OSCE Centre, partners open new training centre for water management in Kazakhstan
KYZYLORDA, Kazakhstan, 15 October 2012 – A red ribbon ceremony was held today to mark the opening of the OSCE-supported Kyzylorda Training Centre for Aral-Syrdarya Basin Water Management. The Centre is expected to help introduce modern water management and sustainable development practices to the area.
The training facility was established by the OSCE Centre in Astana together with the Kyzylorda Regional Administration, the Executive Directorate of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) for Kazakhstan and Kyzylorda State University. The courses will provide training on integrated water resource management, environmental legislation, natural sciences, water engineering and climate change issues.
“The OSCE Centre in Astana helps promote modern water management and sustainable development to contribute to environmental security and the economic development of the Aral-Syrdarya area, thus increasing the prosperity of its people,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.
“I believe the 10th Aral Sea Basin Council and the opening of the training centre will encourage co-operation and promote activities in addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges of the Aral Sea Basin,” said Bakhyt Zhakhanov, Deputy Head of Kyzylorda Region.
“The training centre will play an important role in enhancing the knowledge and skills of professionals, regional government officials and civil society members working on water issues. It is notable that this important event coincides with the 20th Anniversary of IFAS and the 75th Anniversary of Kyzylorda State University,” said Demesin Nurmaganbetov, the Deputy Chairman of the IFAS Executive Committee.
During the two-day visit to the Kyzylorda region Zarudna met with the First Deputy Akim to discuss current and future co-operation. She also participated in the tenth meeting of the Aral Sea Basin Council and visited the hydro facilities of Kyzylorda.