1. THE CASPIAN PHOTOGRAPHIC
EXHIBITION OPENS IN BAKU
The Caspian Environment Programme jointly with the Baku Center of Arts had an opening of
the Caspian Photographic Exhibition on Wednesday, November 28, 2001.
About 120 Caspian images were exhibited throughout November 28 – December 1, 2001 at a
Gallery of the Baku Center of Arts at. The exhibited photos are from the "the Caspian
Photo Gallery" collection composed from the images taken in littoral countries in
2001 during a special photo mission. The Caspian Photos expose major environmental and
social issues identified by CEP as significant. These are:
Natural beauty of the Caspian
Recreation zones and opportunities for tourism
Decline in environmental quality in the Caspian as the result of impact pf environmental
issues
Coastal and inland communities and other.
Awarding ceremonies of winners of writing contest
"the Caspian through the eyes of journalists" and environmental fashion show was
held on the first day of the Caspian Exhibition. Source: PPA Azerbaijan
2. FIRST REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON A
REGIONAL PLAN ON CO-OPERATION IN CASES OF MAJOR OIL SPILL IN THE CASPIAN
The Caspian Environment Programme had its first regional workshop on the development of
the Caspian Regional Plan on co-operation in the cases of major oil spills on November
26-30, 2001 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event was organized in cooperation with the
International Maritime Organization (IMO), UN specialized Agency mandated to deal with oil
spill preparedness, response, and coordination planning.
The workshop was held as a continuation of a work on oil spill contingency planning
started in littoral countries recently on the initiative of the international
organizations and is fully supported by the Caspian Governments.
The workshop brought together officials from five Caspian countries, experts from IMO and
IPIECA (International Petroleum Industry Environment Protection Association), oil
industry, represented by BP, Exxon Mobil, Lukoil and Chevron and representatives from
international NGOs from Russia and Azerbaijan. The Minister of Ecology and Natural
Resources, Mr. Goussein Bagirov, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Marco Borsotti,
inaugurated the event.
The workshop programme in brief included:
Discussion, revision and agreement on a Draft Caspian Sea Regional Plan on Co-operation
in Cases of Major Oil Spill;
Presentations of existing situations in relation to national preparedness, response and
co-operation on oil spill response in each of the Caspian countries;
Presentation, discussion and agreement on the Draft Protocol Concerning Co-operation in
Combating Pollution in Cases of Emergency to the Framework Convention for the Protection
of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea. It is also expected that the five littoral
States will approve and adopt the Protocol in the nearest future.
3. CEP’s 2ND ROUND OF
SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM FINALISED
In November the Caspian Environment Programme’s (CEP) Selection Committee for Small
Grants Programme (SGP), which included the programme managers as well as Public
Participation Advisors, evaluated and selected project proposals from community groups
from all Caspian countries. It was the second round of SGP and 14 small project proposals
were received (4 from Azerbaijan, 3 from Iran, 1 from Turkmenistan, 4 from Russia and 2
from Kazakhstan). This time, evaluators noted that project proposals were of a higher
quality; the proposals are better structured and developed and focus on concrete,
demonstrative or pilot activities. The selection criteria for project proposals included
among others effectiveness, cooperation in terms of number of partners and community
groups involved in the project, realistic budget, impact, and interest for the Caspian
region.
Five project proposals were selected for a total of US$13,196. These are:
Azerbaijan – "Water is Life / Environmental education of children"
Turkmenistan – "Tracking a trail and public awareness."
I.R.Iran – "Waste water management in Aghoozkaleh village."
I.R.Iran – "Solid waste management in Aghoozkaleh village."
Russian Federation-"Health rehabilitation through two health centers."
All projects have counterpart funding, CEP providing for
"seed" money to facilitate the start of the projects. Projects will be
implemented over the period of January - July 2002. Source: PPA Azerbaijan
4. THE 4TH TDA
4th Caspian Sea Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis Experts Meeting was held in Baku on
November 26-30, 2001. The participants included experts from the 5 Caspian littoral
states, CEP, UNEP, IUCN, TERRAFIC and the World Bank. The Preliminary TDA was adopted by
the Caspian littoral states at the Ramsar Steering Committee Meeting (May 1998).
Subsequent to May 1998, three Regional meetings of experts have been held to discuss the
format and contents of TDA. Previous decisions made by experts were included in the 4th
TDA {The TDA outline, Major Perceived Problems and Issues, Causal Chain Analysis
(including root causes), and Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs) with associated
targets and actions}.
The 4th TDA meeting consisted of 3 main sessions:
Discussion, evaluation and drafting of Major Perceived Problems and Issues
Discussion, evaluation and review of Environmental Quality Objectives
Recommendation for environmental actions for NCAP and SAP
The sessions benefited from discussions of 5 working
groups formed by the participating experts.
In the first session, the fields discussed by the working
groups were:
Biodiversity erosion and introduced species
Environmental decline and offshore oil and gas activities.
Degradation of natural landscapes and damage to coastal infrastructures
Fisheries and bio-resources
Human health decline and socio-economic, stakeholder, and legal review
BP’S MULTIPLE PROJECTS
The last two months were especially active for BP’s both business and social life. In
September BP held an open public meeting on proposed drilling of the Early Template Well
on the Azeri, Chirag and Deep Water Gunashli (ACG) Full Field Development Phase-1 project
and the associated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). The event attracted
many public figures and NGOs concerned about environmental repercussions of the project.
BP’s Health, Safety and Environment Director, Grant Vidrine, pointed out that BP HSE
Policy is simply stated: No accidents, No harm to people, No damage to the environment.
"BP’s business policy is founded on trust in any relationships, and the company
proves its loyalty" he said.
In October BP organized a Workshop for NGOs to present a summary of the Early Civil
Engineering Work programme Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) document on
ACG Phase-1 and Shah Deniz Stage-1 Projects, and held a seminar on Management of Social
Issues in the frame of the main export pipeline project Baku – Tbilisi – Ceyhan (BTC).
A number of environmentalists evaluated the ESIA on Sangachal project as very professional
and stressed that implementation of the project will not cause any environmental impacts.
However, the land taken will affect adjacent grasslands. The experts found the document to
contain much unnecessary information that not only did not relate to the project but also
was provoking. Additionally, experts pointed out that they expect BP to acknowledge all
Azeri scientists contributed into the project.
One of the issues discussed at the seminar on Social Management Issues on BTC was
involvement of Azerbaijan labor forces in the project. BP stressed that the number of
local jobs on the project would be limited, but that efforts were being made to maximize
the opportunities for Azeri nationals in both direct and indirect employment. In addition,
land owners and users will be fairly and transparently compensated for land acquired for
the project. Responding to some of the public fears such us further degradation of roads,
Phil Middleton, BTC ESIA Manager, emphasized that infrastructure in the regions will be
restored at least to its condition before the project. 12 Information Centers will be set
up en-route where local population will be able to get information on BTC development and
state their concerns on the project. Source: PPA Azerbaijan
1. Annual destruction rate of
forests have reached 10000 hectares
According to the statistics available for the period 1985-2000, more than 10000 hectares
of forested areas of the country are destroyed due to improper utilization.
More than 7000 hectares of forests of the country are harvested every year just to supply
fuel for the people who live in or near forested areas, A. Najafi, deputy director of DOE
announced in his interview with ISNA reporter.
Suggesting sustainable utilization of this resource, he mentioned 18 different ecological
functions of the forest like protection of soil, water retention, reduction of Pollution,
preservation of biodiversity, production of oxygen, etc., of which production of wood is
only one, and this function has a value equal to %5 of all. Source: Hamshahri 18 Nov. 2001
2. Welcome ceremony held for
arrival of migratory birds to Gilan
Welcome ceremonies and festivities were held for the first time at Bujagh wetland in Gilan
to greet the arriving migratory birds to this important wetland area at the mouth of
Sefidrud River.
Hundreds of nature fans, together with their families and children gathered in the area
and by spreading grain and flying kites, welcomed the migratory birds.
Dr. Nezami, General Director of Gilan DOE explained the event as a move towards building
stronger ties between people and nature.
He also suggested the declaration of a day as National Day For Welcoming The Migratory
Birds. Source: Hamshahri 18 Nov. 2001
3. Illegal Caspian Caviar trade in
UAE
In a broadcast by BBC, widespread trade of smuggled Caspian caviar was reported in the
markets of UAE countries.
An international institute that is conducting research on endangered marine resources and
species has discovered that UAE have become a multi million dollar market for illegal
Caspian caviar.
BBC reporter pointed to CITES spokesman comment about legal loopholes within some Caspian
states that allow the smugglers to easily bypass the legal barriers.
This illegal transaction has amounted to 10 million dollars in the past 10 months. Source: IRNA-BBC
4. Millions of Cutumfish and Perch
fingerlings were released in Gilan rivers. Kazeruni, General Director of
Gilan province state operated fisheries company, Shilat, announced that more than
216,000,000 Cutumfish and 15,000,000 Perch fingerlings have been produced in Martyr Ansari
hatchery since last March, of which approximately 104,000,000 have been released in the
rivers which empty into Caspian Sea. Source: Peyk e Khazar 14 Nov. 2001
5. FIRST EIA MEETING/WORKSHOP HELD
IN TEHERAN (6-7 Nov. 2001)
As a result of close cooperation of the DOE, Association of Environment Specialists of
Iran, and UNDP office in Teheran and several months of preparation. At this 2-day event,
which was held at the newly remodeled Simorgh Hotel, more than 400 experts, scientists,
government authorities and members of environmental NGOs from all over the country
gathered and discussed the necessity, importance and means of use of EIA in all aspects of
rapid development of the country. Source: PPA-Iran
Local press reports indicate that members of a Mangystau
Atomic Energy Complex
inspection team found elevated levels of radiation of five
locations in Atyrau. Sites which were reported as having elevated radiation levels
included locations near the School for the Deaf and the Ak-Zhaiyk Hotel, as well as
several locations on the Atyrau University grounds and the way to the Atyrau
airport. Source: American Embassy Almaty
1. Following Administrative Decree of the
Governor FUR AND HOOF GAME HUNTING SEASON in the
Astrakhan Region opened on the 10th of November. Hunting terms and quotas are
set for raccoon, fox, marten, ermine, grey hare and other animals save for the wolf.
Hunting is prohibited on the territories where epizootic plague was traced. Source: Komsomolets Kaspiya
2. CASPIAN FISHERY COUNCIL discussed
status of aquatic bio-resources: quotas for the current and next years, reproduction,
stocks and preliminary distribution of total permissible catches between fisheries
complexes of the Caspian regions RF for the year 2002. The scientists considered present
unfavorable situation at the basin while estimating quotas for the next year.
Consequently, the kilka quota will decrease by a factor of three, i.e., to 33,840 t; the
shad/herring quota will decrease even more – to a number of 448 t, catches of freshwater
fish species (and the vobla) are expected to up slightly. Distribution of sturgeon quotas
will be estimated after December session of Fisheries Commission. Special attention was
paid to reproduction of important fish species and poaching control. According to the Head
of SevKaspRybvod department Yakov Proshin, the Astrakhan region keeps the position of main
center for fish reproduction. Most of the hatcheries are updated; the year-round stocking
of sturgeon breeders becomes feasible. Source: Astrakhaskiye Vedomosti
3. II INTERNATIONAL APPLIED
RESEARCH CONFERENCE "Sturgeon Aquaculture: Achievements and Advanced
Development" was held 20-21 November 2001, in Astrakhan. The conference was organized
by Sturgeon Center "Bios", State Committee for fisheries RF and Astrakhan
regional administration. Representatives of science and business from different countries
participated in the work of the conference. The scientists concluded that a complex
program aimed to rational development and exploitation of inland water bodies of Russian
South should be elaborated. The participants of the conference approved proposal to
establish International expert council for development of sturgeon culture on the basis of
Sturgeon Center "Bios".
20 November CITES delegation headed by John Sellar, Senior Enforcement Officer/Legislation
and Compliance Unit, paid its second visit to Astrakhan, Russia. The purpose of the visit
was to get familiarized with the work of regional enforcement bodies. CITES
representatives highly appreciated activities aimed to solving the "sturgeon
problem". Specifically, an agreement has been reached with Moscow municipal
administration on prevention of illicit sturgeon and caviar trade in the Russian capital.
These products will be since certified and sold through stores. Delegation intended to
visit fisheries protection services of SevKaspRybvod department, Public Prosecution
Office, Custom Office, etc. Upon results of the visit CITES experts are expected to
propose recommendations to control poaching in RF as well as to inform the World Community
on measures for sturgeon conservation undertaken in the Astrakhan region. Source: "The Volga"
4. PIPELINE CONNECTED CASPIAN AND
BLACK SEAS
27 November, a ceremony dedicated to opening a new oil flow circuit was held at sea
terminal of Caspian Pipeline Consortium. The pipeline of 1,558 km length will connect the
Caspian region with the Black Sea. For the last 30 years, it is a greatest project with
input of international funding on the territory of the former USSR. Three states and 9
large international oil companies participated in its construction. Initially, 28 mln t of
Kazakh oil will be transferred, the volume will further be increased to 67 mln t. Oil
transportation from Astrakhan oilfields is projected for the future. This bridge between
southern seas is believed to contribute to globalization of energy resources in Eurasia. Source: News Agency AVERS
1. A highly productive 3,500-metre well has been
commissioned at the Southern Gamyslyja oil and gas field in Balkan region of
Turkmenistan. This is the ninth oil well to be put into operation this year as part of a
program of investment in the industrial development of promising field.
The Turkmennebit state concern has been drilling and upgrading wells in Southern Gamyslyja
for two years. A total of 15 new wells were put into operation there over the period. The
concern has done a lot to develop oil deposits, increase extraction and install and
upgrade different industrial facilities. Source: Turkmen Television
2. Turkmenistan’s state concern
Turkmennebit extracted 5.9m tones of oil and gas condensate in the first ten
months of 2001. The average daily production of oil in the west of Turkmenistan currently
amounts to 20,500 tones.
The extraction of natural gas also increased by nearly 1.7 bn. Cubic meters, exceeding 6bn
cubic meters, the sources said. Part of the extracted gas condensate (3.3bn. cubic meters)
has been exported via the Korpedzhe-Kurtkui Turkmen-Iranian gas pipeline. Over 800m cubic
meters of gas has been supplied to the Central Asia-Center 3 inter-state pipeline. Source: Interfax News Agency
"Altyn Asyr"-Youth Club from Turkmenistan is
currently carrying out variety of activities on environmental, drug and ethical awareness
themes in the city of Turkmenbashy, Turkmenistan. Leaders of the Club are interested in
exchanging experience with other initiative groups, NGO’s and EcoClubs in or outside of
the Caspian region. Please contact PPA Turkmenistan for further information at: shokhrat@yahoo.com
Please send us your contact information if you are
interested in working together with an NGO, initiative group or Eco club in the Caspian
region.
