Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Roman Abramovsky met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine Larisa Galadza.

The parties discussed:

- main priorities in the field of climate change. It was about preparations for 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference also known as СОР26 in November 2021 and renewal of the National Determined Contribution of Ukraine to the Paris Agreement;

- reforming the system of environmental finance. The creation of a Ukrainian climate fund is important for financing decarbonisation measures and reducing environmental pollution;

- forest management reform. Ukraine's forest industry demonstrates low financial performance and a low reputation in society. To remedy this situation, the team of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources has shaped a draft State Forest Management Strategy of Ukraine until 2035. It stipulates for a systematic reform of forestry in all areas;

- introduction of electronic wood accounting. The mechanism of transparent electronic bidding will allow to completely control the circulation of wood on the Ukrainian market;

- updating the legal framework for forest conservation. The Ministry’s team is working to preserve state-owned lands valuable for nature and climate protection and to facilitate the creation of new forests on lands of all forms of ownership;

- cooperation between Ukraine and Canada in the field of subsoil use. Ukraine is interested in cooperation and invites Canadian companies to participate in auctions for the sale of special permits for subsoil use;

- waste management. The draft law № 2207-1-D “On Waste Management” is currently being prepared for the second reading;

- support for Ukraine to overcome the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster. After all, thanks to the work of the Nuclear Safety Account and the Chornobyl Shelter Fund, the construction of the New Safe Confinement and the Spent Fuel Storage Facility was completed № 2.

"Ukraine will continue its dialogue with Canada. After all, we want to initiate and establish cooperation in the field of forestry and subsoil use. We look forward to Canada's support for a project that will provide expert assistance to the Ministry in developing legislative initiatives. This will strengthen Ukraine's capacity in the areas of strategic planning and drafting of draft laws," Roman Abramovsky stressed.

In turn, Ambassador of Canada Larisa Galadza noted that Canada will continue to support Ukraine in implementing environmental reforms and building a strong democracy.