Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 30 October (BelTA) – Ecology plays a special role in preserving human health and in sustainable development. The statement was made by Marianna Shchetkina, Deputy Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, the national coordinator for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals, during the international scientific conference on environmental monitoring for the sake of sustainable development. The conference has been arranged on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary since the foundation of the national environmental monitoring system in Belarus, BelTA has learned.

According to Marianna Shchetkina, taking care of human health and living standards is a matter of utmost importance. A special group has been set up as part of the Sustainable Development Council to take care of ecological matters. “Climate change, growing urbanization, waste recycling, drinking water quality – these matters directly affect human health and lie within the purview of the state,” said the MP. “This is why these processes need to be constantly monitored. Twelve kinds of monitoring are practiced in Belarus. New equipment to measure radiation safety levels, quality of water and air is presented at the exhibition today. It is of great importance for each of us,” said Marianna Shchetkina.

According to the source, ecological situation in Belarus is always monitored but it is necessary to step up the work because ecological matters are planetary and global.

Belarus has been able to halve its environmental footprint since 2005. The area of nature conservation areas has been increased up to 8.7% of the country’s territory. Among other things the fact contributes to the improving ecological situation in the country, said Marianna Shchetkina.

The law on Belarusian laws and regulations requires that new laws must be compliant with the Sustainable Development Goals. The information has to be part of the statement of need to pass a new bill.

The international scientific conference “Monitoring the state of the environment for the sake of sustainable development. The 25^th anniversary since the foundation of the national environmental monitoring system in Belarus” is scheduled to take place in Minsk on 30-31 October. The system plays an important role in implementing the state environmental protection policy and provides information support for making administrative decisions concerning the environment. Participants of the conference will be made familiar with what the system has achieved over the course of 25 years. Trips to locations under observation will be arranged.