OSCE supports training seminar in Kazakhstan on International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships

AKTAU, Kazakhstan, 30 June 2016 – An OSCE-supported training seminar for some 40 participants from the central and local authorities, oil and shipbuilding companies, civil society and Aarhus Centre on implementing the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, also known as the MARPOL Convention, began today in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

The two-day event is organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in close co-operation with the Transport Committee of the Investment and Development Ministry, the Zhaik-Caspian Aarhus Centre, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Participants will learn about the key operational aspects of the IMO and review MARPOL Convention protocol along with supporting annexes. They will also be familiarized with the best international experience and discuss the practical procedures of preventing maritime pollution in the Caspian Sea.

“MARPOL is an effective legal instrument that provides a package of measures for the prevention of environmental risks,” said Rati Japaridze, Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “Given Kazakhstan’s status as a party to the MARPOL Convention, training events like this are a significant step forward in the effective implementation of the Convention and therefore in reducing the threat of environmental pollution in the Caspian region.”

“As a member of the IMO Kazakhstan must undergo a mandatory audit in January 2017 as per the international agreements in the area of maritime security and protection of the marine environment,” said Gulshat Daueshova, Chief expert of Water Transport Division of the Ministry of Investment and Development. “We believe that today’s seminar will enable the development of constructive proposals which will take standards regarding maritime transport to a new level.”

The training seminar is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to promote the implementation of international conventions in Kazakhstan, as well as to support the OSCE environmental security concept and disaster risk reduction management in the country.