Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine is focused on implementing a well-considered policy that would ensure the protection and development of natural ecosystems along with environmental management and  investment attraction. This was emphasized by Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Roman Abramovsky during an online conference with representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.

"Our work is targeted at ensuring that the protection and development of natural ecosystems prevails over the use of nature. To our descendants, we must leave nature at least in the form in which we inherited it. We understand that we will not be able to halt progress, but we must exert every effort to ensure that development is sustainable. Businesses should focus on best practices in environmental protection, implement technologies that are environmentally friendly. Nature will thank you," the Minister stressed.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources is taking measures to create appropriate working conditions for businesses in the field of nature management. Thus, the Ministry is currently working with EU project experts to develop a new Subsoil Code of Ukraine. According to the First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Bohdan Borukhovsky, the draft is aimed at the rational settlement of relations and, inter alia, the establishment of transparent procedures for investors to enter this area. The Ministry is also working on a number of other regulations: on simplification of issuing approvals and permits, rules for the development of oil and gas fields, etc.

Work is also underway to introduce e-services and create favorable business conditions. According to Deputy Minister Ruslan Strelets, the Electronic Subsoil User's Cabinet is currently being finalized together with the developer. In particular, the technical task for the development of the service is being updated - in accordance with the updated current legislation. This will ensure the correct operation of the e-cabinet when running in pilot mode.

The conversation also revolved around involving representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in the development of a bill on chemical safety. The document was developed by the Ministry together n with the OSCE project and is extremely important for consolidating the legal status of "chemicals" and regulating their handling. Today, the draft law is being agreed with the line ministries, after which it will be submitted for public discussion.

The  waste management system reform was also discussed. Following the adoption of the framework law, it is important to develop sectoral regulations. Therefore, the participation of stakeholders in these processes is of utmost importance.

The Chamber member companies have expressed their readiness to demonstrate the pilot projects they already have in the field of waste management and to share the experience gained from the European countries. After all, the main goal of both parties, authorities and market participants - to make reforms in Ukraine efficient.