Opinions & Interviews

“Two approaches can be seen in the world: pure ecology and pure economy. Some say that everything should be green while others say that economy should develop fast regardless of ecology,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. In his words, a wise balance between the development of the economy and the rational use and protection of natural resources and the environment is observed in Belarus. Mikhail Rusy reminded that the term “green economy” is a central one in the new program for the country’s development in the next five-year term.

“The national ecological forum is kind of a report that the government, the country’s leadership uses to inform what is being done with regard to ecology. Today the forum will demonstrate all the new technologies, research products, and the assimilation of our scientific accomplishments in environmental protection,” explained Mikhail Rusy. The forum will focus on borderline and transboundary cooperation, the development of nature reserves. “We study the experience of other countries and I believe that our country will make another step as part of the 24 international conventions we have signed. If a convention is signed, the country has to abide by it,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister.

The 13^th national ecological forum includes a plenary session focusing on environmental measures in the Belarusian economy and panel sessions that will table sustainable development and green economy, water, soils, and environmental education. Representatives of government agencies, the private sector, scientific and educational institutions, international organizations and the general public will present their points of view on ways to handle problems of ecological modernization of the economy. Apart from that, the first international specialized exhibition Green Home will take place. It has been organized by the enterprise BelInterExpo of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The national ecological forum is a mass event primarily meant to consolidate and invigorate all the population strata for the sake of resolving environmental protection problems and rational use of natural resources. The forum is designed to raise the ecological awareness of individuals and promote principles of sustainable use of natural resources.