Atyrau Aarhus Centre can help find solutions for Caspian Sea regions, says head of OSCE Centre

ATYRAU, 28 April 2009 - The OSCE-supported Aarhus Centre in Atyrau, in an oil- and gas-rich region of Kazakhstan near the Caspian Sea, can help find solutions for the social and environmental rehabilitation of the Caspian Sea region, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana, Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, said today.

Speaking to a meeting of the Aarhus Centre's board of directors, Keltchewsky emphasized the role of the centre, which provides environmental information and contributes to the implementation of the UN Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, known as the Aarhus Convention.

"Obviously, the Atyrau Aarhus Centre can not solve all the social and environmental problems of the Caspian Sea region. It is, however, a powerful instrument for identifying appropriate solutions," he said. "We hope the Aarhus Centre will enhance the decision-making process by providing alternative points of view, promoting inclusiveness and sharing information about the regional situation that otherwise may not have been considered."

More than 20 state and non-governmental representatives from Kazakhstan's three Caspian Sea regions participated in the meeting. The opening session, which focused on the role and mandate of the Aarhus Centre, also was attended by oil and gas company representatives as well as journalists.

The Aarhus Centre in Atyrau was established in September 2009 following an agreement between the Environment Ministry, the local administration, the Ecological Forum for Kazakhstani non-governmental organizations and the OSCE Centre in Astana.

During a two-day visit to the Caspian Sea region, Keltchewsky also discussed with the regional administration how local authorities and NGOs can co-operate to promote the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative.