Progressing national planning in Azerbaijan

Peter attended a national oil spill planning roundtable in Baku, Azerbaijan. This was organized as part of the project to develop a marine national plan for Azerbaijan, being funded by Norway through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Peter was representing OSPRI at this event and working closely with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to help ensure the planning process builds on international experiences.

Azerbaijan signed the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) in 2004 which entails a commitment to develop a national response system. Peter is also working on behalf of OSPRI to further develop regional cooperation in the Caspian, again working in partnership with the IMO and also the Caspian Environment Programme (CEP).

The roundtable brought together all key government players plus representatives from industry operators. This is imperative to ensure all parties understand and contribute to the planning efforts. A working group has been established to ensure the planning process remains inclusive and sustainable after the EBRD project is completed in mid-2005.