OSCE supports international youth co-operation on ecological problems

YEREVAN, 29 May 2007 - Ecological challenges faced by cities in mountainous regions is the topic of a two-day international youth conference that started today in Yerevan.

More than 100 young academics from 32 research and education institutions of Armenia, Belarus, Germany, Israel, Kazakhstan, Norway, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan gathered to discuss environmental instability of mountainous regions, to share experiences, and to join forces in finding common comprehensive solutions. The 47 reports to be presented at the conference address problems, such as the geochemistry of the environment in cities, the geomorphology of cities and landscape planning, and geoinformation technologies used in researching ecosystems in cities.

"Fostering networking and partnership among scientific and research institutions and young academicians is part of what the OSCE is about. This is especially important for confronting the rising threats and challenges of modern times, one of which is ecological security," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

"Young academics' contribution to the development of science is vital. This conference proves once again that science does not recognize borders and that there is a unified scientific space, in which scientists can exchange information about their achievements," added Emil Gabrielyan, Vice President of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences.

The event is organized by the Centre for Ecological-Noospheric Research of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences, with support from the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Moscow UNESCO Office.