National workshop in Baku focuses on environment and security in South Caucasus region

BAKU, 10 April 2008 - Representatives from government ministries and civil society organizations will explore the importance of integrating environment and security considerations into national policy and planning at a national workshop hosted by the Environment and Security (ENVSEC) Initiative in Baku today.

"Environmental issues do not recognize national borders, therefore, co-operation with neighbouring states is absolutely crucial for finding solutions to pressing environmental issues in the region," said Ambassador Jose-Luis Herrero, the Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

"ENVSEC partners provide opportunities for the countries in the region to build co-operation on shared environmental concerns."

The Environment and Security Initiative is a joint partnership between the OSCE, United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the Regional Environmental Centre for South-Eastern Europe, with the NATO Security through Science Program as an associated partner.

The National Workshop will provide participants with an overview of current ENVSEC activities and will pave the way for further cooperation and partnership in the field of environment and security in the South Caucasus region.

ENVSEC co-ordinates closely with national governments in South Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and South Caucasus to assess and address environmental threats to security, and with their input and that of environmental experts strives to promote better regional relations through coordinated environmental co-operation.

ENVSEC Partners first held country consultations with government authorities and civil society representatives in each of the South Caucasus countries in 2004, which resulted in a regional assessment report on environment and security for the South Caucasus region.

The assessment identified several priority environment and security issues which require immediate attention and action. Special attention was given to trans-boundary resources such as the Kura-Araks/Aras river basin which provides the bulk of the region's fresh water for human and agricultural consumption.