[10] It should be noted that these conclusions closely reflect and confirm the hypotheses proposed when the Demonstration Programme was launched (COM(95)511 identified three hypotheses related to management of the coastal zones: 1) improved concertation is the basis for sustainable development, 2) concertation must be based on appropriate information, and 3) mechanisms are needed to organise and maintain this concertation).

15. Considers that cross-border and inter-regional cooperation in the Mediterranean region should be developed; considers that the cross-border dimension of the Meda programme should be enhanced; urges the Commission to promote the inclusion of the Mediterranean region as an Interreg II C target region and to ensure appropriate funding to facilitate genuine regional planning work with third countries in the region; the continuation of Atlantic cooperation as an element in the Interreg II C programme should also be ensured;

8. Considers that inter-regional cooperation in its present form lacks an adequate strategy and that the funding instruments are scattered and fragmentary; suggests that consideration be given to setting up a single Community fund to support inter-regional multiannual cooperation based on strategic thinking and exchanges of knowledge and experience, in which all regions should have the opportunity to participate;

In addition, major financing are planned for concerted rehabilitation of agricultural land combining economic improvement, environmental protection and prevention of fires, to which these areas are particularly prone.

General attractiveness and environment of the cross-border area (total volume: ECU 13.44 million): Creation of partnerships in rural areas, cooperation in management of waste and surface waters; 4. The fourth priority, urban development, involves concerted town and country development planning, mainly under the project 'Cross-border Conurbation of the European Development Pole' (EUREGIO: this project is jointly run by Belgium, Fra ...[+++]nce and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg).

It has given particular support to the implementation of the MedWet programme; Noting that all these provisions and commitments have not led to the achievement of all of their objectives for wetlands, owing in particular to insufficient integration between the different policies, especially on funding through existing Community financial instruments, and between the corresponding development strategies; Acknowledging that it is a matter of priority to halt the disappearance and degradation of wetlands, to ensure better management and to improve and restore such areas; Takes note ...[+++] of the analysis, the conclusions and the recommendations which the Commission has put forward in its communication on wise use and conservation of wetlands and approves its general approach; Emphasizes the need for better coordination between Community policies and for better coordination between existing Community financial instruments; Maintains that activities in the wetlands must be pursued in strict compliance with the principles of integration and of regional development based on integrated territorial development, and affirms that projects likely to affect such areas significantly should be the subject of an environmental impact assessment in accordance with the provisions of the Impact Assessment Directive, as amended, or an assessment in terms of their effects in accordance with the provisions of the Habitats Directive, as appropriate.