OSCE supports anti-poaching training seminar on conflict mitigation

From 21 to 23 June, the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supported a training seminar on countering poaching in Ust-Kamenogorsk organized in partnership with the Law Enforcement Agencies Academy (LEAA).

Some 27 representatives, including twenty men and seven women of the LEAA, the Okhotzooprom, a wildlife protection service, and the Forestry and Wildlife Committee attended the event. Three law-enforcement practitioners conducted the seminar — a legal expert, a mediator and a psychology specialist. The seminar focussed on aspects of resolving possible conflict situations with poachers.

During the seminar, participants reviewed legally allowable circumstances when firearms can be used and crisis management methods with potential violators. The training seminar involved a conflict management simulation exercise and a self-defence training session for Okhotzooprom officials conducted by a martial art coach.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to build the capacities of environmental authorities of Kazakhstan by supporting their fight against poaching.