OSCE Office in Tajikistan supports training on world best practices in hazardous waste management

DUSHANBE, 7 May 2015 – A three-day training on international best practices in hazardous waste management concluded today at the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

More than 25 government officials from competent ministries and agencies as well as representatives of civil society were informed of best practice in the disposal of hazardous waste and the securing and monitoring of hazardous waste sites. The training was delivered by an international expert and included a field visit to the Vakhsh waste dump for DDT, an organochlorine used as a pesticide, located in Khatlon region, southern Tajikistan.

“The OSCE considers environmental issues as one of its priorities; therefore the activities of the Environmental Unit are focused on strengthening environmental security in Tajikistan and in the region,” said Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan Ambassador Markus Mueller. “The Office immediately responded to the request of the Government to support securing the Vakhsh hazardous waste site and has been organising the workshop on hazardous waste management.”

Khayrullo Ibodzoda, Chairperson of the Environment Protection Committee under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, said: “The constructive co-operation with the OSCE Office in Tajikistan is of great importance. Hazardous waste management is a vital topic for Tajikistan, and the workshop will contribute to the assessment of environmental protection priorities of the country.”