Environmental experts from Moldova visit Armenia to learn about environmental information centres with OSCE support

YEREVAN, 27 October 2010 - Environmental experts from Moldova learned about Armenia's experiences in establishing and operating Aarhus public environmental information centres during an OSCE-supported study trip to Armenia that ended today.

During the two-day tour, representatives of Moldova's Environment Ministry and the non-governmental organization Ecospectrum from Moldova's Transdniestrian region visited Aarhus public environmental information centres in Yerevan, Dilijan, Gavar and Hrazdan. The centres, supported by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, provide the public with access to information about the environment and enable public participation in decisions related to the environment, as required by the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe's Aarhus Convention.

Members of the Armenian Aarhus network, civil society and state representatives shared their experiences of implementing the Aarhus Convention.

"Public participation in decision-making is a cornerstone of democratic governance and the Aarhus network is an efficient tool to promote democracy in the environmental field. We are very pleased that the experience of the Aarhus Centres establishment and operation in Armenia is considered a success and are happy to share our experience in the field," said Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Ruslan Sochirca, Senior Public Relations Advisor at Moldova's Environment Ministry, added:

"This study tour is a good opportunity to learn about the extensive experience of our Armenian colleagues in operating a viable Aarhus public environmental information centre network and enhance environmental networks and co-operation in the OSCE area."

Moldovan officials are considering setting up Aarhus Centres. The Moldovan capital, Chisinau, will host a meeting of the Aarhus Convention parties in 2011.

The OSCE Mission to Moldova financed the study trip in response to a request from Moldova's Environment Ministry.