Ostap Semerak: Despite the challenges Ukraine has abandoned its 'non-compliance' status under the Kyoto Protocol

Ukraine informed the Compliance Committee of the Kyoto Protocol of the timely completion of all measures determined in the plan to ensure compliance with the requirements and fulfillment of its commitments for the first period of the Kyoto Protocol action. The Committee concluded that the information provided was sufficient to address the issue of Ukraine's compliance with the Protocol requirements. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Compliance Committee of the Kyoto Protocol held on September 6 in Bonn, Germany. This was announced by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine Ostap Semerak.

“Despite the challenges that arose due to the disconnection back in 2015 of the National Electronic Registry of Anthropogenic Emissions and Absorption of Greenhouse Gases, we have now found mechanisms that have allowed Ukraine to duly resolve non-consistency with the Kyoto Protocol. In fact, it is a co-ordinated multi-month work of a large team. I would like to thank all of them for their active role in defending the interests of our country. Finally, we have received the long-awaited decision of the Kyoto Protocol Compliance Committee that the issue of Ukraine's compliance with the Kyoto Protocol requirements was resolved”, commented Ostap Semerak.

The Committee confirmed that the Plan of Ukraine covers the measures necessary to ensure its compliance with the commitments assumed under the Kyoto Protocol, and all the identified measures were fully implemented.

It should be mentioned in August of 2015 the National Electronic Registry of Anthropogenic Emissions and Absorption of Greenhouse Gases was disconnected from the international transactions log (ITL). On September 7, 2016, the consideration of the Ukrainian case ended with a declaration of non-compliance by Ukraine with its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. This decision was taken by the Enforcement Branch of the Compliance Committee of the Kyoto Protocol.