Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 5 October (BelTA) – International cooperation helps promote eco-innovations, introduce sustainable development principles and ensure environmental safety, Belarus’ Vice Prime Minister Mikhail Rusy said at the plenary session of the 5^th international forum Water Resources and Climate, BelTA has learned.

"The forum stems from the importance of the water resources condition and the need to promote its efficient use and protect them from depletion and contamination in changing climate conditions. We understand that it is impossible to introduce the sustainable development principles, promote eco-innovations and ensure environmental safety without close international cooperation and without involving scientists. Efforts made by the world community reflect a desire to solve water resources problems at the global level," Mikhail Rusy said.

He noted that the state policy is aimed at strengthening the rights of citizens to a healthy environment. It also draws special attention to the environmental area within the program on Belarus’ social and economic development for 2016-2020. "Today Belarus has 15 laws regulating legal relations in environmental protection. Our country is party to 20 international conventions in the sphere. Moreover, we have concluded more than 40 international agreements over the last decade. We have a principle that if we become party to a convention and take on obligations, we strictly adhere to it," the vice prime minister stressed.

The international forum Water Resources and Climate is taking place at the Belarusian State Technological University on 5-6 October. The experts are discussing such themes as sustainable use of water resources in changing climate conditions, modern approaches towards the protection of water resources from contamination, water treatment technologies, cross-border cooperation in protection and use of trans-border water objects, hydropower engineering and the use of the recreational potential of Belarus' water objects. Taking part in the event are representatives of Belarusian government bodies, national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations and foundations, scientific and educational institutions in Belarus and abroad and business community. Experts from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway and other countries are attending the event. The forum has been organized by the Belarusian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Belarusian State Technological University and the Central Research Institute for Integrated Water Resources Management.