The project consists of four parts:
1.preparing and publishing SSI-Romania-2008
2.introduction of the SSI-Romania-2008
3.utilization of the SSI-Romania-2008
4.preparing the regional index for the North-West Region

1. Preparing and publishing SSI-Romania-2008
SSI-Romania-2008 is based on the concept of SSI developed by the Sustainable Society Foundation, the Netherlands (www.sustainablesocietyindex.com).
The first SSI was published in the Netherlands in 2006. Now, a tailored-made SSI was developed for Romania.

SSI-Romania-2008 can be a valuable instrument, transparent and easy to understand, which is of importance to a large target group. It can be used by politicians, national and regional authorities, education institutes, civil society organizations and the public at large. It can play an important role in monitoring progress resulting from Romania’s policy on sustainability.

SSI-Romania-2008 for national level will be available at the end of June 2008.

2. Preparing the regional index for the North-West Region of Romania
During the first meetings we had with our project partners, we took the decision of preparing a pilot regional SSI. The North West Region was chosen as the pilot region. That requires:

- Collecting regional data and background, showing developments over time of all indicators
- Assessing additional regional indicators
- Calculating the regional SSI

The regional SSI will be tailored to regional needs. Some indicators that are used on national level have less relevance on regional level. Additional indicators for regional level will be assessed.

After the development of the regional SSI for the North-West Region, the regional index can also be developed for the other 7 regions: Center, North-East, South-East, South-Muntenia, Bucharest, South-West and West.

3. Introduction of the SSI in Romania
The national and the regional SSI for Romania will be introduced to a number of organizations: governmental as well as universities and NGOs and to the public at large.

Workshops and seminars will be organized for politicians, for teachers and representatives of civil organizations. During these workshops and seminars the participants will gain familiarity with the possibilities of using the Index. Participants will be encouraged to use the SSI in their (daily) work as well as receiving additional support.

4. Utilization of the SSI at national and regional level
Wherever possible and necessary we will guide organizations in using the SSI-Romania-2008, either the central government, regional authorities, NGOs or any other interested organization.

During the first two parts of the project we will already explore which organization is willing and prepared to ‘maintain' the Romanian SSI and to ensure regular, maybe every two years, updates.

At the end of the project a conference will be held. Romanian and foreign experts in the field of sustainability will give lectures. Participants will discuss the weak and strong elements of the Romanian society, above all, the possibilities for improvement.

Planning
The official opening of the project has been on the 2nd of October 2007. The project will be realized within 2 years.