OSCE Centre in Astana raises awareness on international conventions related to oil spills preparedness and response

ASTANA, 13 November 2009 - The OSCE Centre in Astana organized a workshop today to support Kazakhstan's efforts to ratify conventions on international oil spills preparedness and response.

Representatives from state and non-governmental expert organizations discussed and reviewed the status of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, national legislation and international obligations related to oil pollution preparedness and response. The one-day event focused particularly on legally binding international instruments to which Kazakhstan is not yet a party.

"Environmental protection in the Caspian Sea region is of crucial importance due to increasing production in the oil and gas sectors," said Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. "For the sake of environmental safety and the general prosperity of the Caspian region, Kazakhstan should use international instruments and establish procedures for oil spills prevention and compensation for damage caused. This workshop aimed to contribute to the rapid preparation and ratification of relevant internationally binding instruments."

In a message delivered on his behalf, Zhenis Kasymbek, Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, said that risks increases with growing oil exports."The Government of Kazakhstan is taking practical measures to prevent marine emergencies and to better prepare for them to minimize environmental damage and other negative effects."

Patricia Charlebois, Head of Pollution Response Section at the International Maritime Organization, added: "Initiatives such as this seminar are essential to raise awareness about the importance of ratifying international maritime conventions that would protect Kazakhstan's sensitive marine and coastal environment in case of oil spills. The seminar highlights the importance of enhancing the capacity for oil pollution preparedness, response and co-operation at both the national and regional levels."

The event was organized by the Centre in close co-operation with the Ministry of Transport and Communication and the International Maritime Organization. It formed part of the OSCE Centre's work on oil spill preparedness, response and co-operation in the Caspian Sea region.