Sergey Donskoi, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

Sergei Donskoi: The introduction of green technology guarantees sustainable and long-term economic growth

Sergey Donskoi, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

On 22 April 2015 Moscow hosted the BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting, attended by Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sergei Donskoi, Indian Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar, Chinese Minister of Environmental Protection Chen Jining, Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs of South Africa Edna Molewa, Brazil's Deputy Minister of Environment Francisco Gaetani, and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Achim Steiner.

Addressing the participants in his opening speech, Mr. Donskoi emphasised that the wellbeing of citizens of any country depends on the effectiveness of environmental protection measures. He said that, among other measures, the introduction of "green" priorities could guarantee sustainable and long-term economic growth. The Minister also said that the commitment to preserve the environment in the 21st century influences the investment attractiveness of countries in general, and that global experience shows that the technologies used to reduce environmental impact turn out to be more competitive.

The Minister believes that as of today, the main environmental issues that require immediate attention are air and water pollution, the degeneration of ecosystems, waste treatment, and the elimination of the cumulative environmental harm.

Summing up the results of the meeting, Mr. Donskoi noted that the statement adopted by the ministers reflected the main pressing issues for all the BRICS countries. The document will facilitate the exchange of experience and information about the efforts of member countries to resolve environmental issues. He also said that the creation of a financial tool involving the BRICS New Development Bank to assist investment in green technology and relevant environmental projects in the BRICS countries is currently being discussed.

The ministers also agreed to consider creating a joint platform of public-private partnership for exchanging the best practices available and promoting green technology.