OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supplies Forestry and Wildlife Committee with an unmanned aerial vehicle

On 5 January 2021, the OSCE Programme Office handed over a specialized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to the East-Kazakhstan Regional Territorial Forestry and Wildlife Inspection during the signing of a loan agreement.

The equipment was procured by the OSCE Programme Office within the framework of the long-term co-operation with the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources for the concrete implementation of previously reached agreements.

The UAV is designed to perform a wide range of tasks – from controlling forest fires to tracking poaching in remote areas and monitoring the number of rare and endangered species of animals. It is capable of functioning in any weather conditions and has a wide range and flight altitude. It can also spend a considerable amount of time in the air without recharging.

“We decided to procure a specialized UAV within the scope of our support of the national environmental authorities in Kazakhstan. Such devices have proven themselves effective in many countries and are successfully used in environmental protection activities,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan. “We are confident that this sophisticated piece of equipment will enhance the Committee’s capabilities and support the training of its personnel and inspectors on the ground”.

As part of the equipment transfer, the OSCE Programme Office will also support training for two inspectors in the use and maintenance of the UAV.