Background At the Rio Summit on Environment and Development in 1992, heads of state and government made commitments to improve the environment. The 5th Action Programme for the environment, “Towards sustainability”, represents the EU’s commitment to the protection and preservation of the environment. The programme addresses five different sectors: industry, energy, transport, agriculture, and tourism. For the industrial sector, the aims are: integrated pollution control, less waste and better waste management, and environmentally friendly products. Actions have already been implemented to support the aligning of Syrian environmental policy with respective EU policy as well as promoting environmental protection measures. It is now necessary for this integrated approach to be implemented by Syrian companies, notably in the industrial and tourist sectors. Objectives The overall objective of this project was the improved management and efficient protection of the environment by developing and introducing strategies and support mechanisms for sustainable development. In particular, the project’s purpose was to introduce an Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) to Syrian companies. This project specifically aimed to: • Prepare public administration bodies involved as to EMAS implementation; • Encourage companies to understand, accept, and prepare for EMAS implementation; • Establish a National Action Plan promoting integrated EMAS introduction and implementation; and • Publicise project outputs and follow-up initiatives with all key bodies that may influence successful EMAS implementation. Results The project carried out a wide range of activities towards achieving its specific objectives: 1. Prepare public administration bodies involved as to EMAS implementation The project carried out a number of preparatory activities such as, for example, reviewing legislation. The project also drew up recommendations for institutional measures to promote an Environment Management System (EMS) and an institutional structure for the competent Syrian EMS body. These aspects were included in a National Action Plan (see below). The project also carried out some direct training activities including preparation of a Guide and the holding of a workshop aimed at public service officers and potential accrediting agents. 2. Encourage companies to understand, accept, and prepare for EMAS implementation The project carried out a workshop and produced a guidance document for a broad list of companies. The beneficiary conducted pilot schemes to introduce EMS in four Syrian industrial companies. The pilot schemes were difficult to implement due to the lack of relevant data and some hesitation by companies. Nevertheless, the project succeeded in producing basic environmental reviews as well as the identification of some environmental objectives and priority actions. For two of the companies, the project also produced a basic cost-benefit analysis. Apparently, one of the four pilot companies is pursuing the introduction of EMS after the end of the LIFE project. 3. Establish a National Action Plan promoting integrated EMAS introduction and implementation Based on the previous activities, the project drew up an Action Plan using the Goal-Oriented Project Planning (GOPP) technique. The beneficiary detailed a number of foreseen activities and provided a budget and timeframe. 4. Publicise project outputs and follow-up initiatives with all key bodies that may influence successful EMAS implementation The beneficiary has involved a number of stakeholders in the project. They have also produced a number of dissemination documents.