The DELTA programme: An example of participative technology transfer approach in the south and east Mediterranean countries

The Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC) is supporting the DELTA Programme with the aim of helping companies in south and east Mediterranean countries improve their environmental and economical performance. This initiative places strong focus on the transfer of environmental management tools, knowledge and expertise with the active commitment of local users, i.e. industrialists and managers structured in the form of ‘Business and Environment’ associations—the DELTA Networks. For 8 years, numerous small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have applied eco-management tools and implemented home-grown corrective measures, leading to positive environmental and financial results. Most of the measures identified and implemented were managerial and organisational improvements; none of the measures involved technology transfer from abroad. The success of the DELTA Programme is due to its participatory approach to the transfer of environmental technology and knowledge that takes into account human and organisational elements.