Fields of work

Environmental activities

Recognizing the close connection between the environment and security, the OSCE aims to strengthen co-operation on environmental issues as part of a broader effort to prevent conflict, build mutual confidence and promote good neighbourly relations.

Factsheet

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

20 February 2012

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Many factors can affect security and stability, often across borders, population segments or the OSCE’s three dimensions.

Environmental degradation, climate change and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources have already been recognized in the 1970s as significant drivers of instability, leading at times to tension or even violent conflict in or between countries. The OSCE States have recognized that environmental factors are often intertwined with economic ones, since environmentally dependent economic sectors are affected, such as agriculture, forestry or fishing and mining. The OSCE considers that environmental challenges and threats to security and stability have to be addressed in tandem with economic and business-related considerations.

Environmental degradation, unsustainable use of natural resources and mismanagement in the processing and disposal of wastes have a substantial impact on the health, welfare, stability and security of our countries and can upset ecological systems. These factors, together with problems of access to resources and negative external effects of pollution, can cause tensions between countries.

OSCE Strategy Document for the Economic and Environmental Dimension, 2012

Building on our comprehensive and co-operative approach to security, we work on strategies to tackle the issue head-on.

Our work in this field focuses on sustainable development and good environmental governance. We support projects and activities that ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly water, within and between countries; reduce the risks of disasters; address the challenges of climate change; and safely manage hazardous waste. We also run initiatives to raise environmental awareness, promote public participation in environmental decision-making, and facilitate the public’s access to justice in environmental matters. We also aim to improve energy security through the introduction of practical guidelines, feasibility studies and tailor-made workshops.

Our institutions, field operations and offices bring to the task expert skills and knowledge to develop tailor-made solutions for each challenge.

Our institutions and offices

The Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities takes the lead on the OSCE’s initiatives on both of these issues. The Co-ordinator’s Office works closely with the Chairpersonship and under the guidance of the Economic and Environmental Committee, a subsidiary body of the Permanent Council. Every year, it organizes the Economic and Environmental Forum and holds an implementation meeting to assess the progress made regarding the implementation of economic and environmental commitments by the OSCE States.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has also appointed a Special Representative on Climate Action.

Aerial drone view of Dnieper and Dniester river near Kyiv

Homepage

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

This OSCE Office addresses security-related economic and environmental issues

Our operations on the ground

Several field operations in Central Asia and South-Eastern Europe carry out environmental activities, ranging from supporting national authorities in the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, to supporting the development and revision of environmental legislation and strengthening the capacities of civil society to address environmental and security challenges.