Together with our Finnish partners, we are launching new environmental projects and continuing the dialogue on the implementation of Point 8 of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. After all, Finland co-chairs the relevant International Working Group.

During the meeting, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strilets and Minister of Climate and Environment of the Republic of Finland Kai Mukkänen outlined further progress on these tracks.

We can already talk about the prospects of Finland joining the Environmental Declaration and working together to create a Platform for Assessing Environmental Damage from Hostilities. Finland is interested in our experience in this area, in particular in recording damage and visualizing data using the EcoZagroza (Ecology Threat) app.

Ukraine has laid the foundation for cooperation with the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). This year, our representatives will join the World Protected Areas Leaders Forum as observers and will have an opportunity to learn from experience and best practices.

Ruslan Strilets emphasized: "This is especially important in times of war, as 20% of Ukraine's protected areas have been affected by hostilities. 10 of our national parks are under occupation. The consequences can be easily predicted by the state of 3 parks that have already been de-occupied. They need almost complete restoration. Finland chairs the WCPA and has deep environmental expertise. The invitation from Finland is a significant step for our country in joining the European National Parks movement. This is an opportunity to participate in European processes even before we officially join the EU.

Together with our Finnish partners, we are finalizing the details of the project to support Ukraine in assessing environmental damage, improving water quality and monitoring terrestrial biodiversity, which will be funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the amount of EUR 2 million. Ukraine received a proposal for this project during the "United for Justice. United for Nature" Forum in October 2023. Today, we have a roadmap for the project to create a national system for monitoring the quality of environmental elements, as well as restoring biodiversity and preserving water resources.

"I am grateful to Finland for its prompt response to the environmental consequences of russian armed aggression. I am grateful to my colleague Kai Mukkänen for his environmental initiatives in Ukraine. I am grateful to the Embassy of Finland in Ukraine and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Finland to Ukraine Jaakko Lehtovirta for their assistance in organizing today's meeting. Protecting the environment in times of war means influencing the future of the entire continent. I am confident that together we are capable of resisting our aggressive neighbor and protecting our environment from evil," the Minister emphasized.