ENVSEC News

ENVSEC News

International experts meet in Ukraine to discuss floods preparedness in the Dniester River Basin
Lviv, Ukraine - 27 May 2013 - 28 May 2013
International experts met in Lviv, Ukraine to assess to which extend the public was informed by the authorities about flood risks in the Dniester River basin. The workshop brought together representatives of the Government of Ukraine and Moldova. Experts from the Environment Protection Agency (UK), the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (Poland), the Organization for Security and Сooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) participated in the workshop. The workshop was organized by the joint project “Reducing vulnerability to extreme floods and climate change in the Dniester River basin” implemented by UNECE, OSCE, and UNEP under the Environment and Security initiative (ENVSEC). The participants discussed how cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova can help improve the way the public is informed about floods in the Dniester River basin. The project supports cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova to manage climate change related risks, especially floods in the Dniester river basin. "Multi-stakeholder workshop in Vilnius addresses adaptation to climate change in the Neman River Basin - 16 May 2013.” Representatives of different water users and authorities in the Neman (Nemunas) River Basin — shared by Belarus, Lithuania and the Kaliningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation —met at a workshop in the Ministry of Environment in Vilnius to discus cooperation on how to minimize climate change related risks and protect the population, infrastructure and natural landscape. The event was organized as part of the project, “River basin management and climate change adaptation in the Neman River Basin”, carried out by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Belarus, in the framework of the international Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC). Participants reviewed the outcomes of the vulnerability assessment prepared under the project and discussed the steps required to move forward a transboundary agreement between the 3 countries. The workshop also made it possible to discuss how Belarus can contribute to the Neman river basin management plan revision recently started by Lithuania.

Cooperation in the Drin River Basin
Tirana, Albania - 28 May 2013
The five Drin River Riparians held the first Meeting of the Parties to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Shared Strategic Vision for the Sustainable Management of the Drin River Basin 28 May 2013 in Tirana. At the meeting, high-level representatives from the five Riparians decided on an action programme to strengthen their cooperation and to address urgent issues, such as flood management and improved monitoring and exchange of information, and outlined other priority steps to be taken, including raising public awareness and involving stakeholders in the management of the basin. The Riparians were represented by Fatmir Mediu, Minister of Environment, Forests and Water Administration of Albania; Shpetim Rudi, Deputy Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning of Kosovo (United Nations administered region, Security Council resolution 1244); Maro Evangelidou, General Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change of Greece; Velizar Vojinovic, Assistant Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development of Montenegro; and Stevo Temelkovski, Deputy Minister of Environment and Physical Planning of the former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia. In advance of this meeting, stakeholders met to discuss a US$ 4.5-million project, which will be an important contribution to the further cooperation in the basin. Among others, it will seek to improve the joint analysis and understanding of common problems and will set up demonstration projects on the benefits of sustainable development along the river and lakes in the basin. The project is funded by the Global Environmental Facility with UNECE as one of the executing agencies.

Kura transboundary water cooperation
Tbilisi, Georgia - 30 April 2013
Representatives of Azerbaijan and Georgia met in Tbilisi 30 April 2013 to discuss a draft bilateral agreement on the shared water resources of the Kura River Basin as part of an ENVSEC/UNECE/OSCE. The consultations were constructive, and only a couple of unresolved issues remain where additional discussions between the countries are needed. Azerbaijan and Georgia rely on the water in the Kura Basin as a key source of drinking water, as well as for sanitation, municipal and industrial water use, hydropower and irrigated agriculture, among other uses. Increased variation in and reduction of water flow, deterioration of water quality, ecosystem degradation, flooding and bank erosion are some of the issues that need to be addressed jointly by the two Riparian States. The draft agreement, which was officially submitted in advance of the meeting to Azerbaijan and Georgia for review, provides a framework for cooperation between the two countries on water pollution prevention and control, conservation of biodiversity, emergency situations, data and information sharing and public participation. The draft agreement also envisages the establishment of a joint commission for the protection and rational use of water resources of the Kura River Basin.

Draft laws on National Parks in Pristina adopted.
Pristina, Kosovo - 04 February 2013
Two draft laws on the National Parks "Bjeshkët e Nemuna" and "Sharri" were adopted last December by the Assembly of Kosovo (under the United Nations interim administration according to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244). National Park “Sharri”, formerly called “Mali Sharr”, has increased from 39,000 ha to 53,469 ha since the municipality of Dragash has been added to it. Moreover, a new draft law on the National Park “Bjeshket e Nemuna” has been adopted, covering some of the most scenic mountains around Kosovo and surrounding the municipalities of Istog, Pejë, Decan, Junik and Gjakovë. Both National Parks are trans-boundary: “Sharri” borders with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and "Bjeshkët e Nemuna" borders with Montenegro and Albania. Such transboundary national parks may facilitate interregional cooperation. Since 2005, UNEP Vienna has been coordinating the project entitled “Improving regional cooperation for risk management from pollution hotspots as well as the trans-boundary management of shared natural resources.” The project has been supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), under the aegis of the Environment and Security (ENVSEC) Initiative. The programme supports projects aiming to protect larger parts of the most important ecosystems and habitats and viable populations of wildlife. More information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Republic of Moldova & Ukraine agree to better manage once-pristine Dniester River basin
Rome, Italy - 29 November 2012
In a landmark treaty signed on 29 November the Republic of Moldova and the Ukraine agreed to improve the management of the Dniester River basin, home to some 8 million people in Eastern Europe. Specifically the treaty – which is the culmination of eight years of collaboration between interested parties and organizations – provides a framework for cooperation on water pollution, water flow regulation, conservation of biodiversity and protection of the environment surrounding the Black Sea. It also addresses data exchange, public participation and cooperation in emergency situations. The 1,380 km river – which originates in the Ukraine, runs through Moldova for 400 km, and enters the Ukraine again before flowing into the Black Sea – supplies drinking water to a large part of the basin and beyond (including the city of Odessa, Ukraine), provides hydropower generation, and supports a thriving fishing sector. In recent years however severe problems have been discovered, including poor water quality, declining biodiversity and deteriorating ecosystems along the river. In addition, the impacts of climate change, such as increasingly frequent and devastating floods, are affecting the basin. The negotiations surrounding the Treaty and the drafting of the document were jointly managed by the ENVSEC partners United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and UNEP. The treaty is a pioneering example for the region in the post-Soviet era. It significantly broadens the existing cooperation agreements to cover the entire river basin and all sectors that are important for the management and protection of shared waters. The treaty establishes the bilateral Dniester Commission to facilitate sustainable use and protection of the basin. It is also an important step in the implementation by the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine of their obligations under the UNECE Water Convention.

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Using scenarios to improve understanding of environment and security issues
28 November 2012
Analyzing the security risks resulting from climate change is essential for effective policy-making. Under the project 'Security implications of climate change in the OSCE regions', the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Environment Agency (EEA) have joined hands to improve understanding of the links between global megatrends and environment, and the security of food, fuel and water in different regions. The project 'Security Implications of Climate Change in the OSCE region' was supported with generous contributions from the German and Spanish Delegations to the OSCE as well as Finland through a contribution to the Environment and Security (ENVSEC) Initative in 2012. OSCE has been a member of ENVSEC since its inception in 2003 while the EEA has a history of cooperation with ENVSEC that dates back to 2007.

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Regional workshop on trans-boundary environmental risks arising from mining: Presentation of the past 3 years of experience and future planning
Kolasin, Montenegro - 12 November 2012 - 13 November 2012
UNEP's work regarding environmental risk reduction from substandard and abandoned mining sites in South Eastern Europe has evolved from site identification and prioritization to supporting the application and distribution of environmental best practice throughout the region. Waterways are regarded as the main vector for transboundary pollution, at the same time chemical risks arising from mining sites are most likely to occur via the water pathway. Toxic effluents such as acid mine drainage (AMD) pose serious risks to human health, environment and economic development of the impacted areas. Between 2009 and 2012 ENVSEC partners have planned and implemented mining related activities building on experiences and infrastructures created in the past further advancing prevention and mitigation of trans-boundary environmental risks arising from abandoned mines in the Western Balkans. Activities comprised, among others, research, engineering design, dam remediation, water treatment, capacity building, and communication towards improved environmental situation and increased understanding of environmental concerns. During the regional workshop held in Kolasin, Montenegro on 12 - 13 November 2012, results of the project were presented to 25 representatives from Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Kosovo. Further, the project implementation and results were evaluated and next steps for the continuation of the project discussed. A field visit to the Zluta Prla mine in Montenegro was organized to familiarize the participants with one concrete intervention made by UNDP for the treatment of acid mine drainage.

Annual regional meeting of ENVSEC in Central Asia
Almaty, Kazakhstan - 08 November 2012
The regional coordination meeting of the ENVSEC Initiative in Central Asia took place on 08 November in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The meeting’s purpose was to give an update on the current work programme of the ENVSEC Initiative in Central Asia and agree on future priorities for addressing environment and security risks in the region. Organized by the United Nations Development Programme, the responsible for ENVSEC coordination in Central Asia, the meeting brought together more than 40 national focal points of the ENVSEC Initiative from the Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as donor representatives, experts, and other key stakeholders. It was concluded that the ENVSEC partnership will continue to provide added value as a coordination platform in the region by assessing environmental and security factors and devising strategies for minimizing risks and maximizing countries resilience. It was highlighted that it is important for the ENVSEC partners to ensure that both government and non government partners have the necessary capacity to integrate the results of ENVSEC programmes in national policies and plans. It was agreed that in the future ENVSEC will strengthen its monitoring and measuring of security benefits and long term impacts on the ground. The focus areas preliminarily prioritized for post 2013 included: social and economically responsible mining and uranium waste legacy management, dialogue with Afghanistan in transboundary water management, climate change adaptation with focus on climate security and risk management and improved access by civil society to environmental information and justice.

ENVSEC work featured in European Union Central Asia Monitor
Geneva, Switzerland - 29 October 2012
The Environment and Security Initiative’s (ENVSEC) work was described in an interview to EU CAM, a project seeking to monitor the implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia. The interview with Laura Rio, the ENVSEC Senior Programme Manager looks at the link between environment and security including climate change, disasters and radioactive waste in Central Asia before focusing on the challenges in water management, coordination of external actors and the role that the EU or European countries play in fostering cooperation in the field of environment in the region. The interview describes ENVSEC work as "dealing with sensitive issues at a very high political level. But it is within this context, it is argued that the concept of environmental threats leading to security risks is most relevant and most needs to be addressed in Central Asia".

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Climate change affects drinking and industrial water quality and quantity in the Neman river basin says project implemented under ENVSEC
Neman River Basin, Belarus and Lithuania - 12 October 2012
In response to new findings from the first joint assessment of water resources and climate change impacts in the Neman Basin River, a field trip and seminars will be organized along the Neman River Basin in Belarus and Lithuania from 15 to 19 October 2012. The findings, released last week, project the likely impacts of climate change on the basin and sketch some scenarios for what that will mean for the people and enterprises located there. Both the report and the week-long meetings are being organized as part of project, “River basin management and climate change adaptation in the Neman River Basin”, which is carried out by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Belarus, implemented under the Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC).

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The Environment and Security Initiative organizes climate change and security conference
Brussels, Belgium - 05 October 2012
Climate change and security in the Pan-European region was the focus of discussion at this year’s Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC) Partners Meeting on 3 October at the UN House in Brussels. International organizations, donors, government representatives and experts debated ways to address security consequences of the climate change challenge. Indeed in recent years, climate change has been recognised as a core development challenge that carries potentially serious implications for international peace and security. The impact of climate change in the ENVSEC regions of Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus and South Eastern Europe has become clearer and clearer. A 2011 ENVSEC study estimated glaciers in Central Asia have shrunk by up to 30 per cent in the last 50 years creating water security concerns. Extreme floods in Eastern Europe have devastated communities. Wildfires are increasingly frequent in the Southern Caucasus. In South Eastern Europe warmer temperatures and less rain mean reduced water levels for the agricultural and energy sector. Growing resource constraints are beginning to diminish significant economic potential from the economies of the European nations. Through increasing water scarcity, climate change will impact food security and energy security leading to increased risk of instability between countries, regions or communities. At the meeting in Brussels, participants agreed that climate change impacts security of nation states, but traditional (military) security tools will not suffice to protect against threats affecting economy, environment and society as a whole. To address them effectively “soft power” solutions are needed. Building climate security is about improving cooperation and reducing competition. Participants also recognized the conceptual understanding of climate security urgently needs to be turned into action to avoid increasing tensions and instability in the region. The meeting called for the ENVSEC Initiative to develop concrete tools to make the necessary changes in policies and convince decision makers to develop preventative and integrated policies. The ENVSEC Initiative and its partner countries will continue to assess and address the security impacts of climate change, and will promote coordinated adaptation strategies to climate change in regions that are shared by several countries (for example transboundary river basins and mountains) in order for the countries to protect human security and enhance stability.

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Presentation on Climate Change and Security
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ENVSEC’s interagency platform recognized in journal
Geneva, Switzerland - 11 September 2012
The Environment and Security Initiative’s (ENVSEC) successful interagency platform was acknowledged in a recent article “International Cooperation of Turkmenistan in the Water Sector”. The article, by Jon Marco Church, Assistant Professor of Regional Development, Sustainability and Politics at University of Reims, provides an overview of cooperation between Turkmenistan, its neighbouring countries, donor countries, and international organizations including financial institutions. It analyses the major drivers of cooperation and particularly examines water issues. ENVSEC is described as created “to fight against environmental threats to reduce the risk of conflict. Interagency coordination is well known to be an arduous exercise, but this one has been more successful than others. Moreover, because of its many water and environmental issues, Central Asia is certainly one of the key areas for this initiative, which has recently produced an analysis of the situation in the Amu Darya River Basin.” The article forms a chapter in The Turkmen Lake Altyn Asyr and Water Resources in Turkmenistan, published this year by Springer.

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ENVSEC work on uranium tailings appears in sustainability magazine
Geneva, Switzerland - 06 September 2012
An article “Dealing with Uranium Waste in Tajikistan” by the Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC) regarding issues of uranium waste management has been published by online sustainability magazine “livebetter”. Tens of millions of tons of uranium waste lies in run-down tailings sites across Central Asia – an issue that the initiative has been working to highlight since the project “in-depth field assessment of environment and security hot spots in the Ferghana-Osh-Khudjant triangle and adjacent areas.” Uranium waste management is seen as one of the main challenges in the region and has been a priority for governments and organizations working in the field. ENVSEC continues to run activities aimed at better managing the issue. The article appeared in the September edition of the eMagazine. >Photos by Nina Gorshkova

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EU Climate Change Lessons Published for Ukraine Adaptation
Ukraine - 03 September 2012
The publication "Experience of the European Union in Adaptation to Climate Change and its Application to Ukraine" was released this month.The report aims to offer practical guidance and background information to the government of Ukraine on how to undertake adaptation activities. The study provides examples of current adaptation policy measures based on the EU experience and discusses options to finance adaptation activities. Findings of this research were presented to and discussed with the Ukrainian authorities in February 2012.

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Forest, grassland fires conference proceedings published
Yerevan, Armenia - 08 August 2012
The Conference and roundtable “Forecast, Prevention and Suppression of Forest and Grassland Fires” supported by ENVSEC Project “Phase Two- Enhancing National Capacity on Fire management and Wildfire Disaster Risk Reduction in the South Caucasus” and organised jointly by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations and Global Fire Monitoring Centre took place in September 2011. The Conference followed a two day training course of the ENVSEC project held in Armenia. The focus of the Conference was the wildfire risk assessment and developing and implementing national wildfire management policies in Armenia. Proceedings of this conference, which compiles articles, statements, and presentations made at the meeting is translated and published in the framework of the UNDP-GEF Project “Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts in Mountain Forest Ecosystems of Armenia”.

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