OSCE promotes access to environmental information and decision-making in Tajikistan

An OSCE-supported  two-day training course on the implementation of the Aarhus Convention that gives the public right of access to environmental information, participation and access to justice in governmental decision-making concluded on 23 November 2012 at the Aarhus Centre in Dushanbe.

The course, which was delivered by a national working group, is made up of representatives from different governmental bodies that are tasked with preparing an action plan for the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Tajikistan. The course was facilitated by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, which has supported the establishment and work of Aarhus Centres in Dushanbe, Khujand, Kurgan-Tube and Khorog.

“All the Aarhus Centres provide a unique venue for the public, governmental institutions and specialists to join forces to increase awareness, public participation and access to justice on environmental matters. They are also tasked with the facilitation of the implementation of the national action plan,” said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, the Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

Once completed, the national action plan will define goals and priority actions for the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Tajikistan. Moreover, the plan will include timelines and an assessment of the resources required.

“The training course provided an opportunity for the working group to discuss key issues and determine national priorities to strengthen the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Tajikistan,” said Aykhon Sharipova, Deputy Chairperson of the Environmental Protection Committee under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.

In 2013, the OSCE intends to support the establishment of three new Aarhus Centres in Tursun-Zade, Kumsangir and Garm.