Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 17 May (BelTA) – International cooperation promotes the introduction of sustainable development principles, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Andrei Khmel said at the 18^th international scientific conference Sakharov Readings 2018: Environmental Problems of the 21^st Century, BelTA informs.

“We understand that the introduction of sustainable development principles, promotion of environmental innovations, and environmental safety are impossible without close international cooperation, foreign investors. We have been actively using international cooperation to address environment-oriented issues, enhance availability of environmental technologies. Only environmentally-prepared society can secure sustainable development of the state. Therefore, the development of a system of continuous environmental education, its legislative improvement, personnel training in the field of ecology is one of the major activities for the Ministry of Natural Resources in cooperation with other governmental bodies and public associations.” said Andrei Khmel.

Representatives of different countries gathered to discuss the most important issues in the field of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources. “The ongoing social and economic processes and related new risks and challenges, including environmental ones, make us look for the most effective ways to implement the state's environmental policy. A vivid example of such a new approach to address the environmental impact was the introduction of the green economy principles that ensure sustainable development based on maintaining the balance of economic growth, improving the quality of life and preserving natural environment. We have gained vast experience in the sector. We have been actively implementing state and sectoral environmental programs,” the deputy minister said.

The international scientific conference Sakharov Readings of 2018: Environmental Problems of the 21^st Century is underway at the International Sakharov Environmental Institute of Belarusian State University on 17-18 May with the support of the Education Ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Healthcare Ministry, the Department for Dealing with the Consequences of the Catastrophe at Chernobyl NPP under the Emergencies Ministry, the Public Council of the Basic Organization for Environmental Education of the CIS countries, the Belarusian Fund for Basic Research, the National Institute for Vocational Education. Taking part in the forum are students, undergraduates and postgraduates from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Germany, Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, India and other countries.

The conference will include a meeting of the Public Council of the Basic Organization for Environmental Education of the CIS countries and also a number of sections and roundtables. The House of Representatives of the National Assembly will play host to a roundtable on environmental legislation and mindset formation in the interests of sustainable development of the Republic of Belarus.