OSCE Programme Office co-organizes workshop on green economy in Astana

ASTANA, 30 April 2015 – An OSCE-supported workshop on the development of national legislation in the context of Kazakhstan’s transition to a green economy took place today in Astana.

The event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Parliament of Kazakhstan, the Energy Ministry and Scientific Research Institute Green Academy. Some 60 participants including parliamentarians and representatives of the Energy Ministry and its supporting departments as well as representatives of business and non-governmental organizations attended the workshop with the aim of reviewing the legal aspects of the transition to a green economy and to discuss the best international practices in this sphere.

Participants adopted a list of recommendations to improve the regulatory framework in the field of waste management and emissions control in Kazakhstan. It includes the development of a national action plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as a result of economic activities by 2020 as well as adherence to international carbon finance tools.

“The OSCE considers climate change a comprehensive issue which requires concerted efforts at both the national and international levels,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “OSCE participating States have accumulated considerable experience in the transition to clean energy, the rational use of available natural resources, including water and energy, conventional and renewable energy sources, mitigating desertification and managing waste.”

Minister of Energy, Vladimir Shkolnik said: “In terms of carbon dioxide emissions per capita, Kazakhstan has nearly twice the world average, which underscores the need to find effective ways to reduce emissions, Today´s event aims to foster constructive dialogue and improve legislation for our transition to the green economy.”

The event is part of the Office’s long-term effort to promote green growth and sustainable development principles in strengthening environmental security.