OSCE Mission to Georgia holds workshop to reduce oil spill risks and improve responses

TBILISI, 26 November 2008 - An OSCE Mission to Georgia workshop on how to reduce the risk of oil spills -- and improve the response when they occur -- opened in Batumi, Georgia, today.

The workshop's goal is to strengthen environmental security along Georgia's Black Sea coast.

The event aims to create an informal network for sharing information and expertise among those involved in the field of marine oil spills. Participants also are expected to develop mechanisms that would help decision-makers react properly to oil spills.

The recently updated National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan will be discussed at the two-day workshop.

"It's important for decision-makers to be prepared to respond adequately in case of an oil spill and this workshop gives them an opportunity to learn about international expertise in minimizing oil spill risks," said Terhi Hakala, Head of the OSCE Mission to Georgia.

The workshop is sponsored by the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship.