OSCE Centre supports forum to strengthen network of Kazakhstan's regional environmental groups

KARAGANDA, 17 September 2008 - An OSCE-supported forum aiming to strengthen contacts among regional environmental non-governmental organizations in Kazakhstan started today in the eastern city of Karaganda.

"The active involvement of grass-root organizations in decision-making is essential for preventing environmental security risks and promoting democratic principles," said Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. "The OSCE Centre supports dialogue between civil society and the Government on policy issues and promotes joint actions to increase environmental awareness in the regions."

More than 70 civil society representatives from 25 cities in Kazakhstan are taking part in the two-day forum along with national, regional and local officials. The forum focuses on matters including preserving biological diversity, protecting and rational use of water resources, desertification and land degradation.

"The role of the civil society in resolving environmental problems is gradually increasing at the international, regional and national level," said Kaisha Atakhanova, Head of the Ecological Forum of NGOs. "Participation in the decision-making process in many, if not most, instances is encouraged by the government's strategy for sustainable development and the commitments made by Kazakhstan when ratifying the Aarhus Convention."

The Aarhus Convention is a regional UN convention granting the public the right to gain access to information and justice in environmental matters and to participate in decisions which affect their environment.

The forum is expected to produce several recommendations on how to strengthen the network of environmental NGOs as well as an action plan for improved co-operation with the government for 2009-2011.