OSCE Centre supports discussion on green investment to fight climate change

ASTANA, 2 October 2008 - Raising awareness about voluntary mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the aim of a two-day conference that started in Astana today.

More than 50 participants, including representatives from the government, industry, consulting companies and regulatory bodies, are taking part.

"Climate change is an environment-related security risk and a global challenge which necessitates co-operation across borders between governments, civil society and the private sector in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The OSCE Centre stands ready to further assist in raising awareness and building capacity in this field," said Jeannette Kloetzer, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana".

Experts from Ukraine and Belarus shared their experiences with carbon emissions trading markets. The potential application of the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms in Kazakhstan was also highlighted, and an independent expert presented a special report on Kazakhstan's institutional framework and existing barriers in the legal framework.

Tomorrow the participants will receive training on how to implement projects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Kazakhstan.

The seminar was organized by the Centre jointly with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Climate Change Co-ordination Centre of Kazakhstan. It follows a policy dialogue workshop on climate change organized by the OSCE Centre and the UNDP in April.