OSCE Centre encourages public access to information on pollutants
ASTANA, 5 May 2010 - Today the OSCE Centre in Astana supported a workshop on the possible ratification of the Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) and the establishment of the National Register.
The PRTR Protocol is a legally binding instrument which requires parties to establish publicly accessible registers containing information on the release and transfer of pollutants. The participants of the workshop in Astana discussed and reviewed existing national legislation, obligations under the PRTR Protocol and worked on identifying possible ways to assess and implement the Protocol in Kazakhstan.
The event, organized by the OSCE Centre in co-operation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Kazakhstan, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the Asian-American Partnership non-governmental organization and the national Aarhus Centre brought together more than 40 representatives from state and non-governmental organizations, as well as the business community.
"The implementation of the PRTR Protocol would contribute to constructive dialogue between government authorities, industrial companies and civil society, help to achieve a balance of interests and protect the environmental rights of citizens," said Jeannette Kloetzer, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. "The Centre is ready to further provide its assistance to support this important initiative."
"Kazakhstan's government currently considers a possibility of ratification of the Protocol. The PRTR is a source of comprehensive information on risks of environmental pollution, and can help the government to address difficult ecological issues in Kazakhstan, stimulate civil sector development and facilitate co-operation between governmental authorities, industrial companies and non-governmental organizations," said Eldana Sadvakasova, Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister for Environmental Protection in a message delivered to workshop participants.
Workshop participants developed recommendations for government institutions and other stakeholders taking into consideration best practices and international experience, the need to enhance public access to environmental information and to ensure effective pollution prevention and control. The recommendations were developed with the view of the future ratification of the Protocol and the establishment of the National Register.
The present activity is a part of the OSCE Centre's support to Kazakhstan in implementing the Aahrus Convention and its three pillars - access to information, public participation and access to justice in environmental issues.