NATO Security Science Forum
on Environmental Security
The second NATO Science Forum on Environmental Security took place on 12 March 2008 at NATO in Brussels. The Forum brought together around 20 key speakers and over 120 environmental security experts from NATO member, Partner and Mediterranean Dialogue countries to address the linkages between the environment and security and examine current initiatives underway to help resolve problems and mitigate conflict.
Full multi media coverage of the event is available here.
The one-day event started with a look at current global security concerns such as issues related to climate change, management of shared water resources and energy security.
The role and work of international organizations active in the field of environmental security was explored in a series of presentations from leading experts including the Environment and Security (ENVSEC) Initiative*, the European Environment Agency and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
NATO projects carried out in cooperation with other international organizations were be highlighted, including radioactive contamination in Central Asia, transboundary water issues in the Caucasus, and harmonisation of seismic codes in Western Balkans.
To support NATO in identifying future security threats and challenges, the Science Forum included a horizon scanning session on potential environmental security issues, providing concrete recommendations and proposing tangible projects to contribute to security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic zone.
For more information contact: Dr. Deniz Beten, telephone +32/2/707.14.25 or email beten.deniz@hq.nato.int
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* The ENVSEC Initiative was established in 2003. Partners are: the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE); NATO; the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE); the Regional Environment Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC).
