UNDP assists Kyrgyzstan in preparation for the high-level International Forum on Uranium Tailings
Recently the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has been taking intensive multilateral efforts to prevent radioactive risks of uranium tailings. This activity builds on the joint appeal of the Government of KR, Secretariat of EurAsEC Integration Committee and the UNDP to governments, international financial institutions, private sector, as well as other organizations about potential radioactive contamination in Central Asia, which was adopted in Kyrgyzstan in September 2007.
The problem of tailings in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic bears not only national but also regional character, and the potential risks of emergency situations and their consequences require close involvement of international organizations, donors, international community, and first and foremost of the countries of the region.
As the experts note, so far responding to tailings was insufficient, therefore the UNDP provides comprehensive support in holding of the international conference. The aim of the high-level international forum is to draw attention and funds from international donors and private sector to address this problem.
An initiative about holding the international forum on the problem of tailings was raised by the President of the KR Kurmanbek Bakiev. In January 2008 KR President Kurmanbek Bakiev sent a letter to Mr. Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator requesting assistance from the UNDP in addressing the problem of radioactive wastes in KR, which later was supported by the UNDP headquarter.
Resident Representative of the UNDP in KR Neal Walker, assigned by the UN leadership to coordinate the problem of radioactive wastes in Central Asia, is closely working with the international donors and relevant stakeholders and simultaneously coordinates preparation to the high-level international forum with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The KR Government, for its part, states that addressing of tailings problem is a key priority for the country. In one of the latest meetings with Neal Walker, Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Igor Chudinov stressed: «We are looking forward to considering all projects and proposals in the given area».
In addition, a UNDP project «Assessment of Radioactive Waste Management Capabilities of the Kyrgyz Republic in a Transboundary Context» is now implemented to achieve the tasks set for Kyrgyzstan. The project is aimed at consolidation of efforts at the regional level to reduce the risks of radioactive waste impacts on human health and environment, strenghtning of sustainable development and mobilization of donor assistance.
The project will contribute to organization and holding of the international forum by the Kyrgyz republic, which will help build constructive cooperation of all stakeholders in radioactive waste management area, as well as coordination and mobilization of donor resources for addressing of this problem.