Summary Report on the NATO/CCMS Pilot Study Meeting “Environmental Decision-Making for Sustainable Development in Central Asia” Brussels, Belgium – 17-18 March 2003 Belgian Nuclear Research Center Headquarters (SCK-CEN)

Submitted to: Dr. Deniz Beten CCMS Programme Director

Submitted by: John E. Moerlins Pilot Study Co-Director

April 2003

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Introduction On 17-18 March 2003, a meeting of the pilot study on “Environmental DecisionMaking for Sustainable Development in Central As ia” was held in Brussels, Belgium at the Belgian Nuclear Research Center Headquarters (SCK-CEN). Dr, Christian Vandecasteele, the Belgian Country Representative to this Pilot Study hosted this meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to convene environmen tal experts and representatives from NATO countries and EAPC Partner countries, in order to discuss two issues: (1) further discussions on the landscape science initiative of the pilot study and (2) initiation of discussions on public health issues associated with quality degraded potable water in Central Asia. Selection of the invited participants for this meeting was focused on participants who had expertise in either landscape science or public health or both. Two NATO country experts were invited to help lead these two major areas of discussion. The experts are the following individuals: -

Professor Scott Miller – University of Wyoming – Landscape Science Mr. Roger Aertgeerts – World Health Organization – Public Health & Water

Professor Miller’s expertise is in the area of using landscape science tools for watershed management, including the use of GIS and remote sensing in watershed hydrology for landscape assessment. Dr. Miller is a member of the development team for a GIS-based hydrologic modeling system (AGWA - the Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment tool) and has ongoing research into stream channel morphology in semi-arid regions, integrated stakeholder participation and biophysical analysis for rural watershed development, and the use of synthetic aperture radar for terrain analysis in support of hydrologic studies. Mr. Aertgeert’s areas of expertise are in environmental sciences for which he served as an expert for UNESCO. He has also led bilateral cooperation development projects for the Belgian Government in Indonesia from dealing with river basin management and water governance. He also served as consultant to FAO and the World Bank. Mr. Aertgeerts has worked for the United Nations on a variety of water management programmes. He is currently Unit Head, European Centre for Environment and Health - Rome Division at the World Health Organization (WHO). During the meeting, Mr. Aertgeerts also discussed the use of GIS for medical geography applications by WHO. The meeting also included invited presentations and participation by environmental experts, including the following individuals: -

Dr. Chris De Wispelaere – Director of the NATO Science for Peace Programme

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Mr. Rustem Kurmanguzhin, First Counselor of the Embassy of Kazkhstan in Brussels

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Professor Patrick Meire – Director of the CCMS Pilot Study on Integrated Water Management – University of Antwerp

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Dr. Eric Chauveheid - Water Quality Technical Manager of the Compagnie Intercommunale Bruxelloise des Eaux Laboratoires (CIBE)

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Professor Bertrand Mareschal of the Université Libre de Bruxelles

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Ms. Brigitte Decadt, NATO CCMS National Coordinator for Belgium

Structure of the Meeting The meeting was organized around two days of discussion concerning the landscape science initiative of the pilot study (day one) and on day two, a transition was made to focus on public health issues from quality degraded potable water supplies in Central Asian countries. Expert presentations were made by the following individuals on the Landscape Science Initiative: -

Professor Yuri Vinokurov, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences on “The Use of GIS in Russia to Address Water Resource and Other Environmental Problems”

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Dr. Armen Saghatelyan, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia on “The Status of GIS Technologies in the Republic of Armenia”

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Professor Elena Rodina, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University on “ An Overview of the Use of GIS in Central Asia

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Dr. Bakhtiyor Mardonov , Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan on “Rangeland Management Using GIS Tools”

Professor Scott Miller of the University of Wyoming directed the discussion concerning this initiative. Concerning the portion of the meeting devoted to water and public health, the following expert presentations were made: -

Professor Patrick Meire, University of Antwerp on “Integrated Water Resources Management in Central Asia”

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Mr. Roger Aertgeerts, World Health Organization on “ Public Health Problems Resulting from Quality Degraded Potable Water”

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Dr. Eric Chauveheid, CIBE on “Future Trends in Water Treatment Technologies”

Mr. Roger Aertgeerts (WHO-Rome Office) guided the discussion concerning water and public health issues. A special invited presentation was made by Professor Bertrand Mareschal of the University of Brussels on “ Environmental Decis ion-Making: A Multiple Criteria 3

Approach”. This topic was suggested by Professor Mareschal as an additional tool that may be used by environmental scientists in Central Asia. Professor Mareschal is an expert in the use of multiple criteria decision-making and has developed software and protocols for utilizing this tool in the area of the environment. Participants Contained at the end of this report is a complete list of the meeting participants, including contact information. In terms of the individuals at the meeting, the following countries were represented: NATO Countries Belgium Poland United States EAPC Countries Armenia Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Russia Tajikistan Uzbekistan International Organizations Represented During the Meeting NATO Scientific & Environmental Affairs Division Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia World Health Organization – Rome Office Follow-on Action Items Based on the discussions during the meeting, the following follow-on action items were determined: 1. A representative from the Central Asian Pilot Study was invited by Professor Patrick Meire (University of Antwerp) to make a presentation on the Pilot Study Activities at the First Meeting of the Pilot Study on Integrated Water Management (IWM) in Antwerp, Belgium on 21-24 May 2003. John Moerlins will participate at this meeting and discuss possible areas of collaboration between the two pilot studies with Professor Meire and his pilot study colleagues. 2. Mr. Roger Aertgeerts (WHO) invited a representative from the Central Asian Pilot Study to participate as a non-voting observer at the 2nd Meeting of Parties to the Water Protocol (UNECE) on 2-4 July 2003 in Geneva. A 4

representative from the Central Asian Pilot Study will attend and participate at this meeting. Mr. Aertgeerts will also discuss with Professor Meire the possibility of a representative from the IWM pilot study to also participate at this UNECE Meeting. 3. Mr. Aertgeerts proposed that a tentative follow-on Pilot Study Meeting be conducted at either the WHO Offices in Rome or Geneva to discuss, in greater detail, public health issues in Central Asia. The purpose of this meeting will be to explore potential areas of mutual benefit to WHO and to this pilot study. 4. Professor Scott Miller will prepare an approach for assisting Central Asian GIS experts to obtain financial support for the landscape science initiative for training, equipment and other expenses associated with this initiative.

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Meeting Agenda Working Group Meeting 17-18 March 2003 “Landscape Science and Public Health Issues for Environmental Decision-Making in Central Asia” NATO/CCMS Pilot Study on Environmental Decision-Making for Sustainable Development in Central Asia Brussels, Belgium SCK-CEN Headquarters Facility Monday, 17 March 2003 Landscape Science Initiative: A Path Forward

8:30

Bus departs from Hotel Villa-Royale

9:00 – 9:15

Coffee & Introductions Dr. Christian Vandecasteele SCK-CEN, Belgium

9:15 – 9:30

Overview & Purpose of the Working Group Meeting Mr. John Moerlins, Florida State University, USA

9:30 – 9:45

Invited Comments by the First Counselor of the Kazakh Embassy in Belgium Mr. Rustem Kurmanguzhin, First Counselor

9:45 – 10:15

Overview of the NATO Science for Peace Program Dr. Chris De Wispelaere NATO Science Program, Belgium

10:15– 10:30

BREAK

10:30 – 11:00

Use of GIS in Russia to Address Water Resources and Other Environmental Problems Prof. Yuri Vinokurov Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Russia

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11:00-11:30

Review of Recommendations from the Almaty WGM on Landscape Sciences Prof. Scott Miller, University of Wyoming, USA Dr. Mikhail Khankhasayev, Florida State University, USA

11:30 – 1:00

LUNCH

1:00 – 2:00

The Status of GIS Technologies in the Republic of Armenia Dr. Armen Saghatelyan, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia

2:00 – 2:30

Overview of Central Asian GIS Project Prof. Elena M. Rodina, Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University Kyrgyzstan Dr. Alexander Nikolayenko, CAREC, Kazakhstan

2:30-3:30

Rangeland Management Using GIS Dr. Bakhtiyor Mardonov, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan

3:30 – 3:45

BREAK

3:45 – 5:00

Draft Proposal for Implementation of the LS Initiative in Central Asia Prof. Scott Miller, University of Wyoming, USA Dr. Alexander Nikolayenko, CAREC, Kazakhstan Mr. John Moerlins, Florida State University, USA

5:00 – 5:15

Transition into Topic Two: Supplies in Central Asia

Public Health Issues & Potable Water

Mr. Roger Aertgeerts, WHO (Rome Office) Dr. Vladimir Bogachev, CAREC, Kazakhstan 5:15

Adjourn for the Day

Tuesday, 18 March 2003 Emphasis: Public Health Issues & Potable Water Supplies in Central Asia

8:30

Bus departs from Hotel Villa-Royale

9:00 – 9:30

Coffee & Introductions Dr. Christian Vandecasteele SCK-CEN, Belgium

9:30 – 10:00

Invited Expert Presentation: Water Resources Management Problems in Central Asia

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Prof. Patrick Meire, University of Antwerp, Belgium 10:00 – 10:30

Invited Expert Presentation: Public Health Problems Resulting from Quality Degraded Potable Water Mr. Roger Aertgeerts, WHO (Rome Office)

10:30-11:00

BREAK

11:00 –12:00

Invited Expert Presentation: Future Trends in Water Treatment Technologies Dr. Eric Chauveheid Compagnie Intercommunale Bruxelloise des Eaux (CIBE)

12:00 – 1:30

LUNCH

1:30-2:00

Panel Discussion: Pressing Water Quality Issues in Central Asia Moderators:

2:00-2:30

Open Discussion: Accessing Public Health Expertise from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Other International Organizations Moderators:

2:30-3:00

Dr. Mikhail Khankhasayev, Florida State University, USA Dr. Vladimir Bogachev, CAREC, Kazakhstan

Mr. Roger Aertgeerts, WHO (Rome Office) Dr. Vladimir Bogachev, CAREC, Kazakhstan

Invited Expert Presentation: Multiple Criteria Approach

Environment and Decision-Making:

Prof. Bertrand Mareschal, Universite Libre de Bruxelles 3:00 – 3:30

Formulation of Meeting Recommendations & Action Items for Implementation of the Landscape Science Initiative in Central Asia: A Path Forward Prof. Scott Miller, University of Wyoming, USA Dr. Alexander Nikolayenko, CAREC, Kazakhstan

3:30 – 4:00

BREAK

4:00 – 5:00

Formulation of Meeting Recommendations & Action Items for Implementation of Public Health/Potable Water Initiative in Central Asia: A Path Forward Mr. Roger Aertgeerts, WHO (Rome Office) Dr. Roy C. Herndon, Florida State University, USA

5:00

Adjourn for the Day

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LIST OF WORKING GROUP PARTICIPANTS NATO CCMS PILOT STUDY ON DECISION-MAKING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA: WORKING GROUP MEETING 17-18 MARCH 2003

NATO MEMBER COUNTRIES BELGIUM Christian M. Vandecasteele Decision Strategy Research Department SCK - CEN Boeretang, 200 B-2400 Mol

Tel: (32) 14 33 52 81 Fax: (32) 14 33 35 81 E-mail: [email protected]

Eric Chauveheid Water Quality Technical Manager Compagnie Intercommunale Bruxelloise des Eaux Laboratoires (CIBE) 764, chaussée de Waterloo 1180 Brussels

Tel. +32 (0) 26 29 49 11 Fax. +32 (0) 26 29 49 15 E-mail [email protected]

Bertrand Mareschal Professor Université Libre de Bruxelles SMG - ISRO Boulevard du Triomphe 1050 Brussels

Tel. 32 (0)2 02 6505884 Fax. 32 (0)2 6505970 E-mail [email protected]

Natalie Risse Université Libre de Bruxelles SMG - ISRO Boulevard du Triomphe 1050 Brussels

Tel.: +32/2 Fax: +32/2 E-mail:

Brigitte Decadt OSTC (Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs) Rue de la Science-Wetenschapsstraat, 8 1000 Brussels

Tel.: +32/2-238-3570 Fax: +32/2-230-5912 E-mail: [email protected]

Patrick Meire Professor Institute for Environmental Studies University of Antwerp Universitsplein 1, C 2.26 B-2610 Wilrijk

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POLAND Norbert Barszczewski Certified Web Master/Research Assistant 6 Lesna St. 99 05-120 Legionowo, Poland

Tel: + 48 22 774 1388 Fax: E-mail: [email protected]

UNITED STATES Roy C. Herndon Director Institute for International Cooperative Environmental Research Florida State University 2035 East Paul Dirac Drive – Suite 226 Morgan Building Tallahassee, Florida 32310-3700

Mikhail Khankhasayev Senior Scientist/Associate Director Institute for International Cooperative Environmental Research Florida State University 2035 East Paul Dirac Drive – Suite 226 Morgan Building Tallahassee, Florida 32310-3700

Scott N. Miller Assistant Professor Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management PO Box 3354, 14 Agriculture C University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming 82070-3354

Tel: (850) 644-5524 Fax: (850) 574-6704 E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: (850) 644-5524 Fax: (850) 574-6704 E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: 307-766-4274 Fax: 307-766-6403 E-mail: [email protected]

John Moerlins Associate Director Institute for International Cooperative Environmental Research Florida State University 2035 East Paul Dirac Drive – Suite 226 Morgan Building Tallahassee, Florida 32310-3700

Tel: (850) 644-5524 Fax: (850) 574-6704 E-mail: [email protected]

NATO - BELGIUM Chris De Wispelaere Director, Science for Peace Program NATO HQ Scientific Affairs Division Boulevard Leopold III B-1110 Brussels

Tel: (32) 2-707-4620 Fax: (32) 2-707-4232 E-mail: [email protected]

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OTHER PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION Roger Aertgeerts Regional Adviser - Water and Sanitation WHO European Center for Environment and Health 10, Via F Crispi I-00187 Rome, Italy

Tel: 39 06 4877528 Fax. 39 06 4877599 E-mail: [email protected]

EAPC PARTNER COUNTRIES THE REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE FOR CENTRAL ASIA (CA REC) Vladimir Bogachev Project Manager The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia Orbita-1, 40, 480043, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tel: +/ 3272 - 292619, 296646, 206534 Fax: +/ 3272 - 292619, 296646, 206534 E-mail: [email protected]

Valentina Bogacheva Environmental Scientist Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tel: +/ 3272 - 292619, 296646, 206534 Fax: +/ 3272 - 292619, 296646, 206534 E-mail: [email protected]

Alexander Nikolayenko Environmental GIS Expert The Regional Environmental Cent re for Central Asia Orbita-1, 40, 480043, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tel: +/ 3272 292619, 296646, 206534 Fax: +/ 3272 292619, 296646, 206534 E-mail: [email protected]

ARMENIA Armen Saghatelyan Director Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia

Tel: (+374-1) 56 93 31 Fax: (+374 -1) 58 02 54 E-mail: [email protected]

KAZAKHSTAN Rustem Kurmanguzhin First Counselor Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Brussels, Belgium

Tel: Fax: E-Mail:

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KYRGYZSTAN Elena M. Rodina Vice-President of NGO "Sustainable Use of Natural Resources" Head of "Sustainable Develpoment of the Environmental and Life Safeness Chair" Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University 7 Microregion, base 33/ apt. 15 Bishkek, 720028

Tel: +996-312 28 64 92 Fax: +996-312-282776 E-mail: [email protected]

RUSSIA Yuri Vinokurov Director Institute for Water and Environmental Problems Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IWEP SB RAS) 1, Molodezhnaya St. Barnaul 656038

Tel: (3852) 367855 Fax: (3852) 240396 E-mail: [email protected]

UZBEKISTAN Bakhtiyor Mardonov Group Leader Rangeland Ecology & Management Group Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan 70300 Temur Malik 3 Samarkand

Tel: +998/662-33-58-11 Fax: +998/662-310 -039 E-mail: [email protected]

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