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INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE

• Integrated Decision-Making
• Major Groups
• Science
• Information
• International Law

  INTEGRATED DECISION-MAKING

  Decision Making

  The complex administration of environmental protection policy and coordination of nature protection in Ukraine is completed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety (MEPNS). The main law, Protection of the Natural Environment, regulating social relationships in the area of environmental protection was passed in 1991. Under this law, MENSP is authorized to exercise state control over the use and protection of land, mineral resources, surface and ground waters, air, forest, vegetation, animal wildlife, marine environment, natural resources of territorial waters, continental and maritime zones, and ecological safety.

  A set of more specific laws for implementation have been adopted on the protection of the atmosphere, mineral and water resources, land, forests natural reserves, and the animal world within the context of this general law. Furthermore, a number of related regulations were approved between 1992 and 1995; including: Guidelines for Assessing Payments and Fees Concerning the Pollution of the Natural Environment, Regulations for Imposing Limits on the Use of Natural Resources of Republican Significance, Guidelines on State Environmental Monitoring, Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment, a Decree on Measures to Control the Import of Waste (Secondary Raw Materials) and its Transit through the Ukrainian Territory, a Decree on the Payment Procedure for Specialized Use of Fresh Water Resources.

  Other institutions, including the Ministry for Forestry, the Committee on Geology and Natural Resources Use, the State Committee on Water Management, the State Committee on Land Use, are responsible for specific sectoral issues related to environmental protection. However, there is no system of ecological monitoring that can meet the requirements of the Law on the Protection of the Natural Environment. Monitoring is conducted by several institutions. The goal is to establish a uniform system of monitoring by the year 2000.

  At present, there is no strict rationalization of the division of responsibilities among these various ministries. This has led to a strategy focusing on a functional rather than the previously common sectoral approach. The new structure better correlates with the legislation, and puts more focus on ecological safety which is extremely vital for the overall national security of Ukraine. Control functions, as foreseen by Article 20 of the Protection of the Natural Environment Law, have been allocated to the State Ecological Inspection within MEPNS, giving the Inspectorate more freedom of action within the system. This enhanced role was confirmed by the Cabinet of Ministers in 1993.

  As a first stage of national Agenda 21 implementation, the State's Programme of Environmental Protection and Rational Use of Natural Resources was developed. The main priorities of this Programme are:

  1. Ensuring environmental safety of nuclear objects and radiation protection of the population and natural environment and minimization of the harmful impact of nuclear power plants;
  2. Formation of a balanced system of natural resource use, adequate structural adjustment of the economy, and the development of environmentally-sound technologies in industry, energy, construction, transport, and agriculture;
  3. Improvement of the ecological state of the Dnipro River basin, and of the quality of drinking water;
  4. Stabilization and improvement of the state of the environment in the cities and industrial centers of Donetsk-Prydniprovya Region;
  5. Prevention of contamination of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and improvement of their ecological state; and Conservation of biological and landscape diversity.

  A conceptual Strategy for Sustainable Development is being developed by MEPNS, the Ministry of Economy, and the National Academy of Sciences. It is to be approved by the President. MEPNS has formulated a plan for environmental protection. The first phase (1993-1997) is supposed to develop a new system for managing the environment, adopting legal regulations, and preparing a reliable assessment of the state of the environment. Phase two will focus on improving public health, while the third focuses on establishing an ecologically balanced system for managing sustainable development.

  Environmental Impact Assessment is now being used for programmes, policies, and projects. At the national level, the revision and coordination of strategies, plans, and programmes in cross-sectoral and sectoral areas began in 1992. Since then, 40% of the legislation, 30% of the decrees, and 20% of the administrative guidelines and instructions have been reviewed. The lack of funding has been the main constraint in implementing recently signed or ratified international instruments related to sustainable development.

  MEPNS consists of a central department, state departments in the Republic of Crimea and 24 administrative regions, the Superior State Ecological Inspection, and the Central Board of Natural National Parks and Reserves Management. The number of personnel in 1996 was over 3,000 (including 240 in headquarters). The lack of direct financial support and insufficient authorization are hampering the efforts of MEPNS to fully implement the requirements of the environmental legislation. Between 1993 and 1995, the budget of MEPNS accounted for about 0.02% of GNP (compared to 1-2% in most Western countries); this amount is considered insufficient.

  The Government supports preliminary bilateral and multilateral discussions within every region as a means to simplify international negotiations. It also urges the UN to strengthen its consultative assistance in the field of sustainable development through its country offices.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  To access Ukraine's Environmental Information Home Page, click here:
  For information on environmental impact assessment, click here.
  For information on environmental and economic reform, click here
  For information on new environmental laws, regulations and standards, click here.
  For information on Ukrainian environmental legislation, click here.
  To access the Ukraine Human Development Report, click here.
  For information on Environmental Law around the World, click here.

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  MAJOR GROUPS

  WOMEN

  In Ukraine, policies and strategies are being formulated for the achievement of equality in all aspects of society including the elimination of obstacles to full participation of women in sustainable development. Curricula and educational material already promote gender relevant knowledge, while mechanisms are being developed to assess the implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  For information on WomenWatch in Ukraine, click here.
  For information on national plans of action in the follow-up to the Beijing Conference, click here:

  CHILDREN AND YOUTH

  Children and youth play an advisory role in national sustainable development processes. Ukraine already meets the Agenda 21 goal of providing gendered balanced access to appropriate education and vocational training.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

  Indigenous people participate on an ad hoc basis in national policy development. Mechanisms for the involvement of indigenous people in resource management strategies and programmes at national and local levels are being discussed.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

  NGO participation in the conception, establishment, and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation are recognized as important. However, there are no special mechanisms worked out for the interaction of NGOs and governmental structures, and this affects public activities.

  The most active NGOs working in the field of environment and ecology are the Ukrainian Society for Nature Protection (USNP), the Ukrainian Society for Sustainable Development, the Ukrainian Ecological Association "Zeleny Svit" (Green World), the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Ecological Academy, the Green Party of Ukraine, the Ukranian Youth Environmental League, and the Community of Women of Ukraine.

  The first Environmental Journal "Native Nature" was started in 1971 by USNP. In 1992 the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine started publishing an environmental journal in Ukraine called "Oykumena: Ukrainian Ecological Review". Now, there are a large number of environmental journals, newspapers, and magazines.

  The economic crisis in Ukraine and the lack of financial support have caused a withdrawal of many active people from the environmental movement.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  LOCAL AUTHORITIES

  There are Government plans to support local agenda 21 initiatives.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  WORKERS AND TRADE UNIONS

  Workers take some part in national Agenda 21 discussions and implementation.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

  There are governmental policies encouraging increased efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output. Several big, medium, and small sized enterprises have adopted sustainable development policies.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COMMUNITY

  In Ukraine, there is some effort to improve the exchange of knowledge and discussion of sustainable development issues between the scientific and technical community and the general public.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  FARMERS

  No information available

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  SCIENCE

  In Ukraine, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, coordinate the development of science and scientific activities for sustainable development. Science development is one of the main priorities of the Strategy of Sustainable Development in Ukraine.

  The Government pays considerable attention to science and technology issues in its programme of activity. Major fields of research and scientific work include:

  • Scientific and methodological background for the development of norms and standards in environmental protection and rational management of natural resources;
  • Metrology and methodological background for measurements and analytical control on the state of the environment;
  • Research studies for long-term measures to improve the quality of surface water basins and drinking water;
  • Forecasting and long-term development programme for environmentally sound technologies of natural resource use in the industry and energy sectors;
  • Integrated research and forecasts for specific ecosystems; and
  • Determining economic and environmental regulatory conditions for inter-regional and inter-governmental relations for the use and protection of natural resources, etc.

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

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  INFORMATION

  The Ukrainian Government is currently planning to develop and use indicators of sustainable development at the national level. The Ministry of Statistics has developed a system for some national indicators. There are no major groups involved in this process. Ukraine recommends the UN Commission for Sustainable Development adopt a minimum of mandatory indicators and the methodology for their determination.

  A national information system is in the first stages of development. The main sources of information on sustainable development come from the UN and other international organizations, and national statistical data.

  The availability and quality of sustainable development information at the national level can be summarized as follows:

  Agenda 21 Chapters		Very good	Good	Some good data but many gaps	Poor	Remarks
  2.	International cooperation and trade		X
  3.	Combating poverty			X
  4.	Changing consumption patterns		X
  5.	Demographic dynamics and sustainability		X
  6.	Human health		X
  7.	Human settlements		X
  8.	Integrating E & D in decision-making		X
  9.	Protection of the atmosphere		X
  10.	Integrated planning and management of land resources		X
  11.	Combating deforestation		X
  12.	Combating desertification and drought			X
  13.	Sustainable mountain development			X
  14.	Sustainable agriculture and rural development		X
  15.	Conservation of biological diversity		X
  16.	Biotechnology			X
  17.	Oceans, seas, coastal areas and their living resources		X
  18.	Freshwater resources		X
  19.	Toxic chemicals		X
  20.	Hazardous wastes			X
  21.	Solid wastes		X
  22.	Radioactive wastes		X
  24.	Women in sustainable development		X
  25.	Children and youth		X
  26.	Indigenous people		X
  27.	Non-governmental organizations		X
  28.	Local authorities		X
  29.	Workers and trade unions		X
  30.	Business and industry		X
  31.	Scientific and technological community		X
  32.	Farmers			X
  33.	Financial resources and mechanisms			X
  34.	Technology, cooperation and capacity-building			X
  35.	Science for sustainable development		X
  36.	Education, public awareness and training		X
  37.	International cooperation for capacity-building		X
  38.	International institutional arrangements		X
  39.	International legal instruments		X
  40.	Information for decision-making		X

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  To visit the Sustainable Development Networking Programme Web Site in Ukraine, click here.

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  INTERNATIONAL LAW

  Major international agreement and conventions relevant to Agenda 21 implementation in Ukraine include:

  • Convention of the World Meteorological Organization;
  • Convention on the High Seas;
  • Convention on the Continental Shelf;
  • Convention on the Territorial and Adjacent Zones;
  • Statute of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);
  • Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and under Water;
  • Convention Concerning the Protection of Workers against lonizing Radiation;
  • Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Sea-Bed and the Ocean Floor and in the Subsoil;
  • Convention on International Damage Caused by Space Objects;
  • Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (biological) and Toxic Weapons, and on their Destruction;
  • Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter;
  • Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques;
  • Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution;
  • Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Long-Term Financing of the Cooperative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-Range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP);
  • Protocol to the 1979 convention on Long-Range transboundary Air Pollution on the Reduction of Sulfur Emissions or their Transboundary Fluxes by at least 30%;
  • Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution concerning the Control of Emission of Nitrogen Oxides or their Transboundary Fluxes;
  • Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer;
  • Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
  • Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage;
  • Agreement Between the Governments of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the International Study of the Consequences of Chernobyl Accident;
  • UN Convention on Biodiversity; signed 1992, ratified November 1994;
  • UN Convention on Climate Change; signed 1992, ratified October 1996;
  • Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (in the process of being ratified).

  This information was provided by the Government of Ukraine to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.

  For information on International Conventions and Treaties signed by Ukraine, click here.

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