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MINSK, 14 November (BelTA) – Belarus’ Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Sergei Maslyak, who participated in the World Climate Summit (COP29) in Baku as part of the Belarusian delegation, decried politicization of environmental issues, BelTA has learned.
In particular, this includes project financing by the Global Environment Facility. “It is quite difficult to defend your point of view, your position. Despite the fact that a certain amount of financing is secured, it is very difficult to get an application through. As a rule, an application needs to be unanimously approved by 32 countries to be accepted. And it is clear that certain countries (it is probably incorrect to name them) hamper this process,” the minister noted.
He cited an example of a project in Gomel Polesie that was supposed to be implemented in the area affected by the Chernobyl accident. “Some $6.9 million has been allocated for us. We have already stormed the Global Environment Facility several times together with our partners in the UNDP, but so far we have been rejected,” said Sergei Maslyak.
He emphasized that Belarus primarily relies on its own capacities. “You should never wait for someone to help you. You should follow your own path. We are a self-sufficient country. But it is necessary to support international initiatives. We share most approaches to minimizing emissions and reducing greenhouse gases. Indeed, the impact on the environment occurs due to an increase in the average annual temperature,” the minister said.
He noted that scientists from the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus have already confirmed the fact that agroclimatic zones are changing in the country. Taking this into account, it is necessary to change agricultural practices.
In particular, this includes project financing by the Global Environment Facility. “It is quite difficult to defend your point of view, your position. Despite the fact that a certain amount of financing is secured, it is very difficult to get an application through. As a rule, an application needs to be unanimously approved by 32 countries to be accepted. And it is clear that certain countries (it is probably incorrect to name them) hamper this process,” the minister noted.
He cited an example of a project in Gomel Polesie that was supposed to be implemented in the area affected by the Chernobyl accident. “Some $6.9 million has been allocated for us. We have already stormed the Global Environment Facility several times together with our partners in the UNDP, but so far we have been rejected,” said Sergei Maslyak.
He emphasized that Belarus primarily relies on its own capacities. “You should never wait for someone to help you. You should follow your own path. We are a self-sufficient country. But it is necessary to support international initiatives. We share most approaches to minimizing emissions and reducing greenhouse gases. Indeed, the impact on the environment occurs due to an increase in the average annual temperature,” the minister said.
He noted that scientists from the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus have already confirmed the fact that agroclimatic zones are changing in the country. Taking this into account, it is necessary to change agricultural practices.
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