Problem overview:

     International commitments: As one of the Central Asian countries in economic transition (CIET), Kazakhstan faces intense challenges for implementing Agenda 21 and achieving sustainable development. Kazakhstan's hard law commitments have also increased considerably, after having become a Party to 12 MEAs.

     Framework for coordination: The National Environment Centre of Sustainable Development (NECSD) was created in 1997 as a multi-functional coordinating body composed of representatives from various line ministries, local government, private enterprises and nongovernmental organizations.

     Integrating all stakeholders: The NECSD also serves as an institutional mechanism to support the integration of civil society and business in government decision-making processes.

Background:

     National Environment Centre for Sustainable Development (NECSD): Coinciding with the preparation of the Kazakhstan Long-Term Development Strategy in 1995, a team of local, national and international experts began work on the National Environmental Action Plan for Sustainable Development (NEAP/SD). In February 1997, the NEAP/SD Centre was established as its Secretariat. A Steering Committee, composed of donor representatives, government officials, parliamentarians, and NGOs, oversaw the NEAP/SD. In 1998, the NEAP/SD Centre was transformed into the National Environment Centre for Sustainable Development (NECSD) as part of the Institution Strengthening for Sustainable Development Programme of UNDP and the Government of Kazakhstan.

     NECSD's Structure: The NECSD is an elaborate institutional framework composed of numerous sub-committees, including the major conventions to which Kazakhstan is a Party (climate change, ozone, ECE Conventions, biological diversity, desertification, wetlands, CITES and migratory species). A sub-committee also oversees the implementation of Agenda 21, and one looks after Caspian oil and gas pollution. Officials for the concerned line ministries, NGOs and the private sector participate in this coordinating structure.

     The NECSD is assuming Kazakhstan's national preparation and report for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.