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CENN - MAY 25, 2005 Daily Digest
Table of Contents:
1.. AP: Baku Officials Cite Opening of BTC as Reason to Ban Protests
2.. Military Cooperation to Protect BTC Pipeline
3.. President Sezer Heads to Azerbaijani for Pipeline Opening
4.. Kazakhstan President is Paying an Official Visit to Baku
5.. Leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Launched Talks
6.. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement
7.. The Caspian Sea Unites: President's Constructive Visit to Baku
8.. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipe Filling Slated for May 25 in Baku
9.. New Caspian Sea Pipeline to Boost Economic Prospects in Region
10.. Officials Inaugurate Azerbaijan Pipeline
11.. Baku-Ceyhan will Enhance Energy Independence - Saakashvili
12.. The Open Society Institute-Assistance Foundation (OSI-AF)
Announces Completion of Important Phase of the Baku-TbIlisi-Ceyhan (BTC)
Pipeline Monitoring Project
13.. Vacancy Announcements
1. AP: Baku Officials Cite Opening of BTC as Reason to Ban
Protests
Source: Associated Press, may 22, 2005
Azerbaijan protests demanding free elections were beaten back yesterday
on May 21, 2005 by police, who arrested dozens as they broke up a banned
rally in the oil rich former Soviet Republic on the Caspian Sea four
days before the inauguration of a new pipeline.
Tension between the government and the opposition on the tightly
controlled country has increased since an October 2003 election in which
Ilham Aliev replace his late father, Geidar Aliev, as president in a
vote the opposition said was marred by fraud. A parliamentary vote is
scheduled for November. Officials had forbidden the opposition to
protest, citing security concerns four days ahead of the visit of
foreign leaders who will attend a ceremony marking the opening of
Azerbaijan's portion of the US backed Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.
2. Military Cooperation to Protect BTC Pipeline
Source: The Messenger, May 23, 2005
Oil is beginning to flow into the BTC this week and already officials
are discussing need for increasing security issues
On May 25, 2005 officials are covering in Baku to mark the first oil
being pumped into the BTC pipeline
Georgian media outlets are reporting that Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia
are intensifying military cooperation in order to protect the BTC crude
oil pipeline. Turkey is already assisting Georgian and Azerbaijan armed
force to meet NATO standards, and the cooperation now under discussion
will further increase cooperation and will last until Georgia and
Azerbaijan join NATO.
While government and business officials will be meeting in Baku on May
25 to mark the pumping of the first oil to the BTC's first pump station,
the ministers of defence of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey are scheduled
to meet in June in Baku and it is then that reports indicate the
officials will formally announce increased military cooperation.
Protecting the BTC pipeline has been a hot topic of discussion for a
long time already and now that the pipeline is beginning to enter
operation, there is greater urgency to secure its route and facilities.
The paper Rezonansi states the cooperation will include protection of
the pipeline, combating of terrorism ands fighting against smuggling of
weapons and narcotics. The paper also suggests that Ukraine would join
the military alliance.
The Georgian military analyst Irakli Sesiashvili rather than defence
institutions taking up the issue of pipeline security, the respective
countries' state security services should take on this task because
police are more appropriate for this role than armies are.
But already officials are resorting to armed forces to respond to energy
security issues; in early May US officials announced they were working
with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on a Caspian Guard project that would
cost around USD 100 million and would be aimed at providing security for
Caspian oil resources.
The Washington Times quoted Richard Perle, the former head of the US
Defence Policy Board, as saying on May 10, 2005 "The fulfilment of this
project is necessary, as it will defend the Caspian countries from the
threat of Moscow. We are ready to support those states that have good
relations with the USA."
The implementation of these security measures is a major cause of
irrigation to big player in Russia and Iran. Iran in particular at a
recent meeting to define the legal status of the Caspian Sea argued that
they are against "the miniaturization" of Caspian region and allowing a
special pipeline to be constructed under the Caspian Sea. Tehran also
expressed its concern over the involvement of western countries' armed
forces to protect the Caspian region and demanded an immediate
resolution defining the legal status of the Caspian region, involving
five countries: Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
Western countries, particularly the US, are unlikely however to lessen
their support for protecting energy resources in the region or allow
Iran influence Caspian issues in their favour.
3. President Sezer heads to Azerbaijani for pipeline opening
Source: Central Daylight Time, May 24, 2005
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will be in Azerbaijan Tuesday, May
24, 2005 to take part in ceremonies to mark the first flow of oil into
the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline. When fully operational, the
pipeline will carry the main flow of Azeri oil to the West.
The multi-billion dollar pipeline project, which is a joint venture
between both private enterprise and the involved states, is designed to
carry the main flow of Azeri oil from Baku on the Caspian Sea to the
Turkish Mediterranean coastal port of Ceyhan for export to the West.
Sezer will be in Baku as the guest of Azeri President Ilham Aliyev.
While in Azerbaijan, he will meet with the heads of state of countries
attending the ceremony, before returning to Turkey on Wednesday, May 25,
2005.
4. Kazakhstan President is paying an official visit to Baku
Source: KAZINFORM, May 24, 2005
Today on May 24, 2005 President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has
arrived in Azerbaijan on an official visit, our correspondent reports
from Baku. Bilateral meetings with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev are
scheduled in the program of the visit. A number of documents are
supposed to be signed after the talks.
Tomorrow Kazakhstan President will visit the Caspian Energy Museum and
Sangachal terminal. President Nazarbayev is also expected to take part
in the ceremony of opening the Azerbaijani part of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
oil pipeline.
5. Leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan launched talks
Source: KAZINFORM, May 24, 2005
The Head of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has arrived in Baku today,
on May 24, 2005. After the ceremonial reception in the Palace of
Azerbaijan President in Baku a private meeting of both leaders was held,
our correspondent reports from Baku.
During the talks both Presidents discussed the questions of expanding
partnership between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan a range of international
problems. The talks proceeded with participation of both states'
delegations. A number of important documents are supposed to be signed
after the meetings.
6. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan sign strategic partnership
agreemenT
Source: KAZINFORM, May 24, 2005
Today on May 24, 2005 in Baku President of Kazakhstan Nursultan
Nazarbayev and Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev have signed an Agreement
on Cooperation and Strategic Partnership between the states.
After the talks a series of important documents were signed by the
Governments of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. In particular the parties
agreed on cooperation in the sphere of tourism, labor, employment and
social protection of population, fight against terrorism, drug traffic
and organized crime.
7. The Caspian Sea unites: President's constructive visit to
Baku
Source: KAZINFORM, May 24, 2005
"The Caspian Sea will not separate, but unite us", said President of
Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev at the press conference after the
bilateral talks between the leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan
commenting upon relationship between the states.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan belong to the group of major oil producing
countries in the Caspian region and can become active participants of
the world market of energy resources. Baku-Tbilisi- Ceyhan will soon be
renamed Aktau-Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and become the main outlet of
Kazakhstan's oil to the world market.
"Nevertheless the opportunities of economic partnership between the two
states are not exhausted. Kazakhstan could supply Azerbaijan with grain
and purchase oil industry technique in exchange", noted Kazakhstani
leader.
8. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipe filling slated for May 25 in Baku
Source: Interfax, May 24, 2005
The ceremony to mark the initial filling of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
pipeline with oil will take place at the Sangachal oil terminal in Baku
on May 25, the Azerbaijani government told Interfax.
"Taking part in the ceremony will be the presidents of Georgia, Turkey,
and Kazakhstan. All three presidents arrived in Baku on Tuesday. The
presidents are expected to sign a political declaration to support the
East-West transportation corridor," the government source said.
In addition, high-ranking officials from 30 countries and the management
of the companies involved in the pipeline construction will also take
part in the ceremony, he said.
9. New Caspian Sea pipeline to boost economic prospects in
region
Source: Associated Press, May 24, 2005
Presidents and oil company executives will inaugurate a 1,100-mile
pipeline Wednesday on May 25, 2005 that will carry millions of gallons
of crude from the landlocked Caspian to the Mediterranean a much-needed
alternative to Mideast energy resources.
Analysts say the $3.2 billion, U.S.-backed Baku-Ceyhan pipeline could
also help bring stability to the troubled region. The Caspian is thought
to contain the world's third-largest oil and gas reserves.
"This global project will completely change the economic situation in
Azerbaijan, and in the political sense it will influence the rest of the
Caucasus and Central Asia,'' said Vafa Guluzade, a former foreign
affairs adviser to the Azerbaijani government.
Built by a consortium led by BP PLC, the pipeline runs from Azerbaijan
through Georgia to the Turkish port of Ceyhan.
Until now, Caspian states sent almost all their oil through Russian
pipelines to reach world markets. The new route will neutralize any
Russian attempts to use economic levers to bring former Soviet republics
back under its wing, Guluzade said.
The pipeline ``will carry a huge volume of oil, and Russia is nervous
that it is being deprived of big money and also the possibility to
dictate its terms to these states,'' he said.
Azerbaijan will earn taxes and royalties on the oil, while Georgia and
Turkey are to profit from transit fees.
The presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey are to be
on hand along with U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and oil
executives to watch Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev open the taps
Wednesday for the first symbolic drops of oil to enter the pipeline at
the Sangachal oil terminal, about 25 miles south of the Azerbaijani
capital, Baku.
Aliev and Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev planned to sign an
agreement on transporting Kazakh oil through the new pipeline Tuesday.
``We view this as a significant step forward in the energy security of
that region,'' Bodman said Tuesday in Moscow.
The president of the pipeline consortium, Natik Aliev, said it would
take up to a month and a half to fill the Azerbaijani section of the
pipeline. The Georgian part will be ready after that, and then the
Turkish stretch, which Turkish authorities have said should be filled by
Aug. 15. It will take approximately 420 million gallons of crude to fill
the entire pipeline.
Bodman said deliveries would begin in the fall.
``This is a contribution toward ... an increase supply in oil in the
world,'' he said. ``It adds a new supplier of some consequence.''
But experts say the new oil will provide only short-term relief to a
world that is consuming more crude every year. Oil prices, while down
from their recent highs, are still hovering around $49 a barrel.
Four years ago, oil officials spoke of finds that could rival the Middle
East's production. But experts now say the Caspian should pump some 168
million to 210 million gallons per day, on a par with Iran.
Eshan Ul-Haq, chief analyst at PVM Oil Associates in Vienna, Austria,
said the pipeline will have an impact but only for Europe, because
initial volumes will be low.
He also said the pipeline's oil could bring prices down for sour-grade
crude such as those produced by Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and it could mean
lower prices for Russian Ural oil. The oil most in demand is light,
sweet crude, which most refiners prefer because it is low in sulfur and
easy to process.
It will take approximately 10 million barrels of crude to fill the
entire pipeline.
10. Officials Inaugurate Azerbaijan Pipeline
Source: Associated Press Writer, May 25, 2005
The Governments also signed protocols on amendments to the Agreement on
basic provisions of partnership in oil machine engineering.
SANGACHAL, Azerbaijan -- Officials on Wednesday May 25, 2005 inaugurated
the first section of an 1,100-mile U.S.-backed pipeline bringing Caspian
Sea oil to Western markets.
The presidents from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey were on
hand for the ceremony at the Sangachal oil terminal, about 25 miles
south of the Azeri capital, Baku, to open the taps for the first drops
of oil to enter the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
The pipeline from the Azeri capital to the Turkish Mediterranean port of
Ceyhan is seen as a significant move toward reducing the West's
dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Most Caspian oil exports previously
have moved through Russian pipelines.
The $3.2 billion project, with a capacity of 1 million barrels a day, is
the first direct oil link between the landlocked Caspian, which is
thought to contain the world's third largest oil and gas reserves, and
the Mediterranean. The pipeline, built by a consortium led by the BP oil
company, passes through Georgia en route to Turkey.
All three countries look to earn substantial revenue from the pipeline
through transit fees and royalties.
"This pipeline first of all will help solve economic and social
problems, but the role of the pipeline in strengthening peace and
security in the region also is not small," Azerbaijan's President Ilham
Aliev said at the opening ceremony.
It will take approximately 10 million barrels of crude to fill the
entire pipeline.
11. Baku-Ceyhan will enhance energy independence - Saakashvili
Source: Interfax-Azerbaijan, May 25, 2005
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
pipeline will strengthen Georgia's energy independence.
"Georgia has long been playing the role of a link between East and West.
Today it is a place where major global companies make large investment
to ensure the country's energy independence," Saakashvili said at a
ceremony marking the first oil to be pumped into the pipeline at the
Sangachal terminal near Baku.
As a member of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project, Georgia will play a
major role in transporting oil to world markets, the president said.
Georgia's authorities are interested in opening other energy and
transport corridors, as well, he said.
12. The open society institute-Assistance Foundation (OSI-AF)
announces completion of important phase of the Baku-TbIlisi-Ceyhan (BTC)
pipeline monitoring project
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rovshan Bagirov: (99412) 986933, 412722
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24, 2005. The Open Society Institute - Assistance
Foundation (OSI-AF) today announced the completion of an important phase
in the BTC pipeline monitoring conducted by local NGOs in Azerbaijan
with OSI-AF support.
In April 2004, OSI-AF and BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Limited (BP)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for supporting NGO monitoring
and capacity building. According to the MOU, OSI-AF acted as a donor,
facilitator and coordinator of local NGOs throughout the monitoring
project. Since then, OSI-AF, the participating NGOs and BP have all
worked intensively on this groundbreaking and rewarding project.
In May, 2004 OSI-AF initiated the project with a broad announcement in
the national media in Azerbaijan, inviting NGOs with relevant experience
to participate in monitoring of the BTC oil pipeline. Monitoring by NGOs
was to focus on the following areas: (1) environment; (2) social issues;
(3) human rights (particularly labour and land rights); (4) historical,
cultural and archaeological heritage; (5) use of local resources.
OSI-AF, in agreement with BP, wanted the process to be as inclusive as
possible and not limit it to only a few NGOs. As a result, eighty-six
local NGOs applied to OSI-AF to participate in the monitoring process.
To ensure more ownership and capacity building amongst this large number
of NGOs, OSI-AF facilitated a selection process amongst them, and
twenty-seven NGO representatives were grouped together in five NGO
Working Groups, one for each of the five areas listed above. Each
Working Group consisted of four to seven members, each of them
representing the NGOs selected to participate in the BTC pipeline
monitoring.
>From the outset, it became apparent that many of the NGOs in Azerbaijan
needed development of special skills and experience in monitoring
(methodology, planning, data collection and audit analysis, interview
techniques, report writing, presentation skills etc). Capacity building
was therefore considered essential to promote efficient data collection,
systematic interpretation of findings, production of quality reports and
ultimately meaningful outputs for all the parties concerned. For this
purpose, BP provided OSI-AF with funds to cover all training and
mentoring components of the project.
The project commenced in April 2004 and involved activities ranging from
training and presentations, initial document reviews, data collection
and report writing. They also included site visits to 75% of communities
along the pipeline. The result of this was reflected in five reports
produced by the Working Groups, the last one of which was completed in
early May 2005. A review of these reports took place during a number of
workshops attended by the NGOs, OSI-AF and BP over the course of May
2005. During this review, valuable recommendations were identified and
taken on board by BP, and an agenda was set for the review of findings
that merit further study.
Farda Asadov, OSI-AF/Azerbaijan Executive Director, commented: "The
project of civil society's monitoring of the BTC pipeline construction
was not only about identifying positive and negative impacts of one of
the world biggest construction projects, it was most importantly a first
real opportunity for local civil society and a trans-national business
giant to cooperate and engage in an equal, healthy, constructive and
on-going dialogue".
Michael Townshend, Chief Executive of BTC commented: ""BTC has been
subject to an unprecedented degree of monitoring meeting international
standards and encouraging public scrutiny. This monitoring initiative
provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to transparency,
to identify areas for improvement and play our role in strengthening the
capacities of civil society."
To develop this dialogue further, OSI-AF and BP are planning a second
cycle of monitoring later in 2005. This will enable the NGO's to
increase their knowledge and understanding of BTC and also, to further
develop their capacity and skills.
Five reports prepared by NGO Working Groups together with BP/BTC
Responses will be disclosed to the public on May 30th, 2005 during a NGO
Work Groups joint press conference, to be held in International Press
Centre at 11:00. Reports will be also available on-line after May 30th,
2005 at the following address: http://www.osi-az.org/btcmonitoring.shtml
The Open Society Institute- Assistance Foundation/Azerbaijan belongs to
the Open Society Foundation Network established by famous investor and
philanthropist George Soros. The Network encompasses more than 50
countries with initiatives in Africa, Central Asia and the Caucasus,
Latin America, and Southeast Asia, as well as in Haiti, Mongolia, and
Turkey. OSI also supports programs in the United States and selected
projects elsewhere in the world. The main goal of OSI-Azerbaijan is to
foster transition of a closed society to a more open one. Since its
establishment in the country in 1996, OSI-Azerbaijan has encouraged the
development of the third sector by awarding grants and through
operational activity to support civic initiatives in education reforms,
communication technologies, human rights and rule of law, mass media,
public health, gender equality and arts and culture. Responding to new
challenges of the country development, OSI-Azerbaijan has recently
concentrated on increasing civil society involvement in the
democratization process, good governance and transparency of the use of
national resources.
13. Vacancy Announcements
13.1. Terms of Reference for National GIS/Cartography Expert
I. Background
The Kura-Aras river system is an internationally significant river
system which is seriously degraded and continues to be threatened. Water
scarcity is an issue at many points in the river system. Water quality
and quantity constraints may increasingly lead to disputes amongst water
users over the coming years. Integrated, multi-country, trans-boundary
responses are necessary to address the threats to the river system, and
their underlying causes. The main objective of project is to draft a
framework for Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) for Kura-Aras
river basin. The project so far produced a number of documents reporting
the results of institutional and technical studies, as well as
identified technical objectives for IRBP&M. For better understanding of
problems observed by national experts in background technical reports
and to help further reporting needs assessments of riparian countries
the project implementation teams will hire GIS/Cartography specialist
who will be responsible for preparing visual/cartography materials.
II. Scope of Work
a.. Collect necessary GIS/Cartography data according to the content
and material reviewed in Preliminary Background Analysis of Kura-Aras
River Basin on national levels;
b.. Conduct GIS mapping of Kura-Aras River Basin using ESRI's advanced
GIS software - ArcGIS 8.3;
c.. Provide graphical support (thematic maps and other visual
material) for preparing Task 5.0 - National Objectives for the
Integrated River Basin Management and Planning;
d.. The list of thematic maps may include, but is not limited to:
- Background map of Kura-Aras River Basin: topography, simple
hydrology (national limits);
- Detailed hydrology and flow modules;
- Hydrogeology of Kura-Aras River System;
- Scheme of sub-basins/watershed network and gauging-stations;
- Ground water resources: artesian basins/sub-basins, main
aquifers;
- Mineral resources;
- Climatic Scheme: zones, regions, etc.;
- Major soil types
- Vegetation cover: floristic regions, protected areas,
ecosystems;
- Agriculture map: agriculture zones, crops, intensity
(productivity);
- Population dynamics;
- Industrial sites, economic zones (by activity types);
- Water quality maps: pollution loads by industrial sites,
pollution sources, discharge, microbiological and bacterial pollution;
- Sources of industrial water use (capacity);
- Water infrastructure: portable water (pipeline system),
sewerage, water treatment plants;
- Melioration network;
- Hydro power plants, their capacity.
III. Deliverables
The consultant will provide following deliverables:
a.. GIS database and thematic maps, both electronic and hard copies
(A4/A3 format color maps), English and Russian versions;
b.. Other visual material, i.e. graphics, schemes (as necessary),
etc.;
c.. Provide post-assignment oral consultations to the National Teams
if necessary on subjects related to the work.
IV. Qualifications and skills required
a.. First degree in a geography/cartography, natural sciences,
environment, or related fields;
b.. At least five years working experience in GIS and Cartography;
c.. Professional experience of working on similar tasks funded and
executed by UN or other international donor organizations;
d.. Good working knowledge of English and Russian is desired;
e.. Experience of working with multi-stakeholders on national and
regional levels with governmental, as well as non-profit organizations
in a plus.
V. Payment Schedule
Payment will be made in two installments: 20% upon signature of a
contract and 80% after successfully completing the task. The final
payment will be paid upon written evaluation and confirmation of the job
done by National Team Leaders and the Project Executing Manager. This
amount might be reduced in case that quality and deadlines are not met.
VI. Duration
Up to 2 month, with a possibility of a contract extension.
VII. Duty Stations
a.. Tbilisi, Georgia;
b.. Yerevan, Armenia;
c.. Baku, Azerbaijan.
Qualified candidates interested to undertake works under the Terms of
Reference should submit their Curriculum Vitae in their respective
countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) to National Team Leaders
electronically no later than 18:00 Friday, June 3rd, 2005 to:
1.. Mr. Zurab Jincharadze, Team Leader - Georgia
E-Mail: [email protected]
1.. Mr. Vilik Sargsyan, Team Leader - Armenia
E-mail: [email protected]
1.. Mr. Farda Imanov, Team Leader - Azerbaijan
E-mail: [email protected]
And copy to the Project Executing Manager:
Ms. Mariam Shotadze, UNDP Georgia, Programme Analyst
E-mail: [email protected]
13.2. Terms of Reference for National Expert in Data Collection
I. Background
The Kura-Aras river system is an internationally significant river
system which is seriously degraded and continues to be threatened. Water
scarcity is an issue at many points in the river system. Water quality
and quantity constraints may increasingly lead to disputes amongst water
users over the coming years. Integrated, multi-country, trans-boundary
responses are necessary to address the threats to the river system, and
their underlying causes. The main objective of project is to draft a
framework for Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) for Kura-Aras
river basin. The project so far produced a number of documents reporting
the results of institutional and technical studies, as well as
identified technical objectives for IRBP&M. For better understanding of
problems observed by national experts in background technical reports
the project implementation teams will hire expert who will be
responsible for evaluation of existing databases connected to water and
related sectors, as well as their technical condition, monitoring and
perspectives.
II. Scope of Work
1) Assess availability of data on:
a) Location of water objects and hydro-posts on them in the
Republic
b) Water and water economy balances in State and separate river
basins
c) Short and long-term anticipations related to water quantity and
quality in the Republic
d) Quantity characteristics of surface water resources
e) Quality characteristics of surface water resources
f) Quantity characteristics of ground water resources
g) Quality characteristics of ground water resources
h) Mineral waters
i) Water use (irrigation, drinking water communal supply,
industrial water supply, cattle watering, fishery, hydro-power
generation, recreational activity, water transport, etc.)
j) Water withdrawal (wastewater treatment stations, wastewater
collectors, etc.)
k) Permits for water use and withdrawal
l) Hydro-technical constructions (water reservoirs, canals,
HPPs, pumping stations, drainage, etc.)
m) Monitoring of lakes
n) Monitoring of forests
o) Ameliorative condition of lands
p) Natural hazards (floods, mudflows, and drought)
2) Management of data collection, processing and maintenance in
different sectors (in past, present and future)
3) Existing ways of data maintenance in different sectors (Cadastres,
electronic databases, reference books, books, video information, etc.)
4) Availability of existing data by sectors
a) Completely available
b) Partially available
c) Payable
d) Not available
5) Existing standards in different sectors (e.g. industry, fisheries,
irrigation, etc.)
6) Periods of quantity and quality monitoring in respective sectors
(years), and its timing (hours, days, months, trimesters, years)
7) Perspective planning of maintenance of overall National Water
Cadastre
8) Suggestions on maintenance of trans-boundary water cadastre, creation
of mutual database, exchange of information, as well as possibilities
for creation of emergency anticipation and prevention systems (technical
capacities, legal basis, methodologies, etc.)
III. Deliverables
a.. Expert will draft report in Russian langauge
IV. Qualifications and skills required
a.. First degree in natural sciences, environment, or related fields;
b.. Working experience in water sector and data management;
c.. Experience of working with multi-stakeholders with governmental,
as well as non-profit organizations;
d.. Good working knowledge of Russian;
V. Payment Schedule
Payment will be made in two installments: 20% upon signature of a
contract and 80% after successfully completing the task. The final
payment will be paid upon written evaluation and confirmation of the job
done by National Team Leaders and the Project Executing Manager. This
amount might be reduced in case that quality and deadlines are not met.
VI. Duration
Up to 2 month, with a possibility of a contract extension.
VII. Duty Stations
a.. Tbilisi, Georgia;
b.. Yerevan, Armenia;
c.. Baku, Azerbaijan.
Qualified candidates interested to undertake works under the Terms of
Reference should submit their Curriculum Vitae in their respective
countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) to National Team Leaders
electronically no later than 18:00 Friday, June 3rd , 2005 to:
1.. Mr. Zurab Jincharadze, Team Leader - Georgia
E-Mail: [email protected]
1.. Mr. Vilik Sargsyan, Team Leader - Armenia
E-mail: [email protected]
1.. Mr. Farda Imanov, Team Leader - Azerbaijan
E-mail: [email protected]
And copy to the Project Executing Manager:
Ms. Mariam Shotadze, UNDP Georgia, Programme Analyst
E-mail: [email protected]
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 75 19 03/04
Fax: ++995 32 75 19 05
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.cenn.org
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Table of Contents:
1.. AP: Baku Officials Cite Opening of BTC as Reason to Ban Protests
2.. Military Cooperation to Protect BTC Pipeline
3.. President Sezer Heads to Azerbaijani for Pipeline Opening
4.. Kazakhstan President is Paying an Official Visit to Baku
5.. Leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Launched Talks
6.. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement
7.. The Caspian Sea Unites: President's Constructive Visit to Baku
8.. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipe Filling Slated for May 25 in Baku
9.. New Caspian Sea Pipeline to Boost Economic Prospects in Region
10.. Officials Inaugurate Azerbaijan Pipeline
11.. Baku-Ceyhan will Enhance Energy Independence - Saakashvili
12.. The Open Society Institute-Assistance Foundation (OSI-AF)
Announces Completion of Important Phase of the Baku-TbIlisi-Ceyhan (BTC)
Pipeline Monitoring Project
13.. Vacancy Announcements
1. AP: Baku Officials Cite Opening of BTC as Reason to Ban
Protests
Source: Associated Press, may 22, 2005
Azerbaijan protests demanding free elections were beaten back yesterday
on May 21, 2005 by police, who arrested dozens as they broke up a banned
rally in the oil rich former Soviet Republic on the Caspian Sea four
days before the inauguration of a new pipeline.
Tension between the government and the opposition on the tightly
controlled country has increased since an October 2003 election in which
Ilham Aliev replace his late father, Geidar Aliev, as president in a
vote the opposition said was marred by fraud. A parliamentary vote is
scheduled for November. Officials had forbidden the opposition to
protest, citing security concerns four days ahead of the visit of
foreign leaders who will attend a ceremony marking the opening of
Azerbaijan's portion of the US backed Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.
2. Military Cooperation to Protect BTC Pipeline
Source: The Messenger, May 23, 2005
Oil is beginning to flow into the BTC this week and already officials
are discussing need for increasing security issues
On May 25, 2005 officials are covering in Baku to mark the first oil
being pumped into the BTC pipeline
Georgian media outlets are reporting that Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia
are intensifying military cooperation in order to protect the BTC crude
oil pipeline. Turkey is already assisting Georgian and Azerbaijan armed
force to meet NATO standards, and the cooperation now under discussion
will further increase cooperation and will last until Georgia and
Azerbaijan join NATO.
While government and business officials will be meeting in Baku on May
25 to mark the pumping of the first oil to the BTC's first pump station,
the ministers of defence of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey are scheduled
to meet in June in Baku and it is then that reports indicate the
officials will formally announce increased military cooperation.
Protecting the BTC pipeline has been a hot topic of discussion for a
long time already and now that the pipeline is beginning to enter
operation, there is greater urgency to secure its route and facilities.
The paper Rezonansi states the cooperation will include protection of
the pipeline, combating of terrorism ands fighting against smuggling of
weapons and narcotics. The paper also suggests that Ukraine would join
the military alliance.
The Georgian military analyst Irakli Sesiashvili rather than defence
institutions taking up the issue of pipeline security, the respective
countries' state security services should take on this task because
police are more appropriate for this role than armies are.
But already officials are resorting to armed forces to respond to energy
security issues; in early May US officials announced they were working
with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on a Caspian Guard project that would
cost around USD 100 million and would be aimed at providing security for
Caspian oil resources.
The Washington Times quoted Richard Perle, the former head of the US
Defence Policy Board, as saying on May 10, 2005 "The fulfilment of this
project is necessary, as it will defend the Caspian countries from the
threat of Moscow. We are ready to support those states that have good
relations with the USA."
The implementation of these security measures is a major cause of
irrigation to big player in Russia and Iran. Iran in particular at a
recent meeting to define the legal status of the Caspian Sea argued that
they are against "the miniaturization" of Caspian region and allowing a
special pipeline to be constructed under the Caspian Sea. Tehran also
expressed its concern over the involvement of western countries' armed
forces to protect the Caspian region and demanded an immediate
resolution defining the legal status of the Caspian region, involving
five countries: Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
Western countries, particularly the US, are unlikely however to lessen
their support for protecting energy resources in the region or allow
Iran influence Caspian issues in their favour.
3. President Sezer heads to Azerbaijani for pipeline opening
Source: Central Daylight Time, May 24, 2005
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will be in Azerbaijan Tuesday, May
24, 2005 to take part in ceremonies to mark the first flow of oil into
the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline. When fully operational, the
pipeline will carry the main flow of Azeri oil to the West.
The multi-billion dollar pipeline project, which is a joint venture
between both private enterprise and the involved states, is designed to
carry the main flow of Azeri oil from Baku on the Caspian Sea to the
Turkish Mediterranean coastal port of Ceyhan for export to the West.
Sezer will be in Baku as the guest of Azeri President Ilham Aliyev.
While in Azerbaijan, he will meet with the heads of state of countries
attending the ceremony, before returning to Turkey on Wednesday, May 25,
2005.
4. Kazakhstan President is paying an official visit to Baku
Source: KAZINFORM, May 24, 2005
Today on May 24, 2005 President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has
arrived in Azerbaijan on an official visit, our correspondent reports
from Baku. Bilateral meetings with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev are
scheduled in the program of the visit. A number of documents are
supposed to be signed after the talks.
Tomorrow Kazakhstan President will visit the Caspian Energy Museum and
Sangachal terminal. President Nazarbayev is also expected to take part
in the ceremony of opening the Azerbaijani part of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
oil pipeline.
5. Leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan launched talks
Source: KAZINFORM, May 24, 2005
The Head of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has arrived in Baku today,
on May 24, 2005. After the ceremonial reception in the Palace of
Azerbaijan President in Baku a private meeting of both leaders was held,
our correspondent reports from Baku.
During the talks both Presidents discussed the questions of expanding
partnership between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan a range of international
problems. The talks proceeded with participation of both states'
delegations. A number of important documents are supposed to be signed
after the meetings.
6. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan sign strategic partnership
agreemenT
Source: KAZINFORM, May 24, 2005
Today on May 24, 2005 in Baku President of Kazakhstan Nursultan
Nazarbayev and Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev have signed an Agreement
on Cooperation and Strategic Partnership between the states.
After the talks a series of important documents were signed by the
Governments of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. In particular the parties
agreed on cooperation in the sphere of tourism, labor, employment and
social protection of population, fight against terrorism, drug traffic
and organized crime.
7. The Caspian Sea unites: President's constructive visit to
Baku
Source: KAZINFORM, May 24, 2005
"The Caspian Sea will not separate, but unite us", said President of
Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev at the press conference after the
bilateral talks between the leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan
commenting upon relationship between the states.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan belong to the group of major oil producing
countries in the Caspian region and can become active participants of
the world market of energy resources. Baku-Tbilisi- Ceyhan will soon be
renamed Aktau-Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and become the main outlet of
Kazakhstan's oil to the world market.
"Nevertheless the opportunities of economic partnership between the two
states are not exhausted. Kazakhstan could supply Azerbaijan with grain
and purchase oil industry technique in exchange", noted Kazakhstani
leader.
8. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipe filling slated for May 25 in Baku
Source: Interfax, May 24, 2005
The ceremony to mark the initial filling of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
pipeline with oil will take place at the Sangachal oil terminal in Baku
on May 25, the Azerbaijani government told Interfax.
"Taking part in the ceremony will be the presidents of Georgia, Turkey,
and Kazakhstan. All three presidents arrived in Baku on Tuesday. The
presidents are expected to sign a political declaration to support the
East-West transportation corridor," the government source said.
In addition, high-ranking officials from 30 countries and the management
of the companies involved in the pipeline construction will also take
part in the ceremony, he said.
9. New Caspian Sea pipeline to boost economic prospects in
region
Source: Associated Press, May 24, 2005
Presidents and oil company executives will inaugurate a 1,100-mile
pipeline Wednesday on May 25, 2005 that will carry millions of gallons
of crude from the landlocked Caspian to the Mediterranean a much-needed
alternative to Mideast energy resources.
Analysts say the $3.2 billion, U.S.-backed Baku-Ceyhan pipeline could
also help bring stability to the troubled region. The Caspian is thought
to contain the world's third-largest oil and gas reserves.
"This global project will completely change the economic situation in
Azerbaijan, and in the political sense it will influence the rest of the
Caucasus and Central Asia,'' said Vafa Guluzade, a former foreign
affairs adviser to the Azerbaijani government.
Built by a consortium led by BP PLC, the pipeline runs from Azerbaijan
through Georgia to the Turkish port of Ceyhan.
Until now, Caspian states sent almost all their oil through Russian
pipelines to reach world markets. The new route will neutralize any
Russian attempts to use economic levers to bring former Soviet republics
back under its wing, Guluzade said.
The pipeline ``will carry a huge volume of oil, and Russia is nervous
that it is being deprived of big money and also the possibility to
dictate its terms to these states,'' he said.
Azerbaijan will earn taxes and royalties on the oil, while Georgia and
Turkey are to profit from transit fees.
The presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey are to be
on hand along with U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and oil
executives to watch Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev open the taps
Wednesday for the first symbolic drops of oil to enter the pipeline at
the Sangachal oil terminal, about 25 miles south of the Azerbaijani
capital, Baku.
Aliev and Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev planned to sign an
agreement on transporting Kazakh oil through the new pipeline Tuesday.
``We view this as a significant step forward in the energy security of
that region,'' Bodman said Tuesday in Moscow.
The president of the pipeline consortium, Natik Aliev, said it would
take up to a month and a half to fill the Azerbaijani section of the
pipeline. The Georgian part will be ready after that, and then the
Turkish stretch, which Turkish authorities have said should be filled by
Aug. 15. It will take approximately 420 million gallons of crude to fill
the entire pipeline.
Bodman said deliveries would begin in the fall.
``This is a contribution toward ... an increase supply in oil in the
world,'' he said. ``It adds a new supplier of some consequence.''
But experts say the new oil will provide only short-term relief to a
world that is consuming more crude every year. Oil prices, while down
from their recent highs, are still hovering around $49 a barrel.
Four years ago, oil officials spoke of finds that could rival the Middle
East's production. But experts now say the Caspian should pump some 168
million to 210 million gallons per day, on a par with Iran.
Eshan Ul-Haq, chief analyst at PVM Oil Associates in Vienna, Austria,
said the pipeline will have an impact but only for Europe, because
initial volumes will be low.
He also said the pipeline's oil could bring prices down for sour-grade
crude such as those produced by Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and it could mean
lower prices for Russian Ural oil. The oil most in demand is light,
sweet crude, which most refiners prefer because it is low in sulfur and
easy to process.
It will take approximately 10 million barrels of crude to fill the
entire pipeline.
10. Officials Inaugurate Azerbaijan Pipeline
Source: Associated Press Writer, May 25, 2005
The Governments also signed protocols on amendments to the Agreement on
basic provisions of partnership in oil machine engineering.
SANGACHAL, Azerbaijan -- Officials on Wednesday May 25, 2005 inaugurated
the first section of an 1,100-mile U.S.-backed pipeline bringing Caspian
Sea oil to Western markets.
The presidents from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey were on
hand for the ceremony at the Sangachal oil terminal, about 25 miles
south of the Azeri capital, Baku, to open the taps for the first drops
of oil to enter the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
The pipeline from the Azeri capital to the Turkish Mediterranean port of
Ceyhan is seen as a significant move toward reducing the West's
dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Most Caspian oil exports previously
have moved through Russian pipelines.
The $3.2 billion project, with a capacity of 1 million barrels a day, is
the first direct oil link between the landlocked Caspian, which is
thought to contain the world's third largest oil and gas reserves, and
the Mediterranean. The pipeline, built by a consortium led by the BP oil
company, passes through Georgia en route to Turkey.
All three countries look to earn substantial revenue from the pipeline
through transit fees and royalties.
"This pipeline first of all will help solve economic and social
problems, but the role of the pipeline in strengthening peace and
security in the region also is not small," Azerbaijan's President Ilham
Aliev said at the opening ceremony.
It will take approximately 10 million barrels of crude to fill the
entire pipeline.
11. Baku-Ceyhan will enhance energy independence - Saakashvili
Source: Interfax-Azerbaijan, May 25, 2005
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
pipeline will strengthen Georgia's energy independence.
"Georgia has long been playing the role of a link between East and West.
Today it is a place where major global companies make large investment
to ensure the country's energy independence," Saakashvili said at a
ceremony marking the first oil to be pumped into the pipeline at the
Sangachal terminal near Baku.
As a member of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project, Georgia will play a
major role in transporting oil to world markets, the president said.
Georgia's authorities are interested in opening other energy and
transport corridors, as well, he said.
12. The open society institute-Assistance Foundation (OSI-AF)
announces completion of important phase of the Baku-TbIlisi-Ceyhan (BTC)
pipeline monitoring project
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rovshan Bagirov: (99412) 986933, 412722
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24, 2005. The Open Society Institute - Assistance
Foundation (OSI-AF) today announced the completion of an important phase
in the BTC pipeline monitoring conducted by local NGOs in Azerbaijan
with OSI-AF support.
In April 2004, OSI-AF and BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Limited (BP)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for supporting NGO monitoring
and capacity building. According to the MOU, OSI-AF acted as a donor,
facilitator and coordinator of local NGOs throughout the monitoring
project. Since then, OSI-AF, the participating NGOs and BP have all
worked intensively on this groundbreaking and rewarding project.
In May, 2004 OSI-AF initiated the project with a broad announcement in
the national media in Azerbaijan, inviting NGOs with relevant experience
to participate in monitoring of the BTC oil pipeline. Monitoring by NGOs
was to focus on the following areas: (1) environment; (2) social issues;
(3) human rights (particularly labour and land rights); (4) historical,
cultural and archaeological heritage; (5) use of local resources.
OSI-AF, in agreement with BP, wanted the process to be as inclusive as
possible and not limit it to only a few NGOs. As a result, eighty-six
local NGOs applied to OSI-AF to participate in the monitoring process.
To ensure more ownership and capacity building amongst this large number
of NGOs, OSI-AF facilitated a selection process amongst them, and
twenty-seven NGO representatives were grouped together in five NGO
Working Groups, one for each of the five areas listed above. Each
Working Group consisted of four to seven members, each of them
representing the NGOs selected to participate in the BTC pipeline
monitoring.
>From the outset, it became apparent that many of the NGOs in Azerbaijan
needed development of special skills and experience in monitoring
(methodology, planning, data collection and audit analysis, interview
techniques, report writing, presentation skills etc). Capacity building
was therefore considered essential to promote efficient data collection,
systematic interpretation of findings, production of quality reports and
ultimately meaningful outputs for all the parties concerned. For this
purpose, BP provided OSI-AF with funds to cover all training and
mentoring components of the project.
The project commenced in April 2004 and involved activities ranging from
training and presentations, initial document reviews, data collection
and report writing. They also included site visits to 75% of communities
along the pipeline. The result of this was reflected in five reports
produced by the Working Groups, the last one of which was completed in
early May 2005. A review of these reports took place during a number of
workshops attended by the NGOs, OSI-AF and BP over the course of May
2005. During this review, valuable recommendations were identified and
taken on board by BP, and an agenda was set for the review of findings
that merit further study.
Farda Asadov, OSI-AF/Azerbaijan Executive Director, commented: "The
project of civil society's monitoring of the BTC pipeline construction
was not only about identifying positive and negative impacts of one of
the world biggest construction projects, it was most importantly a first
real opportunity for local civil society and a trans-national business
giant to cooperate and engage in an equal, healthy, constructive and
on-going dialogue".
Michael Townshend, Chief Executive of BTC commented: ""BTC has been
subject to an unprecedented degree of monitoring meeting international
standards and encouraging public scrutiny. This monitoring initiative
provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to transparency,
to identify areas for improvement and play our role in strengthening the
capacities of civil society."
To develop this dialogue further, OSI-AF and BP are planning a second
cycle of monitoring later in 2005. This will enable the NGO's to
increase their knowledge and understanding of BTC and also, to further
develop their capacity and skills.
Five reports prepared by NGO Working Groups together with BP/BTC
Responses will be disclosed to the public on May 30th, 2005 during a NGO
Work Groups joint press conference, to be held in International Press
Centre at 11:00. Reports will be also available on-line after May 30th,
2005 at the following address: http://www.osi-az.org/btcmonitoring.shtml
The Open Society Institute- Assistance Foundation/Azerbaijan belongs to
the Open Society Foundation Network established by famous investor and
philanthropist George Soros. The Network encompasses more than 50
countries with initiatives in Africa, Central Asia and the Caucasus,
Latin America, and Southeast Asia, as well as in Haiti, Mongolia, and
Turkey. OSI also supports programs in the United States and selected
projects elsewhere in the world. The main goal of OSI-Azerbaijan is to
foster transition of a closed society to a more open one. Since its
establishment in the country in 1996, OSI-Azerbaijan has encouraged the
development of the third sector by awarding grants and through
operational activity to support civic initiatives in education reforms,
communication technologies, human rights and rule of law, mass media,
public health, gender equality and arts and culture. Responding to new
challenges of the country development, OSI-Azerbaijan has recently
concentrated on increasing civil society involvement in the
democratization process, good governance and transparency of the use of
national resources.
13. Vacancy Announcements
13.1. Terms of Reference for National GIS/Cartography Expert
I. Background
The Kura-Aras river system is an internationally significant river
system which is seriously degraded and continues to be threatened. Water
scarcity is an issue at many points in the river system. Water quality
and quantity constraints may increasingly lead to disputes amongst water
users over the coming years. Integrated, multi-country, trans-boundary
responses are necessary to address the threats to the river system, and
their underlying causes. The main objective of project is to draft a
framework for Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) for Kura-Aras
river basin. The project so far produced a number of documents reporting
the results of institutional and technical studies, as well as
identified technical objectives for IRBP&M. For better understanding of
problems observed by national experts in background technical reports
and to help further reporting needs assessments of riparian countries
the project implementation teams will hire GIS/Cartography specialist
who will be responsible for preparing visual/cartography materials.
II. Scope of Work
a.. Collect necessary GIS/Cartography data according to the content
and material reviewed in Preliminary Background Analysis of Kura-Aras
River Basin on national levels;
b.. Conduct GIS mapping of Kura-Aras River Basin using ESRI's advanced
GIS software - ArcGIS 8.3;
c.. Provide graphical support (thematic maps and other visual
material) for preparing Task 5.0 - National Objectives for the
Integrated River Basin Management and Planning;
d.. The list of thematic maps may include, but is not limited to:
- Background map of Kura-Aras River Basin: topography, simple
hydrology (national limits);
- Detailed hydrology and flow modules;
- Hydrogeology of Kura-Aras River System;
- Scheme of sub-basins/watershed network and gauging-stations;
- Ground water resources: artesian basins/sub-basins, main
aquifers;
- Mineral resources;
- Climatic Scheme: zones, regions, etc.;
- Major soil types
- Vegetation cover: floristic regions, protected areas,
ecosystems;
- Agriculture map: agriculture zones, crops, intensity
(productivity);
- Population dynamics;
- Industrial sites, economic zones (by activity types);
- Water quality maps: pollution loads by industrial sites,
pollution sources, discharge, microbiological and bacterial pollution;
- Sources of industrial water use (capacity);
- Water infrastructure: portable water (pipeline system),
sewerage, water treatment plants;
- Melioration network;
- Hydro power plants, their capacity.
III. Deliverables
The consultant will provide following deliverables:
a.. GIS database and thematic maps, both electronic and hard copies
(A4/A3 format color maps), English and Russian versions;
b.. Other visual material, i.e. graphics, schemes (as necessary),
etc.;
c.. Provide post-assignment oral consultations to the National Teams
if necessary on subjects related to the work.
IV. Qualifications and skills required
a.. First degree in a geography/cartography, natural sciences,
environment, or related fields;
b.. At least five years working experience in GIS and Cartography;
c.. Professional experience of working on similar tasks funded and
executed by UN or other international donor organizations;
d.. Good working knowledge of English and Russian is desired;
e.. Experience of working with multi-stakeholders on national and
regional levels with governmental, as well as non-profit organizations
in a plus.
V. Payment Schedule
Payment will be made in two installments: 20% upon signature of a
contract and 80% after successfully completing the task. The final
payment will be paid upon written evaluation and confirmation of the job
done by National Team Leaders and the Project Executing Manager. This
amount might be reduced in case that quality and deadlines are not met.
VI. Duration
Up to 2 month, with a possibility of a contract extension.
VII. Duty Stations
a.. Tbilisi, Georgia;
b.. Yerevan, Armenia;
c.. Baku, Azerbaijan.
Qualified candidates interested to undertake works under the Terms of
Reference should submit their Curriculum Vitae in their respective
countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) to National Team Leaders
electronically no later than 18:00 Friday, June 3rd, 2005 to:
1.. Mr. Zurab Jincharadze, Team Leader - Georgia
E-Mail: [email protected]
1.. Mr. Vilik Sargsyan, Team Leader - Armenia
E-mail: [email protected]
1.. Mr. Farda Imanov, Team Leader - Azerbaijan
E-mail: [email protected]
And copy to the Project Executing Manager:
Ms. Mariam Shotadze, UNDP Georgia, Programme Analyst
E-mail: [email protected]
13.2. Terms of Reference for National Expert in Data Collection
I. Background
The Kura-Aras river system is an internationally significant river
system which is seriously degraded and continues to be threatened. Water
scarcity is an issue at many points in the river system. Water quality
and quantity constraints may increasingly lead to disputes amongst water
users over the coming years. Integrated, multi-country, trans-boundary
responses are necessary to address the threats to the river system, and
their underlying causes. The main objective of project is to draft a
framework for Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) for Kura-Aras
river basin. The project so far produced a number of documents reporting
the results of institutional and technical studies, as well as
identified technical objectives for IRBP&M. For better understanding of
problems observed by national experts in background technical reports
the project implementation teams will hire expert who will be
responsible for evaluation of existing databases connected to water and
related sectors, as well as their technical condition, monitoring and
perspectives.
II. Scope of Work
1) Assess availability of data on:
a) Location of water objects and hydro-posts on them in the
Republic
b) Water and water economy balances in State and separate river
basins
c) Short and long-term anticipations related to water quantity and
quality in the Republic
d) Quantity characteristics of surface water resources
e) Quality characteristics of surface water resources
f) Quantity characteristics of ground water resources
g) Quality characteristics of ground water resources
h) Mineral waters
i) Water use (irrigation, drinking water communal supply,
industrial water supply, cattle watering, fishery, hydro-power
generation, recreational activity, water transport, etc.)
j) Water withdrawal (wastewater treatment stations, wastewater
collectors, etc.)
k) Permits for water use and withdrawal
l) Hydro-technical constructions (water reservoirs, canals,
HPPs, pumping stations, drainage, etc.)
m) Monitoring of lakes
n) Monitoring of forests
o) Ameliorative condition of lands
p) Natural hazards (floods, mudflows, and drought)
2) Management of data collection, processing and maintenance in
different sectors (in past, present and future)
3) Existing ways of data maintenance in different sectors (Cadastres,
electronic databases, reference books, books, video information, etc.)
4) Availability of existing data by sectors
a) Completely available
b) Partially available
c) Payable
d) Not available
5) Existing standards in different sectors (e.g. industry, fisheries,
irrigation, etc.)
6) Periods of quantity and quality monitoring in respective sectors
(years), and its timing (hours, days, months, trimesters, years)
7) Perspective planning of maintenance of overall National Water
Cadastre
8) Suggestions on maintenance of trans-boundary water cadastre, creation
of mutual database, exchange of information, as well as possibilities
for creation of emergency anticipation and prevention systems (technical
capacities, legal basis, methodologies, etc.)
III. Deliverables
a.. Expert will draft report in Russian langauge
IV. Qualifications and skills required
a.. First degree in natural sciences, environment, or related fields;
b.. Working experience in water sector and data management;
c.. Experience of working with multi-stakeholders with governmental,
as well as non-profit organizations;
d.. Good working knowledge of Russian;
V. Payment Schedule
Payment will be made in two installments: 20% upon signature of a
contract and 80% after successfully completing the task. The final
payment will be paid upon written evaluation and confirmation of the job
done by National Team Leaders and the Project Executing Manager. This
amount might be reduced in case that quality and deadlines are not met.
VI. Duration
Up to 2 month, with a possibility of a contract extension.
VII. Duty Stations
a.. Tbilisi, Georgia;
b.. Yerevan, Armenia;
c.. Baku, Azerbaijan.
Qualified candidates interested to undertake works under the Terms of
Reference should submit their Curriculum Vitae in their respective
countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) to National Team Leaders
electronically no later than 18:00 Friday, June 3rd , 2005 to:
1.. Mr. Zurab Jincharadze, Team Leader - Georgia
E-Mail: [email protected]
1.. Mr. Vilik Sargsyan, Team Leader - Armenia
E-mail: [email protected]
1.. Mr. Farda Imanov, Team Leader - Azerbaijan
E-mail: [email protected]
And copy to the Project Executing Manager:
Ms. Mariam Shotadze, UNDP Georgia, Programme Analyst
E-mail: [email protected]
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 75 19 03/04
Fax: ++995 32 75 19 05
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.cenn.org
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress