OSCE supports roundtable discussion on implementing Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan

The implementation of the Aarhus Convention’s principles in Kazakhstan was the focus of an OSCE-supported roundtable discussion held on 2 October 2018 in Astana.

The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the country’s Energy Ministry and the Information and Analytical Centre of Environment Protection for some 60 representatives from government entities, local Aarhus Centres, environmental NGOs, the private sector and expert community.

Participants discussed a draft concept paper on the Environmental Code, prospects for the national ratification of the Aarhus Convention’s Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers as well as the Amendment on Genetically Modified Organisms. They also reviewed the 2018-2020 Aarhus Centres’ development plan for Kazakhstan and outlined current challenges that preclude access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters.

The Aarhus Convention is a key UN document adopted in 1998 on access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters. Aarhus Centres provide platforms to engage citizens, governments and the private sector in a dialogue on environmental challenges at national and local levels.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year activities to promote good environmental governance and to assist the host country in meeting its commitments under the Aarhus Convention.