ECO PLAN OF ACTION ON
DRUG CONTROL
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .............................................1- 2
CHAPTER 1
CONTROL OF SUPPLY OF NARCOTICS
I. OBJECTIVES ...................................... ....................................................................... ..3
II. PRIORITY AREAS OF ACTIVITY .3
III. POPPY CROP SUBSTITUTION AND AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS................. .3-4
IV. ELIMINATION OF HEROIN LABORATORIES ............... .....................................................4-5
V. STRENGTHENING CONTROL ON THE ILLICIT TRADE IN NARCOTIC DRUGS,
PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND ESSENTIAL CHEMICAL PRECURSORS........ .5-6
VI. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT NATIONAL LEVEL ..............6-7
VII. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT REGIONAL LEVEL ..7
FORM - A
QUESTIONNAIRE ON ILLICIT POPPY AND CANNABIS CULTIVATION ................... .. 8
CHAPTER II
FIGHT AGAINST ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NARCOTIC DRUGS AND
PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES
I. OBJECTIVES . ..9
II. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT NATIONAL LEVEL.... 9
a. National Legislation . . 9
b. 0rganization. 9
i. Central Unit...... ...10
ii. Provincial Branches........................... .. 11
c. Training . ... . 11
d. Technical Equipment. ...12
e. Reward System. .12
f. Measures Against Money Laundering............................ ..13
III. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT REGIONAL LEVEL.......................................... ........13
a. Drug Control Coordination Unit ................ .............13
b. Computerized Communication Network ...................... ......13
c. Drug Liaison Officers ... ........14
d. Controlled Delivery . .........14
e. Training ........... ... 14
CHAPTER III
REDUCTION OF ILLICIT DEMAND, TREATMENT AND
REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS
I. OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................... . 15
II. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT NATIONAL LEVEL ........ ................................ 15
1. Prevention Policy ..... ....... . 15-16
2. Treatment and Rehabilitation Policy ... ........................................................... 16-17
3. Proposed Activities and Programmes...... .......................................... ..17
III. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT REGIONAL LEVEL ....... ......................................... . 17-l8
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INTRODUCTION
In the course of the XXth Century, the problem of drug abuse reached global dimensions inflicting heavy tolls on the social, political and economic well being of the world community. There is an ever-growing international consensus on the need to evolve and implement effective long-term strategies to deal with different aspects of the drug problem Governments need to develop clearly defined national plans to address this complex issue. It has also become evident that without international coordination and cooperation no matter how developed and sophisticated they may he, the achievements of the national plans would be limited.
Member Governments of ECO, subsequent to the enlargement of the Organization into a ten-member major regional entity, acted in consensus to address the problem of narcotics abuse with a regional perspective. Parallel to the creation of a full-fledged technical committee with a specific mandate to promote regional cooperation in the fight against narcotics abuse, the subject was included as a major policy objective in the Istanbul Declaration adopted by the Council of Ministers and endorsed by the Heads of State and Government on the eve of the Second ECO Summit in Istanbul in 1993.
Istanbul Declaration mandated the preparation of a comprehensive plan for effectively combating the growing menace of narcotic drugs. Accordingly, the Committee on Drug Control prepared, an outline plan titled ECO PLAN ON DRUG CONTROL, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers.
At the conclusion of the Third ECO Summit it Meeting held in Islamabad on 14-15 March 1995, the Heads of State and Government: RECOGNIZED that drug abuse constitutes a serious menace to the region, as well as the world at large, welcomed the adoption of the ECO Plan on Drug Control, directed that the Plan be implemented expeditious and asked the Secretary General to mobilize international assistance to promote effective regional cooperation action in the field of narcotics abuse control.
In the mean time, Regional Planning Council of ECO, in its 5th meeting held in Tehran (Iran) on 7-11 January 1995, considered the work undertaken by the Committee on Drug Control and proposed the formation of an open-ended Expert Group to facilitate the preparation of plans of action on three priority sectors stipulated in the mandate of the Committee, which also constitute the framework of ECO Plan on Drug Control. These sectors are as follows:
a) Control of Supply of narcotics;
b) Suppression of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; and
c) Demand Reduction, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Narcotics Addicts.
RPC recommended that detailed operative plans be prepared to address each of these topics. The Council of Ministers approved RPCs recommendations in its fifth meeting held in Ashkabad on 21-23 January 1995.
In pursuance of the foregoing, the Expert Group met in Tehran on 5-7 November 1995 and reviewed the draft regional plans of action. The Group desired that three plans be incorporated in a single document. Accordingly the document titled ECO PLAN OF ACTION ON DRUG CONTROL was prepared and submitted to the Committee on Drug Control in its third meeting held in Ashkhabad on 5-6 December 1995. The Committee revised, and referred the document to the Regional Planning Council for further consideration. The Plan of Action has been adopted by the Council of Ministers of ECO in its sixth meeting held in Ashkabad in April 1996.
CHAPTER - I
CONTROL 0F SUPPLY OF NARCOTICS
I. OBJECTIVES
THE NEED FOR A REGIONAL STRATEGY TO CONTROL ILLICIT POPPY CULTIVATION AND HEROIN PRODUCTION
Control of Supply envisages reduction in cultivation of narcotic planes and elimination of heroin laboratories, which requires adoption of a Regional Strategy to control poppy cultivation, heroin production and trafficking. In the absence of such a strategy, the destruction of huge quantities of poppy in a state would not automatically lead to reduction in the supply of Opium or Heroin for the users in other countries. The reason for the abundant supply miqht be the easy trafficking of opium and its derivatives produced in another country. Moreover, suppression of narcotics production in a country may result in increased production in another country of the region due to balloon effect. Therefore, a Regional Strategy for the entire ECO Region constitutes an orient necessity to facilitate simultaneous and coordinated action by all the Member States.
II. PRIORITY AREAS OF ACTIVITY
The main spheres of activity in the domain of supply reduction are as follows:
1) Poppy Crop Substitution and Area Development Projects.
2) Elimination of Heroin Laboratories.
3) Strengthening Control of the licit trade and use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and essential chemical substances.
III. POPPY CROP SUBSTITUTION AND AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
In order to provide the rural population dependent on illicit poppy cultivation with alternative sources of employment and income generation opportunities, Poppy Crop Substitution and Area Development Projects may be executed in selected areas. While planning specific area development projects, first priority should be given to the provision of the physical infrastructure such as roads and bridges. After the initial opening of the areas, further development of health, education, agriculture, irrigation and other projects may be undertaken. In the agriculture sector attention needs to be paid to increase the expenditure on agricultural research and development including the initiation of model farms, demonstration plots, farmer training courses, development of improved seeds, introduction and distribution of high yield fruit plants and vegetables etc. The links and interaction between the farmers and the agricultural institutions may be strengthened. Easy and subsidized inputs may be provided for areas producing poppy plants. Small-scale agricultural schemes may be promoted through low-interest credits. To prevent resentful attitude and possible reactions of the illicit poppy producing communities, sense of participatory development may be promoted. The communities may be mobilized for playing a more active rule in the development activities and projects. Common interest groups may he organized and mobilize in project areas to attract external resources into their particular localities. Crop substitution programmes need to focus on introduction of high-value crops to enable the farmers to earn at least a honourable livelihood. The implementation of developmental activities mentioned above shall be followed by strict enforcement of ban on the illicit cultivation of opium poppy.
The enforcement of had on illicit poppy cultivation may be introduced under two categories.
l. In areas where development projects are in progress, development infrastructure is in place and there is no problem of law and order, the ban on illicit poppy cultivation may be enforced at once.
2. In areas where development projects are under implementation and the areas are sensitive from the point of view of law and order or other reasons, a careful enforcement strategy including forcible destruction illicit poppy may be adopted. In such areas the enforcement strategy may he implemented gradually through phases.
IV. ELIMINATION OF HEROIN LABORATORIES
Heroin processing laboratories do not necessitate very sophisticate equipment/machinery. A heroin laboratory normally consists of a few simple and light appliances, which could be concealed easily and shifted without any difficulty in case of staging of operations against them by the law enforcement agencies. With their inherent mobility and makeshift nature, they may disappear from one place only to re-appear in some other comparatively safer and inaccessible area. As such, law enforcement agencies have to maintain a constant watch on the movement of illicit laboratories and regularly chase them so as to seize every possible opportunity of destroying them. It is therefore, essential that necessary operational and legal arrangements be instituted in order to neutralize the establishment of heroin laboratories with minimum possible use of force. Collection of reliable in intelligence information about the exact number, locations, ownerships etc. of the laboratories is imperative.
V. STRENGTHENING CONTROL ON THE LICIT TRADE IN NARCOTIC DRUGS, PSYSHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND ESSENTIAL CHEMICAL AND PRECURSORS.
Enhanced control measurers are needed over the movement of licit narcotic drugs and psychotropic substance from the point of manufacture or importation to the point of dispensing in pharmacies, hospitals or offices of medical practitioners in order to prevent the possible leakage into illicit channels. Import, export, supervision and sale of these items need to be well regulated and vigilantly monitored. To prevent their likely flow into illicit channels, requests for permission to import raw materials or products should be carefully scrutinized also through investigation of the earlier sales. Requests for increased imports should be considered only if they are supported by concrete evidence of increased market demand for the end product. The number of companies producing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances should be kept to the minimum for effective monitoring. It should be made obligatory, through statutory orders, for the companies to maintain exact record of the imported or manufactured narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Similarly their sales should he authorized only to designated health establishments on conditions to maintain records of the sales along with original prescription. The producers and medical officers prescribing psychoactive and narcotic drugs should be reminded continuously by way of informatory circulates about the harmful effects of such drugs. Prescription by nurses and other paramedical personnel must be prevented by hospital managements. There should be exemplary punishment for any underhand dealing, which should be strictly implemented. In order to rationalize and restrain the abuse of psychoactive drugs, medical officers may be provided informatory literature regarding dangers of psychoactive and narcotics drugs. It should be assured that the medical officers prescribing or patronizing such drugs be given relevant counseling. Doctors should be bound to indicate in writing the exact diagnosis on the prescription so that unnecessary medication and especially the over-prescription of psychoactive drugs is curtailed. Professional health institutions may be approached for strict action against those doctors (especially private practitioners) who do not rationalize their prescriptions.
Member States of ECO may adopt measures to prevent the diversion of imported narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. Imports of all substances included in Table-I and Table-II of the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances may be restricted only to industrial consumers after due verification of their requirements and authority. The industrial consumers should be required to provide detailed accounts of their consumption of the imported substances failing of which should imply punishment, terms as per relevant laws and regulations.
VI. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT NATIONAL LEVEL
The following steps may be taken by all member Governments as early as possible.
1) Imposition of ban on:
a) Cultivation of cannabis, opium poppy or coca bush except for exclusive use for medical scientific or industrial purposes.
b) Import, export, transportation and transshipment of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances except in accordance with national rules and regulations made by concerned States and under license, permit or authorization for that purpose.
c) Diversion of narcotic drugs psychotropic substances and essential chemical substances to illicit channels.
d) Owning, managing and, operating any place/equipment for the purpose of manufacture or illicit production of cannabis, cocaine, opium derivatives, narcotic drugs psychotropic substance controlled substance except with the condition of a license/permit for medical and scientific purposes.
2) Provision of alternate sources of employment and income generation opportunities to the people dependent upon illicit poppy cultivation.
3) Initiation of poppy crop substitution programmes and area development projects in illicit poppy growing localities.
4) Provision of physical infrastructure such as roads and bridges in illicit poppy growing areas on priority basis.
5) Forcible destruction and eradication of illicit poppy crop and heroin laboratories.
6) Enactment of necessary legislation to give effect to recommendations con aimed in sub-paras 1-(a) to 1-(d) above.
7) Collection of reliable information about the number end locations of heroin manufacturing laboratories to be followed by effective action for their elimination/destruction.
8) Promotion of agricultural activities in the illicit poppy producing areas through steps mentioned in para-III.
VII. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT REGIONAL LEVEL
It is recommendation that following steps may be taken at Regional level :
1) ECO Member States may exchange information relating to illicit poppy and cannabis cultivation, as per FORM-A (see in page-8).
2) ECO Member States may exchange information relating to instruments/chemicals seized during destruction of Heroin Laboratories.
3) ECO Member States may introduce joint regional measures for control of supply/production of opium poppy. In this context, specific measures and their effective implementation in areas/regions of extensive illicit production of opium is of paramount importance, In this regard, donor assistance need to be sought for implementation of Development Projects to promote substitution of illicit poppy cultivation by alternative gainful employment opportunities under a comprehensive programme for rehabilitation of the concerned countries.
FORM - A
QUESTIONNAIRE ON ILLICIT POPPY AND CANNABIS CULTIVATION
1. Name of the country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Areas under cultivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Type(s) of cultivated plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Amount of production per hectare . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
5. Amount of annual production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. Extent of cultivated farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. Dependency to band or group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. Laboratory results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. Any other relevant information . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
CHAPTER - II
FIGHT AGAINST ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES
I. OBJECTIVES
Illicit traffic in drugs, on one hand, violates national laws and international conventions, and on the other hand it involves organized crime, conspiracy, bribery, corruption, illegal money transactions, crimes of violence, contraband and weapons trade. This wide range of illegal activities necessitate the development and implementation of rigorous law enforcement programs to reduce illicit availability of drugs deter drug related crimes and introduce effective preventive measures.
Institution building at the level of law enforcement agencies, upgrading of their capabilities and activities and increasing of the effectiveness of the criminal justice system are priority issues to strengthen the ability of governments to tackle with the problems.
To enhance cooperation and endeavours in the fight against illicit trafficking of narcotics in the ECO region a coordinated strategy is needed.
II. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT NATIONAL LEVEL
a. National Legislation:
Competent national authorities should review existing national laws and practice, and improve them in pursuance of the UN Conventions and world-wide accepted principles to ensure that offenses related to the production and trafficking of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances as well as other affiliated offenses are severely punishable.
Ratification and effective implementation of the drug related UN conventions by all member states of ECO is essential for the success of the fight against the scourge of illicit drug trafficking.
b. Organization
Drug trafficking is a sophisticated and complex process. If active combat against illicit drug trafficking can only he accomplished by the creation of a powerful national law enforcement organization with suitable structures and an appropriate working system.
i. Central Unit:
Under the authority of the national director, the suggested model of National Central Drug Law Enforcement Organization could comprise:
- Deputy Director(s)
- Intelligence and Evaluation Unit
- Statistics and Archive Unit
- Operational Evaluation Unit
- International Cooperation and Coordination Unit
- Training, Personnel and Administrative Affairs Unit
The mandate and terms of reference of the national organization may contain the following elements, which would function in accordance with the national legislation:
- Gathering of information and intelligence data from all government agencies and other sources;
- Compilation, evaluation and transmition of information to appropriate law enforcement units and agencies;
- Creation and maintenance of communication channels with relevant regional and international law enforcement agencies for effective international cooperation;
- Provision of all kinds of modern technical devices to enable nationa1 agencies gather and evaluate information, carry out effective investigations and operations;
- Organization of relevant training programmes.
ii. Provincial Branches:
Provincial branches may be organized as follows:
- Head of Branch
- Operations and Intelligence Section
- Evaluation and Coordination Section
- Administrative and Personnel Section
Provincial branches shall be responsible for:
- Gathering information form all available sources;
- Investigating suspicious events, persons and activities;
- Communicating the information gathered and the findings to the central unit, and
- Carrying out operational activities under the direction and supervision of the central unit.
c. Training
One of the prerequisites for the success of the fight against illicit drug trafficking is to have well trained law enforcement offices.
For this reason, implementation of training proqrammes tailored according to the needs of individual member states is of utmost importance.
National training courses sha11 be designed keeping in view the United Nations Drug Law Enforcement Training Manual prepared by the UNDCP, which could provide the national authorities with relevant models and guidelines on the patterns methods and techniques to be put sued.
Member States shall explore the possibilities of obtaining international assistance for training programmes through UNDCP, ECO, and other specialized agencies as we11 as from bilateral sources. In these programmes, priority may be attached to training of trainers.
d. Technical Equipment
Effective use of electronic, mechanical, optical or other devices during search and surveillance is indispensable for the success of operations. Increased application of modern devices would improve the performance of law enforcement officers.
Requirements for technical equipment may vary from one country to another. Firstly, member States could prepare an inventory of the existing technical equipment in their possession for an overall assessment of their status and requirements. The prioritized qualitative and quantitative list of requirements shall be prepared accordingly.
In addition to national resources, bilateral and multilateral assistance could be mobilize in order to off-set the financing of the procurement of requisite equipment.
Proper and effective use of technical equipment is possible only through well-trained law enforcement officers. For this reason, acquisition of sophisticated technical equipment shall always be followed by suitable training programmes.
e. Reward system
Intelligence gathering is of paramount importance in the fight against drug trafficking. One of the significant methods pursued in this process to gather information is to make use of informants.
A large number of informants provide information in return for cash payment and it is considered that the informant who provides information for financial gains could be usually considered as a reliable source of information.
Law enforcement officers and informants who took part in successful operations could be rewarded according to the type and volume of the seized drugs on a case by case basis.
The model for the reward system shall be determined on the basis of national laws, decrees and regulations without harming the incentive nature of the rewarding system.
Member States may consider the institution of appropriate legal framework and operational modalities for the implementation of reward system in their respective countries.
f. Measures Against Money Laundering
Deprivation of drug offenders from the proceeds of their criminal offenses and thereby, elimination of their main incentive is yet another important method in the fight against illicit drugs. Keeping in view, Article 5 and other relevant provisions of the 1988 Convention on Illicit Traffic in Drugs, Member States may institute measures, as they deem necessary to enable their competent authorities to identify, trace and freeze or seize the proceeds, property, instruments, facilities and any other assets for the purpose of eventual confiscation.
III. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT REGIONAL LEVEL
a. Drug Control Coordination Unit
The Coordination Unit, which will operate under the Secretary General shall, in consultation with UNDCP and other relevant agencies, prepare and implement projects and programs to strengthen national law enforcement agencies and promote cooperation among them. It may also engage in instructive programmes and activities aimed at full implementation of international drug conventions. The Unit shall serve as a channel of information and legal and technical assistance to member states.
b. Computerized Communications Network
In the framework of international cooperation, one of the vital factors with positive effect on the success in fight against illicit drug trafficking is rapid and accurate exchange of information between and among states concerning all aspects of the offences simulated in Article 3, paragraph 1 of the 1988 Convention.
Most practical and rapid means of exchange of information is the creation of a computer network among the focal points to be designated by Member States.
The Drug Control Coordination Unit, in consultation with concerned international agencies, shall prepare a feasibility report along with cost estimates for a Regional Drug Communications Network and explore the possibilities of implementing the project through international assistance. The DCCU shall also elaborate a format for the information to be used in this network in consultation with member governments.
c. Drug liaison officers
Assignment of liaison office on the basis of reciprocity is considered to be a highly efficient means of cooperation.
To facilitate effective co-ordination between their competent agencies ad services, Member States should exchange liaison officers on the basis of bilateral agreements.
d. Controlled delivery
The law enforcement technique of controlled delivery is widely considered to be an efficient tool in identifying and neutralizing transnational drug trafficking organizations.
Taking into account Article 11 of the 1988 Convention, Member States might introduce the necessary measures to allow the appropriate use of controlled delivery at regional level on the basis of bilateral agreements and arrangements.
e. Training
A Regional Training Center be established in order to organize programmes, seminars and workshops to upgrade the awareness and efficiency of National Drug Control and Law Enforcement Officers.
CHAPTER III
REDUCTION OF ILLICIT DEMAND, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS
Since 1960s, drug addiction spread over the entire planet, sparing almost no nation no social class and no age, regardless of sex and race. With far-reaching damage caused to physical, psychological and social health of individuals and of communities, drug addiction has turned into a public hazard on world scale. In order to address this complex problem, extensive cooperation among governmental and non-governmental agencies is needed through a multi-disciplinary strategy. The case involves educative, preventive, remedial and rehabilitation measures to be engaged simultaneously on a very wide social platform. In addition to UNDCP, active cooperation of the World Health organization is also integrative.
The International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking convened in 1987 has decided that a balanced approach is needed in the combat against drug abuse and that the prevention of drug abuse and treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts were no less important than the control of supply and illicit traffic of narcotic drugs.
In view of the foregoing, regional cooperation is to be promoted in areas of demand reduction, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
I. OBJECTIVES :
1) Reducing point prevalence of drug abuse and minimizing its harmful effects.
2) Minimizing the level and impact of criminal drug offences and anti-social behaviors within the community.
3) Minimizing the level of personal and social disruption, loss of life, loss of productivity and other economic costs associated with drug abuse.
II. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT NATIONAL LEVEL :
Prevention Policy
1/a. Principles:
i. Evoloving a general attitude against all substances of abuse (i.e. narcotics, alcohol, drugs and tobacco).
ii. Selection of modest, easy and accessible objectives.
iii. Prioritization of the objectives.
iv. Attaching priority to high risk group (i.e. adolescents, workers, drivers etc.)
v. Enhancing the participation and support of Non-Governmental Organizations and agencies.
1/b. Activities:
i. Public awareness programmes particularly through mass media.
ii. Educational programmes aiming at influencing cultural and social attitudes, increasing self-esteem and adaptability against tensions and problems.
iii. Alternative programmes including sports, recreational and other extra-curricular activities.
iv. Intervention programmes including crisis intervention, hot and consultation lines, counseling centers, social workers, and legal advisory services.
Treatment and Rehabilitation PoIicy
2/a. Principles:
i. Adoption of different treatment modalities.
ii. Utilization of all existing possibilities within health sector.
iii. Easy access to treatment services.
iv. Initiation and encouraging of cost-effective treatment programmes.
v. Encouraging participation of family.
vi. Encouraging and seeking support of local communities and NGOs.
vii. Involvement of self-help groups through participation in treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
viii. Adoption of non-medical treatment modalities keeping in view of the local traditions, customs and culture.
2/b. Programmes :
i. Setting up detoxification, mental health care follow up, half way and rehabilitation centres.
ii. Adopting and applying maintenance programmes.
Proposed Activities and Proqrammes
I. At National Level
- Preparation of the National Program on Demand Reduction, Treatment and Rehabilitation of drug addicts.
- Establishment of National Committee on Demand Reduction with the mandate to provide coordination among the concerned ministries.
- Launching of pilot projects within the context of the national demand reduction programmes.
III. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT REGIONAL LEVEL
1. The Drug Control Coordination Unit, shall be expeditiously activated and parallel to other projects, shall also deal with research work and other activities aiming at demand reduction and offer its services to the member states in following areas:
a. Developing information, diagnostic, monitoring and evaluation systems of drug abuse at regional level.
b. Collecting, maintaining exchanging end disseminating information on a regular and continuous basis.
c. Analyzing information and preparing regional programmes on demand education in light of the analysis.
d. Conducting the logical research and epistemological studies to better understand the dynamics and causes of drug abuse and to identify the populations affected.
2. A regional Data Bank may be set up within the DCCU to centralize all the relevant information on drug abuse control activities.
3. A Regional Training Center may be established to provide training to the key personnel involved in demand reduction activities.
4. Exchange programmes may be developed with the participation of trainers and trainees specializing in the field of demand reduction in the ECO member states.