OSCE conference on land degradation and soil contamination begins in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 16 November 2006 - An international two-day OSCE conference, focusing on land degradation and soil contamination, began today in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event is the first preparatory meeting for the 2007 OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum.

"Land degradation and soil contamination must be the basis on which to build a closer co-operation, both East and West of Vienna," said Ambassador Lopez-Jorrin, Head of the OSCE Task Force of the 2007 Spanish Chairmanship. "The environment is the foundation for economic activity and livelihoods. It is not a luxury! It is the basis for all life, and the life support system of many people."

Kyrgyzstan's Prime Minister, Felix Kulov, welcomed the decision of the OSCE to pay increased attention to issues related to ecological security and sustainable development in the OSCE region, and called on international organizations to initiate and further develop joint programmes such as the Environment and Security Initiative, in which the OSCE and its participating States, including Kyrgyzstan, play an active role. He also asked for OSCE assistance in implementing technical projects to rehabilitate degraded land in this country.

The Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Bernard Snoy, said: "Our main task is to identify the most realistic and suitable suggestions for the future engagement of the OSCE with regard to addressing land degradation and soil contamination. There are two crosscutting issues that are crucial for achieving sustainable results - namely the public-private co-operation and partnership and the increased co-operation among international organizations".

More than 180 participants, representing governments, international and non-governmental organizations, academia and business, reviewed existing initiatives and activities in these areas and identified best practices as well as gaps and niches for future OSCE involvement.

The Bishkek Conference was jointly organized by the 2007 Spanish OSCE Chairmanship and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, with support from the Kyrgyz Government and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The 2007 OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum will take place under the title: "Key challenges to ensure environmental security and sustainable development in the OSCE area: Land degradation, soil contamination and water management". The Forum will be held in two stages, on 22 and 23 January 2007 in Vienna, and from 21 to 23 May in Prague.

The second preparatory conference will take place in Zaragoza on 12 and 13 March 2007.