OSCE Office in Baku holds workshop on improving oil spills prevention, response

BAKU, 27 April 2010 - A national workshop organized by the OSCE Office in Baku and Azerbaijan's Ministry of Emergency Situations on improving the legislative and regulatory framework for oil spill prevention and emergency response started in Baku today.

The event brings together all relevant institutions and the private sector in Azerbaijan, as well as international experts.

"Contingency planning is an essential tool to prevent and respond to oil spills incidents and protect the fragile Caspian Sea environment," said Jan Olsson, the head of the Economic and Environmental Unit of the OSCE Office in Baku, in his opening speech. "The OSCE is prepared to further assist Azerbaijan in this regard by facilitating international co-operation and providing legal and institutional expertise."

The Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC), of which the OSCE is a member, provided an international consultant to assist the Azerbaijani authorities with the review.

Recognizing the devastating economic and environmental impact oil spills could have for the region, Azerbaijan is engaged with other Caspian states to implement new conventions and international agreements to protect the marine environment and improve oil spill preparedness and response mechanisms.

Azerbaijan became a party to the international convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation in 2004. The Ministry of Emergency Situations has recently been designated by presidential decree as the responsible agency for the implementation of the Convention.