OSCE meeting focuses on security threat caused by environmental degradation

VIENNA, 22 January 2007 - How to reduce security threats caused by environmental problems such as land degradation and soil erosion is the focus of an OSCE meeting that began today in Vienna.

The OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum brings together more than 250 policy makers, high-level experts and representatives of the OSCE's 56 participating States to discuss how to efficiently co-operate and co-ordinate efforts to reduce environmental harm.

"Global climate change, desertification, scarcity of resources, unsustainable use of natural resources and mismanagement, military and industrial legacies and transboundary pollution all have security implications," said Mr. Bernard Snoy, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

One session at the two-day meeting will be devoted to social effects of land degradation and soil erosion, including poverty and environmentally induced migration.

"Only by dealing with the problem of the deterioration of ecosystems - a cause of poverty and serious social problems in many countries - can we fight against the lack of resources, which is also inducing environmental migrations," said Spanish Ambassador Carlos Sanchez de Boado y de la Valgoma, the Chairman of the OSCE Permanent Council.

Meeting participants also will discuss how to maintain a balance between economic growth and the use of natural resources, as well as the importance of good governance.

The meeting is the first part of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum. The second and last part will be held 21 to 23 May in Prague. The forum is set to contribute to a draft OSCE Strategy on Environmental Security, which will highlight the role of environmental matters in conflict prevention, management and resolution.

The closing session, set to be held from 17:00 to 17:30 on 23 January in the Neuer Saal of the Hofburg Conference Centre, is open to the media.