air quality causes 400,000 deaths in Europe every year, Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella said in a video address. Although harmful emissions are declining, air quality causes concern. New approaches, new technologies and innovative solutions, analyses, discussions and decisions shared by all are called for, he added.

It is very important to work together, to find the best approach in order to go forward, the EC's Director-General for Environment, Daniel Calleja Crespo, noted.

The forum in Sofia should be a place for the exchange of ideas, where different stakeholders focus on practically applicable solutions. The EC will work more on regulations, the implementation of rules, monitoring, and financial assistance, and will promote the exchange of good practices among the Member States, Crespo said.