Moldova, Ukraine to deepen environmental protection cooperation

Chisinau, Aug 17 /MOLDPRES/- Moldova and Ukraine will deepen environmental protection cooperation. Environment Minister Sergiu Lazarencu met his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strilets, in Kiev.

The two officials discussed boosting bilateral cooperation in the environmental protection, efficient management of water resources and joint efforts to combat transboundary pollution. 

The Environment Ministry notes that the environmental impact of the war in Ukraine is profound: forests burned, waters polluted and ecosystems severely damaged. Environmental damage in Ukraine is estimated at more than 6 billion dollars and some 5,500 cases have been opened for environmental crimes.

The Moldovan delegation visited the war-ravaged towns of Bucea and Borodeanka. In these towns, hundreds of civilians were killed and the homes of survivors were burned and destroyed.

On August 15 in Odessa, the two ministers signed the agreement on the implementation of the Espoo Convention.

Through this agreement, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine commit to take all necessary measures to prevent, reduce and minimize potential transboundary environmental impact.