On December 2, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the laws of Ukraine “On Accession to the Protocol on the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas to the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians” and “On the Ratification of the Amendment to the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians Regarding the New Article 12bis “Climate Change”.

The Protocol on Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas is the basis for implementing the provisions and principles of the Carpathian Convention on the territory of Ukraine.

Its purpose is to protect and support the sustainable management of land plots cultivated by humans.

In the framework of the convention, protocols have already been signed and are in effect:

• on preservation and sustainable use of biological and landscape diversity;

• on sustainable forest management;

• about sustainable transport;

• about sustainable tourism.

The Carpathian Convention is the basis for regional, national and cross-border cooperation, as well as a platform for the development and implementation of joint policies and strategies for nature protection and balanced development of the Carpathian region.

According to the new article 12bis “Climate change”, the parties to the convention undertake:

– implement policies aimed at adapting to climate change, namely: mitigating the consequences of these changes in all sectors, taking into account their interaction by intensifying scientific research, interdisciplinary integration, transnational cooperation, raising awareness and public participation;

– implement comprehensive measures to reduce risks and minimize the negative consequences of climate change, especially extreme weather events.

Source: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine