OSCE supports workshop on public hearings in environmental decision-making in Kazakhstan

An OSCE-supported workshop on the role of public hearings as a tool for enhancing public participation in environmental decision-making took place on 26 June 2015, in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan.

The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Eastern Kazakhstan Aarhus Centre for some 30 representatives of regional and central authorities, civil society, the media and business communities. The participants shared their experience in organizing public hearings on environmental issues in accordance to the Aarhus Convention requirements, reviewed the gaps in current national legislation and proposed amendments in this regard. They also discussed challenges in co-operation among the stakeholders and ways to address them.

The seminar also included a group exercise helping the participants enhance interactions between the public, authorities and the private sector; better account for the interests of different stakeholders and identify ways to overcome barriers.  As a result of the discussions a set of recommendations on advancing environmental legislation was elaborated to be presented to the Energy Ministry, parliament and stakeholders from the private sector and civil society for further consideration.

The event is part of the Office’s longstanding efforts to promote the implementation of the Aarhus Convention, which grants the public rights regarding access to information, public participation and access to justice, in governmental decision-making processes on matters concerning the local, national and transboundary environment.