1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety, which is primarily responsible for the protection of the atmosphere, plays the role of National Coordinating Mechanism for Sustainable Development. A law on the "atmosphere air protection" was reviewed and revised in part on 16 October 1992 in the light of Agenda 21.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: National capacity for observation and assessment is considered poor. A national early detection system does not exist. Capacities for research and information exchange are poor.

3. Major Groups: No specific information available

4. Finance: The Government has not contributed towards ongoing efforts under the Montreal Protocol and its implementing mechanisms due to financial constraints. The Ukraine received bilateral support of US$175,000 from the Agency of Environmental Protection of Denmark in 1995/96.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: In order to participate in strengthening the Global Climate Observing System at the national level, 47 national observation stations were installed before 1990. The Government has made efforts, within the framework of the United Nations and its European regional commission, to convene regional conferences on transport and the environment and has adopted regulations to encourage industry to develop safe technologies. Regarding the prevention of stratospheric ozone depletion, the Montreal Protocol was ratified in 1988. Its amendments have been signed but not ratified, and the London amendments might be ratified under the conditions of possible posponing of fees to the multilateral fund. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) was ratified in 1996. The Government acceded to the UNECE Convention on transboundary atmospheric pollution in 1987. United Nations bodies and nongovernmental organizations have participated in efforts to strengthen the scientific basis for decision-making and intergovernmental organizations have participated in efforts to prevent stratospheric ozone depletion.

Anthropogenic and technogenic environmental impacts have been steadily growing and have reached critical limits locally, leading to soil degradation. The government has developed and started to implement the Programme (Conception) of Development of Land Use, the State and Regional Programmes of Land Protection from Water and Wind Erosion, the State Programme of Natural Environment Protection and Rational Use of Natural Resources.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The State Committee of City Building and Architecture, the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Committee of Land Resources and the Ministry of Environmental Protection supervise the planning and management of land resources.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

Covering only 4% of the country's territory, the Carpathians concentrate 1/3 of the forest resources of the Ukraine. Forest areas occupy 53.5% of this region. They have global significance and act as lungs of the densely populated and highly urbanized European continent where they are located. These forests, however, are unfortunately endangered by timber-cutting, soil erosion, destruction of natural vegetation, overgrazing, chemical contamination and acid rain. The main approaches to the improvement of the ecological condition of the Carpathians include a complex of measures including biodiversity conservation, afforestation, etc.

The government has developed a Programme of Development of Forests and Forest Industry Complexes to the year 2015 to improve forest resources management and protection.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Environmental Protection, Forestry and Agriculture are in charge of forest resource use and protection.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification

Particularly in Africa

Convention No information

The latest report to the Secretariat of the Convention was prepared in 19--. No information

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

It is the goal of the Ukranian government to promote the Ukranian Carpathians as a recreation zone for the population of Central and Eastern Europe. One of the ways in which this is planned is to reduce the industrial impact on the region by introducing environmentally friendly technologies. Internationl cooperation, including all Carpathian countries, is very important, and some achievements have already been made in this field. In 1993, a GEF financed project "Conservation of Biodiversity in the Carpathians" was signed.

A special law "On Status of Mountain Human Settlements" was adopted in 1995 to facilitate sustainable mountain development.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Economy, Regional (Local) Governments and institutions of the National Academy of Sciences are primarily responsible for this issue.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

Agricultural land occupies 70% of the total national area, which means that this part of the environment is under regular anthropogenic pressure. There is improper storage and overuse of fertilizers and toxicants. In 1992, 71 thousand tons of pesticides were applied in Ukraine. This means that every hectare was treated with 2.2 kg as compared to the world average of .5kg/ha. Soil erosion remains a problem--34% of the agricultural land is being eroded by water and wind. Large investments are required in land reclamation which is a problem given the lack of resources.

In 1994 1.6 kg of pesticides were used per 1 ha. of arable land. In addition to the Programme of Development of Land Use, the National Programme of Development of Agricultural and Industrial Production and Rural Development for the period of 1996 to 2005 has been created and adopted.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Agriculture is in charge of sustainable agriculture. The Ministry of Economy and Regional (Local) Governments supervise rural development.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

Convention on Biological Diversity

Parties are to develop national strategies, plans and programmes for sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity and integrate them into general development plans.

Parties shall identify, monitor and maintain data on components of biodiversity.

Parties shall introduce appropriate procedures requiring EIAs for projects likely to have significant adverse effects on biological diversity.

Parties shall submit reports on measures which it has taken for the implementation of the Convention, at intervals to be determined.

Convention.

signed in 1992, ratified in 1994

Latest report submitted in 19--. No information

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Parties to take appropriate measures to enforce regulatory provisions and prohibit trade in specimens in violation thereof. Convention also governs treatment of animals in shipment.

Each party to prepare periodic reports on its implementation of the convention and to prepare: (a) an annual report listing export permits issued and species involved, and (b) a biennial report on legislative, regulatory and administrative measures taken.

Convention signed in 19--.

Latest report submitted in 19--.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

6.450, protected areas have been established totalling 1665 thousand ha (2.8% of the country's territory compared to over 10% in many western countries). This includes 15 nature reserves and 5 national parks. Nature reserves in Ukraine protect about 80% of the natural flora species, but the existing network is still insufficient to protect all the genetic values of plant and animal wildlife and the variety of ecosystems.

The establishment of additional natural preserves is being prepared. Their extension was reaffirmed as a state priority through a presidential decree entitled: "On the Conservation and Development of the Natural Reserve Fund of Ukraine". Nevertheless, the status of certain landscapes that are of profound biodiversity, historical, cultural and recreational interest is yet unclear. Another presidential decree "On the Reservation of Virgin Land"(1993), is aimed at saving some of this land from urbanization and privitization, and was actively promoted and supported by NGOs, including the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine.

The coverage of the natural reserves should reach 5% of the national territory by the year 2000, according to the Government's new Programme of activity.

An integrated Programme of Development of Medical and Microbiological Industry is under implementation.

1. Decision-Making Structure: A special Council, which reports to the President, and the National Academy of Sciences are in charge of research and policy development. The State Committee on Medical and Microbiological Industry is responsible for the control of technologies and industries.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Signed in 1995

See also the attached tables on the next pages.

The Government has a national polcy on oceans which it plans to integrate into the National Sustainable Development Strategy. It also plans to integrate a coastal area management programme. Existing coastal zone or area managment plans do not encompass all marine activities within the EEZ. EIAs of all investment projects are now required, and a fee for natural resources use has been introduced.

The state of the Black and Azov seas and their coastal environment has improved due to a decrease of production and sea pollution. Nevertheless, substantial pollution has caused hydrological changes influencing coastal territories. Discharge of pesticides and highly mineralized drainage water promotes sedimentation and degradation of sea inlets and bays. Fish stocks have declined remarkably over the last five years.

The ecological condition of the Azov and Black seas can be improved only if environmental improvements take place in the catchment areas of rivers flowing into them. A national programme focused on the improvement of the ecology of the Dnipro river and measures undertaken in the Donetsk-Dnipro region are the main activities undertaken so far.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine is the body mainly responsible for ensuring integrated planning and implementation. The Ministry is responsible for Sustainable Development. The national system of natural resources managment is primarily based on sectoral approaches. Intersectoral centres for decision-making are needed. Ukraine has signed the Convention on the High Seas and the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, and they are being enforced.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Government participates in, and develops, capacity-building and training programmes.

3. Major Groups: Major Groups participation in national processes is advisory at national and local levels and ad hoc in the private sector (small scale artisanal fishermen and indigeneous people).

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Regarding the identification of steps requiring international cooperation for the prevention, reduction and control of the degradation of the marine environment from land-based activities, the Government suggests the formation of an investment infrastructure under market economy conditions. The Government also emphasizes the need for international cooperation to implement a monitoring system. Recommendations on the Code of Conduct of Responsible Fishing will be included in developing a new law on fishing. The Ukraine actively participates in the GEF Black Sea Environmental Programme. The report also mentioned that there are policies to promote and support the integration of projects planned and implemented with UN system organizations. The Government does not participate in the development of a Global Ocean Observing System.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine and the State Committee on Water Resources are the bodies mainly responsible for the freshwater resources. The law entitled "On the Protection of the Natural Environment" was adopted in 1991 and is the main law regulating environmental protection. A new "Water Code of Ukraine" was approved in 1995.

In 1992 the President of Ukraine signed a decree outlining measures that should be undertaken to improve the ecological condition of the Dnipro river and its catchment area. Regarding this decree an Extraordinary Committee was organized to cope with the problem. In 1996, a special programme "On improvement of the quality of the waters of the Dnipro river basin and drinking water was adopted by the Parliament.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: Financial support is expected from the Canadian government for the intergovernmental project described below*.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: In 1992 Ukraine joined the International Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin and Catchment Area which is financially supported by CEC and by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

In 1993, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine, the International Centre for Development and Research (Canada) and the Extraordinary Committee on Ecological Problems of the Dnipro river signed a protocol* outlining plans to improve the ecological state of the Dnipro river.

Too many toxic chemicals are still being used in the Ukraine. Cooperative farms and the association "Silhospkhimiya" are storing 12.7 million kg of 150 various kinds of pesticides that are now prohibited because of their extreme toxicity.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Ministry of Health have control over the use of toxic chimicals. They are in charge of establishing standards, use limitations and regulations.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

Parties shall cooperate to disseminate information on transboundary movement of hazardous wastes. Parties shall cooperate to promote environmentally sound low-waste technologies, to transfer technology and cooperate in developing codes of practice. Parties to assist developing countries.

Parties shall immediately inform affected parties as to accidents. Prior to the end of each calendar year, parties shall provide the following information on the preceding calendar year: (a) the authorities handling Convention matters; (b) information regarding the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes; (c) measures adopted to implement convention; (d) available statistics on human health and environmental effects of generation, transport and disposal of hazardous wastes; (e) information on agreements entered into; (f) information on accidents; (g) information on disposal options; and (h) information on development of waste-reduction technologies;

Basel Convention

See information below

The latest information was provided to the Basel Convention Secretariat in 19--.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

In 1992-93 additional attempts were made by foreign companies to bring into Ukraine raw materials that turned out to be hazardous wastes that are difficult or expensive to treat elsewhere. This was possible due to the deficiencies of the Border and Customs Codes of Ukraine and of the absence of regulations regarding the prohibition of importing such materials to Ukraine.

Given this situation, the MEP promoted a resolution adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers in 1993 on a List of Chemicals and Materials regarded as hazardous waste and which are prohibited for importation to the Ukraine. Guidelines for receiving permission on importing to Ukraine recycled materials and waste that can be used instead of the prohibited ones have also been issued.

Environmental services were organized at the country's borders in 1996. In 1994 the government adopted a decree on Procedure for Issuing Permits for Import to Ukraine and Transit Across its Territory of Waste Materials (Secondary Raw Materials)

According to the Programme of Activity of the Government, a special Procedure on implementation of the Basel Convention will be developed in 1997.

In 1992 industrial waste consisted of waste from fuel production enterprises and energy plants (13.8 million tons of ashes and slag), coal mining and coal treatment enterprises (99.6 million tons). A large amount of waste also comes from other mining industries, ore-dressing facilities, chemical works and the military industry. 17 billion tons of various waste is dumped in Ukraine and is stored in an area of 53 thousand ha (or approsimately .09% of the total area of the country). Recycling this waste could be an important source of raw materials for industry and could serve as a basis for future sustainable development.

The share of repeated use of materials in the total consumption of raw materials in Ukraine is steadily rising and reached 20% in 1992. This figure has recently decreased due to the general downturn in the Ukrainian economy.

A special law "On Wastes" will be developed in 1997.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The State Committee of Settlements and Utility Affairs supervises the management of solid wastes and sewage waters.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information

In addition to dealing with this enormous problem, there are more than one thousand sources of radiation that are being applied for industrial, agricultural, medical and scientific purposes. Radioactive materials are also used by the military. Another facet of the problem is that more than 70 million cubic metres of RAW are dumped or stored by the uranium industry, mining and processing industries. The latter are a substantial source of radioactive pollution .

As an independent state Ukraine now faces the problem of treating used nuclear fuel since among the former Soviet republics only Russia has the proper facilities for recycling. At present the used fuel is stored in temporary reservoirs at the nuclear power plants, but many of them are almost completely filled. This is an extremely serious problem which must be dealt with soon.

A number of regulations was recently adopted. The system of regulation on management and radioactive wastes will be further developed in 1997-1998.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety and the Ministry of Emergency Situations deal with the problems of radioactive wastes.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No information

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Ukraine has signed the Convention on Urgent Warning in the Case of a Nuclear Accident, and the Convention on Help in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or an Emergency Situation.

CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

The national budget for sustainable development has gone from 0.12% GNP (US$29 million) in 1994, 0.133% of GNP (US$44 million) in 1995 and 0.127% of GNP (US$62 million) in 1996.

Since 1994, a special entry "Environmental Protection" has been included in the state (National) budget.

The total spending (state and private) for environmental protection annually reaches about US$ 500 million.

NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS: Since 1992, pollution payments (for air, water and waste) and payments for the use of natural resources (water, land and useful minerals) have been levied by the Ukrainian Government. Total estimated revenue was US$50 million in 1995. Economic fines for harm to air, water and fish resources have also been introduced.

ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES: Currently, the Government is developing policies for phasing out environmentally unfriendly subsidies, in particular for use of fresh water, and energy resources.

Recipient

Regarding the receipt of additional grant funds for sustainable development, US$72 million have been provided from the U.S.A., US$20 million have been provided from Canada and US$5 million have been provided from the Netherlands. The Ukrainian Government has also received loans of US$855 million from FRG, US$172 million from EU, US$25 from France, US$18 million from Italy and US$446 million from U.S.A.

MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION: No specific information available

Provide information on the adoption of environmental management systems. National reaction to environmental management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and others. Please note efforts made at the national level to promote their adoption and the creation of certification infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to local industry.

List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial resources and other transfer strategies.

Science development is one of the main priorities of the Stategy of Sustainable Development in Ukraine. The Government pays great attention to science and technology issues in its programme of activity.

Major field of research and scientific works include:

- scientific and methodological background for 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 certain ecosystems;

- determination of economic and environmental regulatory conditions for inter-regional and inter-governmental relations on use and protection of natural resources, etc.

STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG TERM SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:

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 in the country.

The State Programme "Osvita" ("Education"), adopted in 1993, regards the issues of environmental protection as a priority. The new Constitution gives guarantees for a permanent education for the whole population. This is a priority of the Government's Programme of Activity.

a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable development:

Reorientation of education is dealt with under the National Education Strategy prepared by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The Ministry of Education also encourages partnerships, mobilizes resources, provides information, and assesses the needs of different population groups. In the area of education, school curricula have been reviewed and revised to adequately address environment and development as a cross cutting issue at primary, secondary, and university levels. In vocational schools revisions are being undertaken. Issues of safe drinking water, sanitation and food are studied throughout all levels of education. Environmental health and energy saving issues are added at secondary and university levels. Instruction on recycling has not yet been integrated into the school system.

Draft Laws "On Basic Education", "On Professional and Technological Education", "On Higher Education" have been developed.

b) Increasing public awareness: To raise environmental awareness in the population at large, community activities and pilot projects at secondary school level are organized.

c) Promoting training: Training programmes are available for teachers in training institutions.

ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS: Steps have also been taken to foster opportunities for women in non-traditional fields and eliminate gender stereotyping in curricula, but legislation has not been adopted to affirm the rights of indigenous people to play a part in education and training in environment and development issues.

FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES: No specific information available