OSCE takes steps to promote environmentally-friendly practices in the Organization

VIENNA, 22 November 2007 - The OSCE participating States agreed at today's meeting of the Permanent Council to take the first steps towards a more environmentally-friendly Organization.

The decision is an initiative of the Spanish Chairmanship, which is trying to refocus the OSCE institutions and mechanisms on environmental matters. It was adopted by consensus among the 56 participating States, and calls on the OSCE Secretary General to present proposals for a policy addressing such areas as energy savings, sources of renewable energy, waste minimization and recycling. The main aim is to start the process of setting up of a "green" OSCE in the near future.

"This initiative is part of the OSCE's wider efforts concerning the environment and to internalize the principles it advocates," said Bernard Snoy, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

From its inception the OSCE has viewed the environment as a key component of security, and it works with participating States to promote environmental awareness and to foster co-operation over shared natural resources.

The Permanent Council is the OSCE's main, regular decision-making body. It meets weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and to make appropriate decisions.