Participation of the general public in addressing environmental issues is very important, Belarus' Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Minister Andrei Khudyk said as he addressed the 1st international environmental exhibition-forum Ecology Expo 2021 and 16th national environmental forum, BelTA has learned.

"Today, environmental issues take center stage in the global agenda. I am convinced that the exhibition and environmental forum will help to involve more people in the green movement, and that our economy will be growing circular and more environmentally friendly," Andrei Khudyk said.

He noted that the country pays special attention to projects that are important for the environment. Thus, this year the country plans to launch a hazardous waste disposal plant in Chechersk. “In addition to such projects, it is also important to involve the general public in the environmentalization of our life in general and the economy in particular. We are facing ambitious environmental challenges that we can solve only by joint efforts. The exhibition features concrete proposals, technologies and solutions. The agenda is very broad,” the minister said.

The international environmental exhibition-forum Ecology Expo 2021 and the 16th national environmental forum “Civic Engagement in Environmental Decision Making” is running in Minsk from 3 to 5 June. Ecology Expo is meant to showcase Belarusian and foreign innovative products and solutions in the field of environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources.

The exhibition will highlight green technologies in the field of renewable energy and alternative energy sources, energy efficient construction, green transport, efficient use of waste, biopacking, organic and environmentally friendly products, eco-tourism, best practices of green schools. The national environmental forum aims to bring together all sectors of society in solving environmental problems, maximize the involvement of citizens in the environmental movement, raise environmental awareness, promote the principles of sustainable development and cultivate an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

The events are arranged by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the BelExpo national exhibition center, the Minsk City Hall, with the support of the project “Civic engagement in environmental monitoring and improving environmental management at the local level” financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Program in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, as well as other stakeholders.

Written by: belta.by