Meeting of Parties to Espoo Convention starts in Minsk

13 июня 2017

A session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Espoo Convention in Minsk will feature about 200 participants from 45 countries, representing environmental ministries, international organizations and financial institutions.

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has welcomed the participants, expressing confidence that the Espoo Convention session will have a positive impact on promoting the sustainable development goals. According to the President, choosing Belarus as the session host is the recognition of the country’s significant contribution to global ecology.

The Espoo Convention was adopted in 1991, Minsk joining it 11 years ago. The document spells out the countries’ obligations to notify and consult each other when considering large projects that could have an impact on the environment.

This week’s final joint high-level meeting is planned to result in adopting a Minsk declaration.