| Central
Asia ENVSEC Projects
Projects planned or on-going
 Rapid environment and health risk assessment of industrial hotspots
Region/Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Status: On-going - Duration: 2005-2006 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Carry out a rapid assessment of environment and health transboundary risks originated by industrial sites and hazardous waste dumps, located in the Ferghana valley area, with prioritisation of risks related to individual sites; carry out, for the selected sites, detailed assessment of risk, define provisional offsite contingency plans (OCPs) for the areas affected by the sites investigated, in compliance with European Directives and International Conventions (e.g. UNECE Convention on Industrial Accidents), and to carry out pre-feasibility studies for correction/ reconstruction measures necessary to prevent/ reduce the identified risks; contribute to the developing process of capacity building and to promote the public participation on the risk management. Establishment of environmental early warning system Region/Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Based on in-depth assessment and existing early warning systems, the ENVSEC will set up an environmental system of information collection and dissemination for tracking and analysis of potential conflicts arising from competition over natural resources or from potential natural hazards between communities in three states of Ferghana Valley. It is also aimed at assessing the security- environment linkage more broadly and at placing environmental causes of conflict in the perspective of the wider security context. Such system of monitoring and early warning will produce substantial basis for adoption of responsible policies in maintaining secure environment. Natural disaster preparedness and risk reduction for communities in high-risk districts in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Region/Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006-2007 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Based on in-depth assessment and existing UNDP programmes, the ENVSEC will design activities to prevent increasing social tension and conflicts by strengthening national capacities in natural disaster risk management to reduce losses and impacts of both natural and man-made disasters in high-risk regions. More specifically, to strengthen capacities of local authorities and communities in disaster risk management, to reduce vulnerability to disasters, and to pilot mechanisms for community involvement in disaster risk management. Training in investigative journalism with respect to Environment and Security issues and linkages Region/Countries: Central Asia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2004-2006 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Provide hands-on training to practicing journalists from the countries on investigative and analytical approach to covering environmental and security issues and linkages in the print and electronic media. Training sessions will be held back to back to media festivals (see below) and focus on priority issues defined in ENVSEC assessments. Support to environmental festivals in Central Asia Region/Countries: Central Asia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2004-2006 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Organise national and regional competitions and festivals of environmental films, TV and radio programmes, and newspaper articles. Build capacities of selected national journalists and environmental NGOs on organisation of the festivals and public environmental campaigns for awareness-raising. Establish working mechanisms for dialogue with the Ministries of Environment on how to draw public attention to the critical national environmental and development priorities, and contribute to national environmental protection and peace building. Establishment of and support to Public Environmental Information Centres (“Aarhus centers”) Region/Countries: South Caucasus and Central Asia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2004-2006 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: OSCE
Description: Promoting the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and the second component of Objective 6 of the EECCA Strategy by creating, or supporting already existing, public information centres (Aarhus Centres); Using Aarhus Centres as outreach tools to raise awareness of environment and security linkages; promote public participation in environmental decision making, in particular as concerns key issues identified through ENVSEC assessment. Uranium Waste and tailings Sites in the Ferghana Valley Region/Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006-2008 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: NATO
Description: The effective management of uranium industry wastes to prevent health and environmental detriment - characterization of source terms, determination of local contamination and migration of radionuclides, assessment of radiation doses to the population from external gamma-radiation, radon isotopes and from ingested/inhaled radionuclides, estimate of risk, proposal for mitigation/remediation, if any, comparison with international standards. SEMIREAD II - Investigation of the Radiological Situation in the Sarzhal Region of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site Region/Countries: Kazakhstan
Status: On-going - Duration: 2004-2007 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: NATO (Ref.: NATO/PDD/CP 980906)
Description: This project is a continuation of SEMIRAD I. The new site to be studied for its radiological condition lies north of Ground Zero and southwest of Maize (Kazakhstan). Within the framework of the project areas, if present, which present radionuclide concentrations that are high enough to present a terrorism/defence threat will be identified. Results will allow the Kazakh Government, local authorities and their agencies to develop strategies for the rehabilitation and development of the area. Study of Radioactive Waste Disposal Sites in Turkmenistan Region/Countries: Turkmenistan
Status: On-going - Duration: - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: NATO (Ref.: NATO/PDD/CP 978439)
Description: The project is assisting Turkmenistan in the safe handling of radioactive waste, a side-product from iodine and bromine production facilities near by the Caspian Sea. The project includes the implementation of a radiochemical laboratory in Ashgabat, the installation and operation of radioprotection equipment and the training of Turkmen teams. This will enable Turkmenistan in gaining scientific and technical autonomy in waste characterisation and radio protection. Improved Land and Water Resource Management in the Upper Syr Darya Basin in the Context of Sustainable Development Region/Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: This project will address transboundary integrated land and water management by preparing a transboundary diagnostic analysis that will assist in development of a set of eco-system quality objectives (EQOs) serving as the basis for the regional strategic action programme and the national action plans. The second part of this approach is the testing of these EQOs as instruments for sustainable use of land and water resources in the region. These EQOs will be scaleable for the whole region, down to small villages. Once these EQOs are established, two community level demonstration projects that emphasize issues of sustainable development in transboundary cooperation in resource utilization and economic development will be implemented to test their practicality. Ferghana valley web portal Region/Countries: Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006 onwards - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: The aim of this project is to set up an information sharing process and create a network of information officers working on the local level in the target area of Ferghana Valley. The web portal will become a component of the existing CARESD web portal. ENVSEC-Ferghana Information Officers will be connected to CARNet network of civil society organisations established in 2004 around CARESD. UNEP will work with ENVSEC counterparts in the Ferghana valley on the delivery on-line of substantive environment-security information, i.a. to ensure transparency in monitoring of ENVSEC issues and activities in the post-assessment phase. Assistance to EECCA and SEE countries in implementing the convention on the transboundary effects of industrial accidents Region/Countries: Central Asia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006-2007 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNECE, UNEP
Description: The project will help improve industrial safety, in particular at hazardous installations, through assessing readiness of and needs of the countries for the implementation of prevention measures, and tailoring capacity-building activities to foster preparedness and adequate response to industrial accidents. The outcome of the project (countries’ commitments, verification missions and reports, programme of needs-driven assistance activities) will contribute to the assistance programme adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents. In-depth assessment of environment and security hot-spots on the Eastern Caspian coast Region/Countries: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan
Status: On-going - Duration: 2005-2006 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: The project will assess in-depth environment & security hotspots on the Eastern Caspian coast following the preliminary identification of issues in ENVSEC 1st stage assessment for Central Asia, national consultations and on-going activities; plan concrete actions on the ground on the institutional, policy and community levels. Environmental Impact Assessment in a transboundary context: pilot implementation project in the Central Asia Region/Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNECE, OSCE
Description: The project will demonstrate the application of transboundary environmental impact assessment in Central Asia between the two countries Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, both parties of the EIA Convention. The project will develop national implementation mechanisms in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. A full procedure of EIA in a transboundary context will further be applied to a specific planned project (production facility or similar) in Kyrgyzstan, with the involvement of Kazakhstan authorities and the public. Dam safety in Central Asia: capacity building and sub-regional cooperation Region/Countries: Central Asia
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNECE
Description: The project will assess needs to revise the existing legal provisions and to reform the established institutional modalities for dam safety; Provide technical support through advise and training; identify and support technically an institution in each participating county to serve as a national focal point to coordinate dam safety activities at the country level and represent that country in interregional cooperation activities. On the regional level the project will facilitate the formulation of a concept of sub regional cooperation for safe operation of dams and other hydraulic structures, especially those located on transboundary rivers, and support the development and start-up of a work programme. Enhancing regional exchange of water resource information (CAREWIB phase II) Region/Countries: Central Asia
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNECE, UNEP
Description: The project will build upon CAREWIB information service of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination towards further development of its contents and full integration of with other sources of regional water-related information, in order to facilitate a Central Asian water information exchange network for policy-makers and the general public. Study of Radioactive Waste Disposal Sites in Turkmenistan Region/Countries: Turkmenistan
Status: On-going - Duration: 2001-2006 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: NATO
Description: The project is assisting Turkmenistan in the safe handling of radioactive waste, a side-product from iodine and bromine production facilities near by the Caspian Sea. The project includes the implementation of a radiochemical laboratory in Ashgabat, the installation and operation of radioprotection equipment and the training of Turkmen teams. This will enable Turkmenistan in gaining scientific and technical autonomy in waste characterisation and radio protection. Integrated water resources management fir wetlands restoration in the Aral Sea basin Region/Countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Status: On-going - Duration: 2005-2008 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: NATO
Description: The overall objective of the project is to propose a system of models, GIS and engineering tools for civil infrastructure and a pre-feasibility study answering to the principal needs for integrated water resources management in the Syrdarya Delta. The results of the study should serve as a basis for internationally supported investment proposals. The participation of the local community and other stakeholders should add to the reality of the proposed measures and should support the creation of a "Committee for water resources management of the Syrdarya delta".
Projects completed
In-depth field assessment of environment & security hot spots in the Ferghana – Osh – Khudjand triangle and adjacent areas Region/Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: An in-depth (phase II) assessment of the region was initiated in May 2004 with the main objective to assess and communicate information on environment & security hotspots in the Ferghana-Osh-Khujand triangle with focus on transboundary risks from human activities, in particular industrial hot spots (hazardous waste, risks for accidents and spillages, including radioactive waste poorly stored or completely abandoned), pressure on natural resources (land degradation, deforestation, ownership; water quality, usage and sharing) and cross-cutting issues such as natural disasters or the impacts of climate change on the region.
Results: Publication of the report “Environment and Security: Transforming risks into cooperation - Central Asia - Ferghana / Osh / Khujand area”. Also available in Russian.
:: Link to this project :: Assessment and Mitigation of Seismic Risk in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic Region/Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: NATO (Ref.: NATO/PDD/CP 971923)
Description: This project collected data on the seismological and geological characteristics of the region, and seismic hazard maps and earthquake ground motion models for Bishkek and Tashkent were developed. NATO support included the purchase and installation of GIS equipment and software as well as training of young scientists. The end-results were given to the state committees and ministries concerned in Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan.
Sustainable Development of Ecology and Land and Water use through Implementation of a GIS and Remote Sensing Center in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan Region/Countries: Uzbekistan, Russia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: NATO (Ref.: NATO/PDD/CP 974101)
Description: With the aim to establish a remote sensing system for studying the Aral Sea ecosystem, a GIS Centre has been equipped and put into operation at the Nukus State University, Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan). With the help of Russian expertise, the centre has developed forecast models for ecosystem changes and early crop-yield estimation models. Scientists have been trained in this centre to ensure improvement of water management and agricultural planning. The results were transferred to the Interstate Coordination Water Management Commission as well as to state committees and regional governments of Uzbekistan.
SEMIRAD I - Investigation of the Radiological Situation in the Sarzhal Region of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site Region/Countries: Kazakhstan
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: NATO (Ref.: NATO/PDD/CP 976046)
Description: Within the framework of this project the radioactive contamination level at the Tel’kem valley (Kazakhstan) has been determined. Two-week field expeditions were carried out on an annual basis and technical support to the National Nuclear Centre of Kazakhstan has been provided. The results showed that the studied area was little more contaminated by radionuclides than would be expected from a global fallout and thus presents little radiological hazard for farmers. The conclusions have been reported to the Kazakh authorities concerned.
ENVSEC Phase 1 assessment of Environment and security risks and opportunities in Central Asia Region/Countries: Central Asia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation:
Description: One of the first assessments carried out by the ENVSEC team, and the result of extensive desk studies, fieldwork and stakeholder meetings and workshops in the region, this assessment is the basis of the work programme that is now being implemented in the region.
Results: Publication of “Environment and Security transforming risks into cooperation. The case of Central Asia and South Eastern Europe”. Also available in Russian.
:: Link to this project ::
Eastern Europe ENVSEC Projects
Projects planned or on-going
Transboundary cooperation and sustainable management in the Dniester river basin: Implementation of the Action Plan (Dniester III) Region/Countries: Moldova, Ukraine
Status: On-going - Duration: 2007-10 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNECE, OSCE, UNEP with Environmental, Water, Hydrometeorology, Health care / Sanitary authorities, research institutes, NGOs
Description: Building upon previous activities of ENVSEC agencies in the Dniester basin, the project aims at improving environmental situation in the basin through enhanced cooperation. In particular the project supports the development of a new Dniester River Basin Agreement, cooperation on water quality between sanitary-epidemiological services, integration of biodiversity concerns in basin management, and a broad exchange of environmental information on water-related issues. Deliverables and outcomes: Dniester River Basin Agreement negotiated and prepared for signing; Feasibility study and pilot activities for basin-wide sanitary monitoring of water quality; Draft Fishing Rules for the Lower Dniester; Operational pilot of a transboundary basin information management system; Publication of results for the public and decision-makers.
:: Link to this project :: Cross-border assessment and management plan for the Drisviaty / Druksiai lake basin Region/Countries: Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2007-8 - Funding: Fully funded (needs for the follow-up are anticipated) - Lead organisation: UNEP, REC with national environmental authorities, local governments, Lithuanian energy authority, research institutes, NGOs
Description: The goal of the project is to start the preparation of an integrated basin management plan as well as environmental information management and exchange system for the Druksiai / Drisviaty lake catchment basin as building blocks for a transboundary resource management system. Deliverables and outcomes: Assessment and pilot electronic resource database; Set-up for the development of an Integrated water resources management plan; Improved local capacities and cooperation for transboundary resource management. Sustainable management of shared water resources in the upper Pripyat basin Region/Countries: Belarus, Ukraine
Status: On-going - Duration: 2008-9 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNEP, UNDP, OSCE with Ministries of the Environment and Transport (Belarus), State Water Committee of Ukraine, local authorities, research institutes
Description: The project supports sustainable management of shared water resources in the upper Pripyat basin. In particular the projects facilitates the development, harmonisation and bilateral implementation of water allocation procedures for the Beloozerskaya water-feed system of the Dnieper-Buh Canal in an environmentally safe, economically viable, and mutually acceptable manner. Deliverables and outcomes: Hydrological profile of the Pripyat river at the Vyzhevsky floodgate under various flow conditions; Results of the bilateral study of flow regime and hydro-ecological conditions of the upper Pripyat, Beloozerskaya water-feed system, and the Dnieper-Buh canal; Justification of water flow allocations in the upper Pripyat to meet the needs of environment protection in the basin, maintenance and navigation of the Dnieper-Buh canal, and the optimal control of high flow events. Joint environmental monitoring, assessment and exchange of information for integrated management of the Danube delta Region/Countries: Moldova, Ukraine, Romania
Status: On-going - Duration: 2008-9 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNECE, OSCE, UNEP, ICPDR (the Danube commission) with national Water, Environment, Transport authorities, research institutes, NGOs, Conventions
Description: The project's goal is to improve environmental conditions in the Danube delta and cooperation between the riparian countries. In particular the project aims at a better overall and mutual understanding of the effects of dredging on water balance, quality and the environment, and at establishing a framework for exchanging research and official information on environmental issues between Danube delta countries. The project builds upon recommendations of the Espoo Convention’s Inquiry commission, as well as on a decision of the Heads of Delegations to ICPDR (Odesa, December 2007) to co-operate towards achieving a good ecological status of the Danube delta in line with EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and international and regional environmental obligations. Such cooperation includes the preparation of a coordinated Danube Delta Analysis Report. Deliverables and outcomes: Review of studies and results of state monitoring of environmental issues in the area; Summary analytical report approved by the participating countries; Outline of a monitoring and information system as a basis for decisions and dispute resolution; Agreement on mechanisms for preparing the Danube Delta Analysis Report; Conclusions on the arrangements to implement the obligations of the countries (Moldova/Ukraine/Romania) in the context of Article 8 of the Espoo Convention. Environmental assessment of development planning and environment-security monitoring in Crimea Region/Countries: Ukraine
Status: On-going - Duration: 2007-9 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNDP, UNEP with Crimean regional authorities, local planners and community representatives, research organisations, NGOs
Description: Project promotes the implementation of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in Crimea as a recognised tool for integrated sustainable development planning and conflict prevention. The project is linked to and support the implementation of the Crimea Integration and Development Programme of UNDP. The project will also help implement a mechanism for monitoring and reporting on environmental and natural resource aspects of security situation as an add-on to existing security monitoring by UNDP. Deliverables and outcomes: Built capacity of local stakeholders in SEA application in regional development planning; Design of environment-security monitoring, with regularly disseminated situation analyses; Inputs to regional / local decision-making and planning processes .
Mitigating risks from stocks of obsolete pesticides in transboundary basins and near-border areas Region/Countries: Belarus, Moldova
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006-10 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: NATO, OSCE (Moldova) with national and local Environmental authorities, Ministry of Defence (Moldova), World Bank, research institutes, NGOs
Description: The project continues the analysis, repackaging and disposal of obsolete pesicides in Moldova (possibly extending activities to the Transnistrian region). The project also aims to investigate pesticide-related risks, needs and disposal options in near-border regions of Belarus (Brest and Gomel oblasts), and support development of technological solutions for pesticide destruction in Belarus. Deliverables and outcomes: Support to inventory and repackaging of pesticides in Moldova; Field, analytical and feasibility studies for selected locations and depots in Belarus; Research and development on plasma technologies for pesticide destruction in Belarus. Development of capacities for application of the UNECE Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context Region/Countries: Belarus, Ukraine
Status: Planned - Duration: 2008-9 - Funding: Not yet funded - Lead organisation: UNECE with Ministries of Environment Protection, industrial developers (Belarus), research organisations
Description:
Project's goal is to implement a pilot project to clarify procedures and mechanisms and strengthen capacities in Belarus in relation to the implementation of the UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context. The project will address a concrete case of economic development, tentatively in the Polesie region. Deliverables and outcomes: Improved implementation capacities in Belarus; Increased cooperation among the countries, and addressing a specific case of cross-border impact; Publication of results of the transboundary impact assessment. Assessment and capacity-building for managing environment and security risks in the Donbas and Soligorsk regions Region/Countries: Belarus, Ukraine
Status: On-going - Duration: 2008-9 - Funding: Fully funded (needs for the follow-up are anticipated) - Lead organisation: UNEP with Ministries of the Environment and regional environmental authorities, sectoral agencies, research institutes, NGOs. media
Description: The project supports regional environmental management and governance in socially-stressed areas. In particular the project assesses and helps mitigate environmental risks related to unsustainable mining practices and increases transparency over environmental issues and decision-making through supporting environmental awareness activities with city / regional authorities, media and NGOs. The project builds upon ENVSEC’s ‘mining for closure’ experience in SE Europe, and UNEP’s GEO-cities activities in the Donetsk oblast. Deliverables and outcomes: Assessment of risks associated with mining and mining waste; Targeted support for environmentally-efficient mine management (improved knowledge base, practices, rules and regulations); Strengthened transparency and communication capacities of environmental authorities, mass media and NGOs, user-friendly publication of environmental information; Identification of feasible follow-up activities. Study of Plutonium, Americium and other radionuclides in the Belarus sector of the Chernobyl power plant’s exclusion zone Region/Countries: Belarus, Ukraine
Status: On-going - Duration: 2008-10 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: NATO with Ministries of the Environment and Emergency Situations of Belarus, Polesie State Radiation-Ecological Reserve, research institutes
Description: The overall goal of the project is to obtain comprehensive information about the radioactive contamination of the territory of Polesie State Radiation-Ecological Reserve, and to estimate radio-ecological consequences of the redistribution of radionuclides as a result of extreme natural phenomena such as fires and floods. Deliverables and outcomes: Detailed patterns of Cs, Sr, Pu, Am-241 in soil, sediments, water, plants within the area; Identification of physico-chemical forms (particles, sequential extraction) of radionuclides in soil and sediments, mechanisms for their inclusion in food-chains, bioaccumulation and effects on biota; Database and maps of radioactive contamination, combined with similar results from Ukraine; Improved models for Cs and Sr migration in terrestrial ecosystems (soils); Data and simulation on the impact of extreme natural phenomena on the transport of radionuclides within Belarus and across the border. Sustainability assessment of energy security strategies Region/Countries: Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine
Status: On-going - Duration: 2007-9 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNDP, UNEP with Lund University, Ministries / Agencies of Environment, Energy, Industry, research and intergovernmental organisations
Description: The project strives to assess environmental implications of the existing energy security strategies in Eastern Europe, identify environmentally sustainable solutions to strategic energy security challenges in the region, and strengthen capacity for integrating environmental concerns in national energy planning. Deliverables and outcomes: guidelines for sustainability assessment of national energy strategies, developed in a participatory process and reflecting strategic, legal, institutional and other issues related to their application; Region-wide analysis of the environmental dimension of energy security planning; Increased awareness and capacities of countries in the region to systematically consider environmental implications of energy security policies. Training, awareness raising and institutional support to address environmental effects of defence activities Region/Countries: Ukraine with Belarus, Moldova
Status: Under Consideration - Duration: 2008-10 - Funding: Not yet funded - Lead organisation: OSCE (Ukraine) with Ministries of Defence, Environment Protection
Description: The project's goal is to provide facilities and programme for systematic training of defence personnel in assessing and managing environmental risks; to support production of information on environmental impacts of Ukrainian defence activities and infrastructure (database of areas and facilities at risks; public reports on environmental impacts of armed forces). Eventually to lay ground for strengthening institutional basis for managing environmental risks by the Ukrainian armed forces (standards, practices, legislation). Deliverables and outcomes: environmental training centre and training programme in Ukraine; Increased capacities of military personnel in Ukraine and neighbouring countries; Information products in public domain, increased awareness of military impacts on the environment. Disposal of stocks of rocket fuel toxic component (mélange) Region/Countries: Ukraine
Status: On-going - Duration: 2007-11 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: OSCE with Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs
Description: The project's goal is to help mobilise resources for the disposal of stocks of rocket fuel toxic component (mélange) stored at 7 locations in Ukraine. Deliverables and outcomes: Mobilisation of funds, institutional, political, organisational support as required.
Needs assessment, technical, institutional and legal strengthening of environmental cooperation and management in Transnistria Region/Countries: Moldova
Status: On-going - Duration: 2008-10 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: OSCE, UNEP with Ministries of the Environment, Reintegration, local authorities, NGOs
Description: Project's goal is to support environmental management and cooperation vs. the Transnistrian region of Moldova through needs assessment and support for addressing general and specific environmental issues in the area. Deliverables and outcomes: needs assessment; cooperation mechanism (working groups or similar; updated and adopted protocols on environmental cooperation); proposals and support for specific actions. Prevention of illegal cross-border transport of hazardous waste: training of border, customs and environmental authorities Region/Countries: Ukraine with Belarus, Moldova
Status: On-going - Duration: 2008-9 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: OSCE (Ukraine) with UNEP / Basel Convention secretariat, environmental, sanitary, customs, border authorities, research institutes, NGOs
Description: Project aims to strengthen capacities of authorities to monitor and prevent illegal traffic of hazardous materials waste, i.a. with reference to international practices and legal instruments such as the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. Training will also produce recommendations on further capacity-building needs and actions. Deliverables and outcomes: Increased understanding of issues and relevant procedures among public authorities; Follow-up recommendations. Awareness, public participation in decision-making and education on environment and security risks and linkages Region/Countries: Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine
Status: On-going - Duration: 2007-10 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNEP, OSCE, REC with Ministries of the Environment, sectoral agencies, NGOs, media, educational organisations, CIDA/PROGINT
Description: Project's goal is to support ENVSEC activities by raising awareness of environment and security issues, ‘hot spots’ and linkages within the countries and in the region. Project activities will target mass media, NGOs and public authorities and use approaches already successfully tested in other ENVSEC regions. Deliverables and outcomes: Enhanced media coverage of environment and security issues, ‘hot spots’ and linkages; Strengthened capacities of public authorities, civil society and mass media to raise public awareness or the respective issues and activities; Improved flow of official information on environment and security issues to the general public; Customised educational materials for schools.
Projects completed
ENVSEC regional assessment for Eastern Europe Region/Countries: Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNEP with other ENVSEC agencies, Governments and institutions
Description: The regional assessment, consisting of extensive research and consultaitons with the countries, identified specific risks on the environment-security interface and formed the basis for ENVSEC follow-up activities in the region. The assessment was launched on 21 May 2007 at 15th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum in Prague.
:: Link to this project :: Development of Moldova's national environmental security programme Region/Countries: Moldova
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNEP, OSCE, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources
Description: The project supported Moldova in the development and implementation of a comprehensive Environmental security programme and action plan i.a. reflecting upon and furthering issues and priorities raised through the ENVSEC assessment and further consultations on the national and the local levels. The programme and action plan developed via an interagency process were endorsed by the Government's order 304 (17.03.2007).
:: Link to this project :: Strengthening capacities to assess and prevent risks from transboundary accidents Region/Countries: Moldova, Ukraine, Romania
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNECE, Ministries of Environment Protection, Emergency Response, Industry
Description: Through a workshop on strengthening safety measures at hazardous facilities (13-14 December 2007, Vadul-lui-Voda, Moldova) the project aimed at promoteing cooperation and the application of common standards on safety between Moldova and its neighbouring countries, Romania and Ukraine. The workshop was supported by experts from the Czech Republic and Italy. Representatives of Apa-Canal Service, an operator of a hazardous activity in Moldova, also took part. The key objective of the workshop was to discuss the legislation, standards and methods necessary for national authorities to ensure adequate safety at hazardous activities, including the legal basis for issuing licences and permits, as well as verification of safety documentation and conducting inspection. The workshop enabled participants to share good practice and experience in conducting safety inspections, providing guidance to operators and developing tools and practices through adoption of which safety could be further strengthened. The priject was implemented under the aucpices of the UNECE convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, linked to the Convention's capacity-building programme.
:: Link to this project :: Rocket fuel (mélange) disposal workshop and assessment in Ukraine Region/Countries: Ukraine (as well other selected countries of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia)
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: OSCE, NATO, Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs
Description: A NATO/OSCE workshop in Kyiv shared national experiences and sought for applicability of the best methods and technical options for secure, economically efficient and environmentally friendly methods of liquid rocket fuel component ("mélange") disposal. A follow up in Ukraine provided technical and financial assistance for the implementation of melange recycling and facilitated the elaboration of an independent technical-economic assessment through an on-site Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) of an international expert group.
Real-time monitoring and decision support systems for international rivers: the Dniester and Prut rivers Region/Countries: Moldova, Ukraine, Romania
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: NATO with national and basin water and hydrometeorology authorities, research institutes and consultancies
Description: The project's goals is to enhance the development of a common framework for data exchange required for sustainable management of the rivers Prut and Dniester shared by Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. Deliverables and outcomes: Four automatic water-monitoring stations measuring 6 basic parameters purchased and put into sustainable operation at the two rivers (sites Tudora, Sireuti, Naslavcea and Valea Mare); Data are freely shared with interested parties.
South Eastern Europe ENVSEC Projects
Projects planned or on-going
Improving regional co-operation for risk management from pollution hotspots in South Eastern Europe Region/Countries: Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, FRY Macedonia, Albania
Status: Desk study - Duration: 2006-2008 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Aiming to reduce trans-boundary environmental and human safety risks posed by sub-standard mining operations in the SEE region, by providing a targeted in-depth assessment of trans-boundary environment and health risks resulting from mining designed for decision-makers and mining experts at the regional level; identifying potential “hot spots”; recommending priority measures of mitigation and for risk management. The project will develop policy and technical options suitable for the region and will take forward demonstration and pilot activities, in particular focusing on innovative, local and cost-efficient risk reduction and management measures.
:: Link to this project :: Improving regional co-operation for the transboundary management of shared natural resources in South Eastern Europe Region/Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, Kosovo and FRY Macedonia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006-2008 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Assessment of the state of trans-boundary ecosystems, main threats and current management practices; carry out feasibility study and participative Peace Park Strategy, support ongoing initiatives of trans-boundary cooperation of biodiversity and protected areas management, and facilitate collaborative and consultative processes; support the establishment of Networks of Protected Areas and build capacity on selected topics at the sub-regional level. Feasibility Study for Lojane Mine Cleaning and Closure Region/Countries: Macedonia
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Carry out a comprehensive environmental investigation, and based on that to recommend a short-term risk reduction and long-term remediation and environmental protection measures for the Lojane Mine. The proper conservation of the Mine will prevent further contamination of the area and the impact on the neighbouring country. It will also have a positive impact on the relations between the national/local governments and the local citizens from the affected area which is still declared as a crisis region. Cross-border Environmental Monitoring and Early Warning Systems Region/Countries: Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, Albania
Status: Under consideration - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Assessment of need for establishment of a cross-border environmental monitoring and alarm systems, which would provide quality information of status of the environment, and map shared water bodies, protected areas and areas rich with biodiversity at risk. Identify causes of risks and stemming results, and impacts on human vulnerability and environmental stresses in the bordering areas. Reducing the impact of agriculture in the Prespa Park region Region/Countries: Macedonia, Albania
Status: On-going - Duration: 2005-2009 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: The aim is to reduce the impact of agriculture on the Prespa Lakes through capacity building activities targeted at i) agricultural extension services’ abilities to provide training and advice on use of pesticides and irrigation, and ii) training farmers in the formation of agricultural associations in order to improve the understanding of marketing and best practices in sustainable farming. Improving Integrated Water Resources Management in the Tisza River Basin Region/Countries: Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Ensure that the land and water resources of the Tisza river basin meet the long and short-term requirements for the communities in the region through: (i) a stakeholder analysis and establishment of stakeholder groups; (ii) establishment of inter-ministry committees (including finance) to direct the planning process; (iii) conducting a transboundary diagnostic analysis; (iv) development and endorsement of national action plans and a regional action plan; (v) implementation of small-scale pilot project to demonstrate advantages of IRBM. Postgraduate Course on Environment, Security and Diplomacy Region/Countries: South Eastern Europe
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Conduct a feasibility study to assess the viability of organizing a Postgraduate Course on Environment, Security and Diplomacy for SEE Countries. Feasibility study for Trepca complex: support to industrial “hot spot” remediation (SIHR) in Kosovo Region/Countries: Kosovo
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Environmental Assessment and Programme Development for Stan Trg/Stanterg and Artaana/Novo Brdo Mines. To set the foundation for a larger remediation programme by conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine the impact of mine production and processing on the environment from two mine sites. Feasibility Study for the Remediation of the Bor Mine Surface and Ground waters Region/Countries: Serbia and Montenegro
Status: Under development - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Preparation of a feasibility study for selected sites in the Bor mine complex that both serve to determine requirements for environmental remediation of pollution sources to water and also introduce a community participatory approach to remediation of environmental hot spots. The outcome of the remediation recommendations would build capacity for mine site management in Serbia, and so be of further use to the ENVSEC’s mining initiative. The project will involve an assessment to determine follow up activities at the site, and will also assess the potential for local capacity for remediation activities. Targeted field assessment of the selected site in SEE (Lipnica) Region/Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Status: Under development - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Co-operation for the protection and sustainable development of mountain areas in the SEE region Region/Countries: South Eastern Europe
Status: On-going - Duration: 2005-2008 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Establishment of a functioning framework for co-operation between national authorities, that are facing similar problems in the field of protection and sustainable development of the mountain regions in SEE. To identify needs and issues of regional cooperation for the protection and sustainable development of mountain areas of the SEE region as well as available instruments of and possible options for strengthening the framework for cooperation between stakeholders. Sustainable Management of the international waters – Prespa Lake Region/Countries: Albania, Greece and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006-2009 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: NATO
Description: The aim is to understand the mechanisms behind the water loss in the Prespa Lake and to develop a model for the prediction of the effects of changes in quantity and quality of the lake's water. An automatic meteorological station, water level recorder, equipment for the tracer injection experiment will be purchased and installed and local scientists will be trained. Recommendations for sustainable development will be presented to end-users at a final workshop. Follow-up support for AIMS (Network of MEAs Senior Officials and Legal Experts for South Eastern Europe) Region/Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Republic of Montenegro, Republic of Serbia, Kosovo (territory under UN interim administration)
Status: On-going - Duration: 2005-2006 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: REC
Description: The goal of the project is to maintain momentum established by the original AIMS project (Support for Acceptance and Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements in South Eastern Europe) in support of regional cooperation in SEE to jointly and in a coordinated fashion enhance the acceptance and implementation of MEAs. The project stimulates and reactivates AIMS Network to gain momentum towards its long term sustainability, forsees regional activities on practical implementation, in particular with reference to the use of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) and the UNECE and UNEP Guidelines. Generally the project will improve awareness of problems and solutions for implementation of MEAs through shared experiences within SEE region. Preparation of the Adriatic Sea Partnership Region/Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Republic of Montenegro
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006-2007 - Funding: Partially funded - Lead organisation: REC
Description: This project is for support of a multi-year, multi-million dollar umbrella partnership for cooperation on the Adriatic Sea, hereinafter referred to as the Adriatic Sea Partnership (ASP). The project aims to adequately prepare the initiative, to service the lead countries, to increase donor interest and generate further funding, and to represent the initiative in various fora in order to garner the necessary participation and support. A major goal of the ASP is to establish an operative international body on the basis of political commitment by littoral countries, to act as a common platform for regional cooperation on action to protect the Adriatic Sea and promote its sustainable use. The ASP will also enable the establishment of a working umbrella framework for cooperation and exchange to serve as a clearinghouse to link and ensure synergies among the diverse existing Adriatic-based initiatives. In the preparatory phase, REC provides a neutral platform for reaching a political agreement of the litoral countries, by facilitating contacts with national authorities and other stakeholders on a bilateral or multilateral level in preparatory stages of the process. Energy and Environmental Challenges to Security - A Rose Roth Seminar for Parliamentarians and others Region/Countries: South Eastern Europe, possibly others
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: REC
Description: The seminar on “Energy and Environmental Challenges to Security” is aimed at engaging political actors and key policymakers and stakeholders, including governmental authorities, journalists and members of civil society, to focus the international debate on these issues through a high-level conference. It provides an opportunity to promote on the basis of sound scientific knowledge understanding and raise awareness among critical players whose actions will have a major impact on the future course of development and on security-related matters, and to accomplish outreach to targeted groups from the international initiatives related to Environment and Security that have gathered the latest thinking on the subject. Towards a legal regime for flood management in UNECE region Region/Countries: South Eastern Europe
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: REC
Description: The goal of the project is to contribute to the development of an international legal regime for flood management in the UNECE region, or, alternatively, with respect to specific shared rivers and water bodies on a sub-regional level. The project envisions in-depth research, surveying and analyzing applicable international legal principles, relevant legal texts, articles and other resources, culminating in a detailed, commented proposal for state-of-the-art rules. Alternative institutional arrangements, including commissions with various powers, will be examined, together with geographical and other considerations relevant to regime formation with particular application to river basins. Promotion and Development of the “Governance Principles for FDI in Hazardous Activities” Region/Countries: South Eastern Europe, Tisza/Danube countries, EECCA
Status: On-going - Duration: 2006-2007 - Funding: Partial funding pending - Lead organisation: REC
Description: Since their official launch the Governance Principles for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) have gained increasing attention from the international community. However, investor responsibility in hazardous activities and other issues related to corporate social responsibility are rarely on the international agenda. There is a need to structure and streamline this interest in order to focus the international community on this issue, raise it as an agenda point wherever possible, and test the Principles in the light of further developments. The REC has led a process of dialogue on improved governance over foreign direct investment in hazardous activities, taking into account the complex root causes of mining and other disasters, and acknowledging the lack of appropriate controls. The result is a tool for risk reduction in the investment process that has been widely praised and appreciated in all contexts in which it has come up. The next phase of the Program therefore encompasses the further development and promotion of the Principles through: a) Governmental and Business Consultations; b) Strategic Working Group; and c) Internet Portal. Illegal Logging in SEE and EE: Governance, Implementation and Enforcement Region/Countries: South Eastern Europe, Tisza/Danube countries, Eastern Europe
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: REC
Description: The project foresees to conduct assessment, to reach conclusions and to come up with recommendations related to current forestry regimes in SEE and EE countries with attention to the magnitude and extent of illegal logging activity, evaluation of institutional structures, policy formation and the implementation of policies, resources and incentives, enforcement, corruption and legitimacy. This will result into concrete actions to be taken by key responsible actors to close the law, policy, implementation and enforcement gaps in order to sharply reduce or eliminate illegal logging in specific countries. A collateral goal will be to link the current project with prospective international training activities in the field of environmental crimes. Transboundary environmental governance in Southeastern and Eastern Europe Region/Countries: South Eastern Europe, others
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: REC
Description: The project aims at the trial application of "transboundary governance principles" in order to reduce the risk of international tensions and to promote more socially and environmentally responsible corporate norms of behavior through a coordinated and strategic approach to new investments and the operation of current high-risk sites.
The project will seek to promote the use of the “Governance Principles for FDI in Hazardous Activities” in the deliberations relating to one or more large-scale investment projects in the region, involving hazardous activities with potential transboundary effects. At the same time, the Governance Principles will be further refined through dialogue with investors, stakeholders, authorities and others to ensure balance, applicability, and effectiveness. Bi-/multilateral arrangements for prevention of transboundary environmental conflicts: the Timok River Region/Countries: Bulgaria, Serbia
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Not funded - Lead organisation: REC
Description: The project aims to support development of agreements and other arrangements for increased cooperation on common environmental problems and management of shared natural resources, using recent examples from the wider region as models. The focus is on the Timok River between Bulgaria and Serbia. The Timok River has been seriously degraded and deforested through uncontrolled mining activities, which represents a serious threat to the livelihoods of people on both sides of the border. The project would establish a forum for stakeholders on both sides of the border to work together to develop a sustainable development program for the river basin, with the involvement of authorities at all appropriate levels, the public, NGOs, and users of the river, and should result in the agreement of necessary legal and non-binding instruments as tools for sustainable development. Projects Completed
Rapid Environmental Assessment of the Tisza River Basin, including environment & security Region/Countries: Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Preliminary assessment of the overall environmental situation, and environmental problems and security issues, plus identification of “hot spots” in the trans-boundary Tisza River basin of South-Eastern Europe.
Results: The publication of the ‘Rapid Environmental Assessment of the Tisza River Basin’.
:: Link to this project :: Network Development of Local Actors from the Sava River Basin on Water resource Management Region/Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: OSCE
Description: The project aimed to promote regional co-operation in water resource management through establishing networks of local actors from the Sava River Basin, and by identifying the role of these local actors in river basin management.
Results: The development of a network of local actors from the Sava river basin on water resource management.
:: Link to this project :: In-depth assessment of Environment and Security risks and opportunities in South Eastern Europe Region/Countries: South Eastern Europe
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: One of the first assessments carried out by the ENVSEC team, and the result of extensive desk studies, fieldwork and stakeholder meetings and workshops in the region, this assessment is the basis of the work programme that is now being implemented in the region.
Results: Publication of ‘Environment and Security transforming risks into cooperation, the case of Central Asia and South Eastern Europe’. Also available in Russian.
Southern
Caucasus ENVSEC Projects
Projects planned or on-going
Establishment of and support to Public Environmental Information Centres (“Aarhus centers”) Region/Countries: South Caucasus and Central Asia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2004-2006 - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: OSCE
Description: Promoting the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and the second component of Objective 6 of the EECCA Strategy by creating, or supporting already existing, public information centres (Aarhus Centres); Using Aarhus Centres as outreach tools to raise awareness of environment and security linkages; promote public participation in environmental decision making, in particular as concerns key issues identified through ENVSEC assessment. ENVSEC in-depth assessment of environmental degradation in frozen conflict zones in the South Caucasus Region/Countries: Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
Status: Planned - Duration: - Funding: Partly funded - Lead organisation: UNEP, OSCE
Description: As a follow up to the regional ENVSEC assessment, in depth assessments of environmental degradation in frozen conflict zones (Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorny Karabakh) are going to be developed, if agreed by the parties to the conflicts, with the objective of providing reliable data therefore removing the uncertainty on the state of the environment from the issues of dispute. UNDP/GEF: Development of legal and institutional frameworks for the cooperation in the Kura-Aras river basin Region/Countries: South Caucasus/ Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Status: On-going - Duration: 6 months - Funding: funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Project aims to develop short-term and long-term options for legal and institutional frameworks for cooperation on the Kura-Aras river basin. The high level meetings will be organized with participation of all basin countries to discuss the most appropriate options for the cooperation. South Caucasus Cooperative River Monitoring Region/Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
Status: On-going - Duration: 2002-2006 - Funding: Fully funded - Lead organisation: NATO (Ref.: NATO/PDD/CP 977991), OSCE
Description: The project aims at the establishment of a transboundary river monitoring infrastructure system shared by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In each of these countries, one central laboratory for water quality and quantity analysis has been installed. Standardised operating procedures have been established, a watershed management system has been developed and a data and model sharing system accessible by internet has been created. One important component is the extensive joint training of young scientists from the three countries in NATO laboratories. The project is conduced in close collaboration with ministries, state committees and national departments concerned.
:: Link to this project :: Environmental Confidence-Building in Areas of Frozen Conflict in Georgia Region/Countries: South Caucasus/Georgia
Status: On-going - Duration: 12 months - Funding: funded - Lead organisation: UNEP, OSCE
Description: This is a multi-stage project aiming at confidence building among Georgian and Ossetian populations in the zone of conflict. The first stage of the project envisions opening up environmental clubs in conflict zone which will bring students and local populations together to discuss environmental issues. This will be followed by UNEP efforts to start substantial discussions with local authorities and local community groups to understand and prioritize the most important environmental issues in the region. It is hoped that this will lead to an initial environmental assessment of priority environmental problems and focus the attention of international community and donor organizations on opportunities for the remediation of environmental degradation in the South Ossetian region. Development of an agreement on the management of transboundary watercourses shared by Georgia and Azerbaijan Region/Countries: South Caucasus/ Azerbaijan and Georgia
Status: On-going - Duration: 9 months - Funding: funded - Lead organisation: UNECE
Description: The main objective of this project is to draft a bilateral agreement on the transboundary water resources shared by Georgia and Azerbaijan. Specifically, an agreement would provide a basis for establishment of Georgian-Azeri Water Commission for cooperation on shared water resources and further development of transboundary water cooperation between the countries. The project envisages also identification of legislative and technical needs for the implementation of the agreement and ratification of UNECE transboundary water convention by Georgia. South Caucasus River Monitoring Region/Countries: South Caucasus/Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Status: On-going - Duration: until the end of 2008 - Funding: funded - Lead organisation: NATO, OSCE
Description: The project aims at the establishment of a transboundary river monitoring infrastructure system shared by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In each of these countries, one central laboratory for water quality and quantity analysis has been installed. Standardised operating procedures have been established, a watershed management system has been developed and a data and model sharing system accessible by internet has been created. One important component is the extensive joint training of young scientists from the three countries in NATO laboratories. The project is conduced in close collaboration with ministries, state committees and national departments concerned. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) – Promotion and Capacity Development in Azerbaijan Region/Countries: South Caucasus/Azerbaijan
Status: On-going - Duration: 18 months - Funding: funded - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: The SEA project will introduce SEA elements into the local planning process. The project will develop local capacity for SEA implementation and implement pilot project demonstrating SEA benefits in practice. The potential subject of the SEA pilot project is the Baku rehabilitation plan. The project will be carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and municipality of Baku. GEO Cities Region/Countries: South Caucasus/Armenia, Azerbaijan
Status: On-going - Duration: 12 months - Funding: funded - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: The main purpose of the project is to carry out an environmental assessment of the cities with the active participation of local stakeholders and interested parties. The project will deliver a report on the state of environment in cities and action plan Establishment of and support to “Aarhus centers” Region/Countries: South Caucasus/ Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Status: On-going - Duration: - Funding: funded - Lead organisation: OSCE
Description: Project will continue supporting Aarhus centres in South Caucasus and implementation of the third pillar of the Aarhus Convention - access to justice – as well as awareness raising on the Environmental Law and International Conventions in the judiciary system. Transboundary Environmental Impacts from Mining Activities in the Lori and Syunik regions, Armenia Region/Countries: South Caucasus/ Armenia
Status: Planned - Duration: 6 months - Funding: unfunded - Lead organisation: UNEP, OSCE
Description: The project aims to take stock of on-going activities in the area of mining and the environment in Lori and Syunik regions with particular emphasis on transboundary risk and with a focus on opportunities for future cooperation between the countries of the southern Caucasus. It seeks to facilitate the implementation of good mining and regulatory practices in Lori and Syunik in order to further the efforts to create an investment environment that attracts responsible mining companies as well as providing a basis for prevention and mitigation of Environment and Security related problems from mining. Projects completed
ENVSEC Phase 1 assessment of Environment and Security risks and opportunities in the South Caucasus Region/Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Based on the results of national consultations and desk work, an ENVSEC assessment report and work programme will be developed for the Southern Caucasus. The programme will include further in-depth assessment and monitoring of issues at specific hot spots as well as direct interventions in terms capacity building and support to policy development.
Results: The publication “Environment and Security transforming risks into co-operation, the case of the Southern Caucasus”. Also available in Russian.
:: Link to this project :: Transboundary river management in Kura-Aras river basin through public involvement in water governance; complemented by a regional study on undergroun Region/Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, Iran
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: The overall long-term objective is to ensure that the quality and quantity of the water (surface and underground water) throughout the Kura-Aras river system meets the short and long-term requirements for optimum ecosystem function as well as the needs of the communities using the river. Project includes support for inaugural meetings for the self chartered NGO Forum of the Kura Aras/Araks Basin, and support for development of transboundary public involvement demonstration projects to be implemented at the community level within the full scale project phase. The project will also assess transboundary aquifers within the region and identify the issues that affect their sound management for the benefit of the water users. A subsidiary objective is to reduce the contaminant load into the Caspian Sea and improve its water quality through improved and coordinated IWRM.
Assessment and neutralization of hazardous chemicals in abandoned military sites in Armenia Region/Countries: Armenia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: OSCE
Description: The assessment will be composed of the following elements: Quantity and characteristic of the melange; Processing technology available in the region and internationally; Local facilities and resources available in-country; Modalities for recycling/disposing of the melange; Cost and time frame for implementation of the recycling/disposal of the melange. Based on the findings and recommendations of the Experts, the Office will seek extra-budgetary contributions to implement the recycling\disposal of the toxic melange.
Strategic Environmental Assessment – Promotion and Capacity Building in Armenia and Georgia Region/Countries: Armenia and Georgia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNDP
Description: Promote the ratification and implementation of the SEA protocol to the UNECE Espoo Convention. Evaluation of the capacity to implement SEA and assessment of current planning/decision-making processes in each country. Development and application of country-tailored SEA capacity building trainings for government representatives, experts, non-governmental stakeholders and UNDP staff in SEA concepts and methodology. Integration of SEA into the countries’ strategic and planning activities through pilot demonstration of SEA application using a selected program/plan in each country –Yerevan City Plan and Port development plan on Black Sea.
Environment and Security in the South Caucasus Triangle Region/Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: OSCE
Description: In cooperation with GTZ. Activities will combine awareness raising of environment and security issues through workshops and elaboration of information material; setting up (or supporting) local environmental information centres (local branches of the Aarhus Centres); implementation of small scale projects submitted by community associations based on the discussed ideas.
OSCE-led Environmental Assessment Mission to fire-affected territories in the Nagorno -Karabakh Region Region/Countries: South Caucasus/ Armenia, Azerbaijan
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: OSCE
Description: The OSCE-led Environmental Assessment Mission to the fire affected territories of Nagorno-Karabakh was implemented in October 2006 with a core contribution provided by the ENVSEC Initiative. As specifically agreed during consultations in Vienna led by the OSCE Belgian Chairmanship, the mandate of the mission was to assess the impact of the fires on the environment in the fire-affected territories and to make recommendations on how to counteract any detrimental impact of the fires. The Mission Report was provided to the United Nations General Assembly.
Training in investigative journalism with respect to Environment and Security issues and linkages Region/Countries: Georgia / South Caucasus
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNEP
Description: Provide hands-on training to practicing journalists from the countries on investigative and analytical approach to covering environmental and security issues and linkages in the print and electronic media. Training sessions will be held back to back to media festivals (see below) and focus on priority issues defined in ENVSEC assessments.
Special Issue of the “Caucasus Environmental Magazine” Region/Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: OSCE
Description: Support the production of a special issue of the CENN (Caucasus Environmental NGOs Network) “Caucasus Environmental Magazine”, on environment and security in Russian and English. The aim was to contribute to an increasing awareness in the region of the relevance for security of environmental degradation and this project supports environmental journalism in the Caucasus. This special edition of the quarterly magazine was published in December 2005 and distributed to different stakeholders in the region.
Strengthening Implementation of the UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context in Armenia Region/Countries: South Caucasus/Armenia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNECE
Description: This project aims to make recommendations and identify steps to be taken by Armenia for implementation of the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo, 1991).
Organization of the National Workshop on Obligations and Rights under the Protocol on Pollutants Release and Transfer Register to Aarhus Convention i Region/Countries: South Caucasus/Armenia
Status: Completed - Lead organisation: UNECE
Description: This Project will serve as a base for implementation of obligations and rights under the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Protocol of Aarhus Convention in Armenia. It will help to raise the awareness of the civil servants on responsibilities for implementation of PRTR Protocol and build capacity for its implementation.
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Projects
