Kazakhstani journalists learn about land degradation and water management in OSCE Centre course

ALMATY, 24 November 2006 - Environmental security issues such as land degradation and water management was the focus of a week-long training course for Kazakhstani journalists that ended today.

The course was organized by the OSCE Centre in Almaty and the non-governmental organization "Environmental Press Centre" to improve media coverage of environmental issues.

"Journalists can play an important role in environmental security by raising awareness and conducting investigative journalism. This seminar helped the participants strengthen their skills to do so effectively," said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, Head of the OSCE Centre.

Spain, which holds the 2007 OSCE Chairmanship, has declared land degradation, soil contamination and integrated water management priorities.

"These issues are of great importance for Kazakhstan, and it is therefore important that journalists have enough knowledge to report on them well," Ambassador Vikki said.

Trainers from Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan led sessions during the seminar.