Publications

The current study highlights the role of Water User Associations (WUAs) as a suitable mean to balance and mitigate the agriculture-energy nexus. Strengthening the management capacities of WUAs can enhance water and energy saving practices. This report also argues that energy savings can be multiplied by exporting electricity to neighboring countries. Tajikistan recently signed electricity trade agreements with Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to export large amounts of surplus hydropower in the summer at competitive prices. WUAs can take energy efficient measures to save energy, which could be exported to other countries at high prices and offer substantial income. These revenues can be further invested in the agricultural sector by offering financing for infrastructure rehabilitation. Thus, increasing electricity exports could further increase energy efficiency in agriculture and minimize national food shortages.

The publication is the updated version of the Reference Manual of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Dimension Commitments, published in 2014. It contains the text of all Economic and Environmental Dimension related documents adopted at Summit and Ministerial Council levels, as well as relevant Permanent Council decisions.

This review, made in collaboration with the Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defence under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan (Committee), contains information on the measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of emergency situations and civil defence, analysis of the situation in this area, Committee's performance on the implementation of the state policy in the field of managing emergency situations and civil defence and protection of the population, economic facilities and the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan from the effects of emergencies. The review also includes materials on control, prevention and elimination of the consequences of radiation and chemical accidents; implementation of sectoral programmes and international co-operation. The review is available in Russian and Tajik languages.

Hazardous waste and chemicals, if not properly managed, can have a grave impact on the environment and public health as they can contaminate water, soil and the atmosphere. The OSCE helps its participating States to effectively manage hazardous waste and chemicals and to minimize the serious security risks that they pose.

Civil protection and counteraction to potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats are of high priority and largely rely on inter-agency co-operation. This manual was written as an easy step-by-step guide for first responders responsible for tackling chemical emergencies. The manual consists of three sections: algorithm of actions including emergency zoning, decontamination practices and supporting information in section three which gives useful guidelines for rescuers during onsite operations. The best available chemical emergency response documents existing in Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States were reviewed whilst preparing the manual. Approaches outlined in this manual can be applied in emergencies of biological and radiological origin. The manual is available in Ukrainian only.

The Implementation Plan for the Strategic Framework for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Dniester River Basin outlines mechanisms for cooperation among relevant agencies, organizations and other stakeholders in Moldova and Ukraine with the support of the international community. It also suggests possible mechanisms for attraction of funding for the practical implementation of the proposed measures. The Implementation Plan is the result of joint efforts by international experts and organizations – the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) – and many experts and organizations from Moldova and Ukraine. This publication was prepared under the Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC) with financial support from the Austrian Development Cooperation and the European Union Instrument for Stability.

The publication “Environmental Assessment and Recovery Priorities for Eastern Ukraine” incorporates existing information from various sources on impact and threats to the environment posed by a conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The publication highlights the main results of studies on soils, surface waters, risks from industrial enterprises and flooding of mines, and analyzes the issues of influence on the condition of forest resources, protected areas and biodiversity. The analysis elaborated recommendations for environmental recovery, prioritized as “yesterday”, “today”, “tomorrow” and “day after tomorrow”. The publication was prepared with the financial support from governments of Canada and Austria within the joint project of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine “Assessment of Environmental Damage in Eastern Ukraine”.

Regional Assessment- Republic of Armenia, Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia

Regional Assessment- Republic of Belarus, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine

Regional Assessment- The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.