Activities

Recognizing the close connection between environmental issues and security, the OSCE assists participating States with the sustainable use and sound management of natural resources. It supports projects to improve water management, deal with soil degradation and dispose safely of toxic and radioactive waste. It works to raise environmental awareness and promote public participation in environmental decision-making.

As a member of the Environmental and Security (ENVSEC) Initiative, established in 2003 together with five other international organizations, the OSCE assists governments in developing joint projects on environmental issues and conducts environmental impact assessments. It assists with the management and monitoring of trans-boundary water courses, including the Sava, Dniester, Chu-Talas, Kura-Araks and, most recently, the Amu-Darya rivers.

Since 2002, the OSCE has been co-operating with governments to establish and maintain public information centres, called Aarhus Centres, in support of the Aarhus Convention, which grants the public rights to information and access to justice on environmental issues.

The Organization promotes environmental awareness among young people, supporting youth groups, school programmes and summer camps.

OSCE institutions co-ordinating environmental activities:

• Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities