Protecting the quality of water in the OSCE area

The first Preparatory Seminar for the Tenth OSCE Economic Forum, taking place in Belgrade from 5 to 6 November 2001, will focus on water resource management and promoting regional environmental co-operation in South-Eastern Europe.

Focus on water resources

Unregulated social and economic activities, in particular urban development, industry, and agriculture can lead to scarcity of water resources.

These pressures on water resources have a significant impact on human health and on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, resulting in loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation. The availability and the quality of water affects large areas, and may have significant regional repercussions on the environmental, political and socio-economic development as a whole.
 

Aim of seminar

The seminar aims at encouraging local ownership and sub-regional co-operation in addressing the utilisation and management of international bodies of water.

Two working groups, dedicated to the protection and use of watercourses and international lakes, will analyse and discuss environmental issues related to water resource management, and assess existing mechanisms, achievements and shortcomings in implementing water protection.

In addition, the seminar will highlight the need for greater public awareness and information dissemination, including media involvement, as to the risks and implications of water pollution.
 

FRY accession

A ceremony for the accession of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the "Establishment and implementation programme for the protection of the Sava sub-basin of the Danube River" will take place at the end of the opening plenary of the seminar.

The project, which already includes Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, falls under the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Program (Stability Pact) "Quick Start Projects", and aims at fostering sound environmental management as well as protecting and promoting long-term development.