MINSK, 22 March (BelTA) – A new program on hydrometeorological security in the Belarus-Russia Union State has been approved for 2017-2020, Maria Germenchuk, head of the National Center for Hydrometeorology, Monitoring of Radioactive Contamination and Environment (Gidromet) of the Belarusian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, told the media on 22 March, BelTA has learned.
“We have great news regarding the Union State program on hydrometeorology. The program has been officially launched and we are embarking on its implementation,” Maria Germenchuk said.
In her words, the Gidromet of Belarus and the Russian Hydrometeorological Center (Rosgidromet) have been closely cooperating and exchanging information. “This program provides the possibility for us to launch the work on a higher level, add a scientific element to our activity. The hydrometeorological, environmental and radiation security of the Union State has received strong scientific support,” Maria Germenchuk said.
The program will include a number of areas. They are to improve forecasting amid climate change, assess environmental pollution on a cross-border basis, use the data, including that of satellites, to provide different economic areas with climatic information and weather data, research on the unification of the legal framework (changes, data communication, the use of the latest technologies) and also to study droughts and the impact of climate change on agriculture and economy in general. The total investment in the program is RUB122 million.
