ENG - UN CC:Learn

Belarus has limited stock of traditional energy resources, such as coal, oil and gas. Hence,
dependence on imported fossil fuel creates a considerable burden on the national trade
balance and has hindered economic transition in the country. The situation is exacerbated
by the fact that domestic fuels, such as brown coal and peat, are high in carbon
and other pollutants. That is why sustainable energy and environment have long been
a priority in UNDP’s cooperation with the Government of Belarus. Currently, UNDP is
working with the Government of Belarus to undertake a national capacity assessment so
that it can meet its obligations under the international environmental commitments,
reduce its reliance on imported energy sources, and improve its techniques for water quality
monitoring.
BIODIVERSITY ENERGY WATER FSSD*
PORTFOLIO
Cihan Sultanoglu, Resident Representative
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and UNDP are assisting the Government of Belarus in creating prerequisites
to sustainable economic, social and environmental development, by promoting the elaboration of a National Sustainable
Development Strategy until 2020 (NSDS) through participatory public policy dialogue. Activities include enhancing the collaboration
between governmental institutions and civil society in formulating and implementing socio-economic and environmental policy based
on equal partnership and broad participation.
Belarus is participating in a regional GEF project involving Ukraine and Russia regarding conservation of the Dnieper River. Capacity
building at the national level has been achieved through needs assessment, establishment of baseline levels of water quality for measuring
progress, setting up of computer based linkages between river management agencies in the three countries. As of late 2004, the
Strategic Action Plan has been developed and the approval process is underway. This initiative is being executed through UNOPS and
IDRC. Parallel financing is also provided by each respective government.
By reducing the reliance on imported energy sources, Belarus, with the support of GEF and CEE, aims to remove barriers to energy efficiency
in the state sector. Biomass energy is the current driver of alternative energy resources in Belarus and the Project Spotlight section
(please view opposite page) illustrates the positive use of biomass energy and that barriers can be overcome given the appropriate
capacity, knowledge and funding.
GEF and co-financing resources are supporting the protection of the peat wetlands, natural bird habitats and the reduction of regional
desertification resulting from large peat extraction for domestic fuel production. Activities also include a significant reduction in CO2
pollution as dependence on peat fuel is curbed.The Government has also provided support in the implementation of biodiversity management
plans by improving coordination among conservation managers.
CONTACTS
Mr. Dmitry Goloubovsky – dmitry.goloubovsky@undp.org
Tel. 375-17-227-45-27
Fax 375-17-226-03-40
http://un.by/en/undp/focus-areas/energy/
PARTNERS
Some of our Partners working with
UNDP and the Government in
Belarus
Otto
RSPB
IDRC
CEE
1
UNDP Belarus Country Office Document “Integrated Management Planning for Polesie Biodiversity Hotspots” by Dmitry Goloubovsky; *Frameworks and Strategies for Sustainable Development
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