How to implement the Aktau Protocol on regional preparedness, response and cooperation in combating oil pollution incidents was the subject of a workshop in Baku, Azerbaijan this week (18-20 June).
The event brought together the five littoral states* of the Caspian Sea to test the Caspian Sea Plan concerning regional cooperation in dealing with oil pollution in cases of emergency, and guidelines on future regional oil spill exercises were developed. Discussions were held on integrating international assistance offers into the national preparedness and response system. Participants also discussed the synergies and potential areas of collaboration with other regional agreements on disaster management in the Caspian.
The event was organised by IMO and UN Environment’s Tehran Convention Interim Secretariat.
* Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation and Turkmenistan.