OSCE - Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Published purpose

The initiative seeks reduced risks to regional and human security from selected environmental threats and improved resolution of conflicts over shared environmental resources in its target regions. Its objectives are to implement participatory regional projects and activities aimed at proactively mitigating potential trans-border conflict over shared resources and/or environmental degradation leading to enhanced human security in Eastern Europe, South Eastern Europe, and Caucasus. The initiative was created in 2003 through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In 2006, the United Nations Economic Committee of Europe (UNECE) and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) joined the initiative as full partners. NATO has been an associate member since 2004. The initiative operates in four regions: South Eastern and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the South Caucasus. It implements projects that address environmental problems in conflict-prone, trans-boundary regions to mitigate tensions and create progress towards peace and human security.