At the UN headquarters, Ukraine's Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev signed an agreement on the high seas that will strengthen Ukraine's international environmental cooperation.
This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Economy.
After signing the document, Ukraine became a participant in a new international mechanism for the protection of ocean ecosystems and the sustainable use of marine resources in international waters.
“Our location on the Black and Azov Seas makes the issues of maritime security and ecosystem protection strategic for the country and the region. Even in times of war, we are proving that we are capable of caring for the global environment, countering climate challenges, and combating the aggressor's environmental crimes,” Sobolev said.
The agreement promotes:
1. The protection of biodiversity, which provides for the conservation of 30% of the oceans and seas by 2030, and is also consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement in terms of Blue Carbon – carbon absorbed by marine ecosystems.
2. Drawing the world's attention to the negative impact that Russia is having on the environment of Crimea and the Black Sea.
3. Opening up new opportunities for science and various sectors of the economy.
4. Confirming Ukraine's pro-European course and attracting international support, particularly from France.
As EcoPolitics wrote earlier, negotiations have begun in Switzerland to finalize the signing of an agreement aimed at reducing plastic pollution in the environment.
