ENVSEC: Precautionary approaches to tackle environmental stress caused by mining activities in The Balkans

The Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC) was established recognizing that international dialogue and cooperation are the best responses in addressing the various chalenges posed by environmental security. ENVSEC is a unique partnership of various international organizations and entities such as the United Nations Environment Progamme (UNEP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Regional Environment Centre for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) bringing together the broad expertise in the field of environment and security issues. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has joined the initiative as an Associated Partner. In order to make ENVSEC successful the focus needs to be on a cross‐sectoral approach, guaranteeing a wide‐stakeholder participation with the view of integrating the principle of sustainable development in national policies.