Events

Lukashenko considers merging key Belarusian environmental bodies

MINSK, 11 August (BelTA) – The proposal to merge the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and the State Inspectorate for Fauna and Flora Protection was brought to a meeting between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and the leadership of the Council of Ministers on 11 August, BelTA has learned.

The head of state recalled that this topic arose during the appointment of the current head of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. “In the challenging area of nature protection and environmental control, these organizations work in a well-coordinated and, seemingly, successful manner: they uncover criminal schemes and prevent various types of violations. For instance, poaching in our country has been reduced to a minimum,” he emphasized.

At the same time, the president pointed out that apart from poaching, there are other problematic areas in nature protection. “This is about protecting our nature, and here we have to go all out because it is truly our heritage,” he said. “In the heart of a vast civilization, on the Eurasian continent, lies the cleanest corner of the planet. It is truly remarkable that we managed to preserve it.”

“The relevant inspectorate must not only fight poaching but also tackle those who are used to polluting the environment. Both the Ministry of Natural Resources and the inspectorate are falling short here. Therefore, we shouldn’t think we have it all figured out – there is a pile of problems that need to be solved,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that, at first glance, there are no visible obstacles to further combining the efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and the State Inspectorate for Fauna and Flora Protection. “At the same time, I know that the State Secretariat of the Security Council did not support this initiative. Let’s hear the opinions,” he added.

Lukashenko calls for full commitment to nature protection

MINSK, 11 August (BelTA) - It is important to ensure an adequate level of protection for nature, which is a national asset of the country, Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko said at a meeting with top officials of the Council of Ministers in Minsk on 11 August, BelTA has learned.

The issue arose during the discussion of a possible merger between the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry and the State Inspectorate on Wildlife Protection. “In the complex area of nature protection and control over natural resource use, these agencies work in a coordinated manner and seemingly successfully: they uncover criminal schemes and prevent various types of violations. For example, poaching has been reduced to a minimum,” he emphasized.

At the same time, as the president noted, apart from poaching, there are other problems in nature protection. “This is the protection of our nature, and we need to go all out here, because this is truly our national heritage,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated. “In the center of a vast civilization - the Eurasian continent, there is the cleanest corner of the planet. It is even surprising that it has been preserved."

“The appropriate inspectorate must fight not only poaching, but also those who are accustomed to littering and polluting. Both the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry and the inspectorate are falling short here. So we don’t have everything under control. There are plenty of problems that need to be addressed,” the head of state emphasized.