The launch follows the signing of the Guatemala Declaration, which commits the leaders of Central America and the Dominican Republic to reach concrete outcomes in the fight against corruption by 2010 – and which is one of the primary target of the website’s monitoring activities.

The Central American Anti-Corruption Resource Network or RECREA, provides an in-depth view of anti-corruption efforts in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama. RECREA seeks to address the regional need for information on the different actors and institutions involved in reducing corruption.

“Central America currently has many opportunities to reduce poverty and inequality but it is also facing clear challenges,” said Alejandro Salas, TI Programme Manager for the Americas. “RECREA is a platform for developing sustainable reforms and strategies to combat corruption, which is hindering the region’s development. It will also allow us to monitor and contribute to achieving the anti-corruption goals sealed in Guatemala.”

RECREA was developed by TI, its national chapters and allied organizations in Central America, and provides anti-corruption knowledge to those interested in fostering regional development, including government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, media, donors and the business community.

The network is based on TI’s National Integrity Systems (NIS) approach. The NIS is a series of studies that allow a systemic analysis of key institutions, laws and practices vital for integrity, transparency and accountability. The NIS model allows a clear and differentiated diagnosis of a system’s strengths and weaknesses, and helps to define anti-corruption advocacy and reform efforts.

“There needs to be a continuous dialogue between civil society and other stakeholders to exchange information and experiences. Innovative tools, such as the RECREA web site enable this and add strength to anti-corruption efforts while helping governments fulfil their commitments”, said Angelica Maytin Justiniani, Executive President of TI Panama.