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Education for Sustainable Development: Russian-Swedish Project

RUSSIAN SUSTAINABILITY NewsLETTER
Special Issue. May 2012
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This issue includes...
Editorial. May: Strengthening of stability? Inauguration of the newly elected President of Russia Adoption of principles for the country's environmental policy WWF on the principles of environmental policy General Meeting of the Russian Academy of Sciences New Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation 5th Nevsky International Ecological Congress Partnership for modernization in waste management Cooperation with Kenya Golden mountains of Altai is a World Heritage site New head of Federal agency for subsoil resources New publications

Editorial. May: Strengthening of stability?
The main political event in May 2012 was the return to supreme power in Russia of Vladimir Putin, who was elected president of the country for 6 years. The event was quite expected, just as the assertion of the now former president D Medvedev as head of the Russian government. This development, which has come to be called "castling", is intended, in view of the authorities, to strengthen the stability in the country reached in previous years. The first steps of the new leadership of the country were also aimed at strengthening of stability, in particular, the formation of a new government, updated by more than half, which first gathered on 8 May. Speaking at the meeting for the new Russian government, President Vladimir Putin said: «"It is a hard work, and very specific. The situation of the global economy is uncertain, there are a lot of uncertainties. Under these conditions, you will have to implement a program for the development of A lot has been done lately, but not everything we had planned, has been completed, not everything has been implemented and even more needs to be done." The "sustainable development" category has not become a common term in the political lexicon of senior management in Russia, but it is obvious that this passage talks about sustainable development for the country. The Russian leadership's focus on such a development scenario for the country raises no doubt. The main issue in this case, apparently, is that the means used for this are not always clear and not always acceptable to voters. For example, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia has a new minister. Does this mean that the former minister, Trutnev, was not worthy to be in the new government? And if so, how to treat his appointment as adviser to the president - as well as several other former ministers who have become counselors? Or, will the newly appointed presidential advisers form another power structure? What is then the point of this new - by the fact of its existence - shadow government? These and many other questions are of concern to Russian society. They are of so much concern that part of society are actively engaged in unprecedented protests. Perhaps this turn of events can be objectively useful for the country in gaining social stability and a dynamic political balance. However, it is obvious that all this pushes issues of environmental policy in the country to the background. And without it, as is obvious to professionals, ensuring sustainable prosperity of the country is simply unthinkable. 1


However, there is one positive sign: former President Dmitry Medvedev in the last days in that capac ity signed an important document in this regard - "Principles of state policy on environmental development of the Russian Federation until 2030." Now he will also carry them out as head of government. Whether this will really happen in, or if the fate of the completely inutile Ecological Doctrine of Russia of 2002 awaits the document remains to be seen.
Yuri Mazurov, Moscow State University jmazurov@yandex.ru

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Inauguration of the newly elected President of Russia
On May 7, 2012 the ceremony of inauguration of the newly elected Russian President Vladimir Putin took place at the Grand Kremlin Palace. About three thousand people were invited to the inauguration ceremony. Among them were members of the Government of the Russian Federation, members of the State Duma, Federation Council members, judges of the Constitutional Court, representatives of other federal government agencies. The taking of the presidential oath was held in the Andrew Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
Photo from the official site of the President of the Russian Federation.

The ceremony was also attended by trustees and representatives of election headquarters of the candidate for President of Russia Vladimir Putin, other candidates who participated in the election of the President of the Russian Federation in 2012, heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of the clergy, men of science, art and culture, and public figures. The ceremony began with the current President Dmitry Medvedev's farewell to the President's Regiment on the Kremlin Cathedral Square. The incumbent President Dmitry Medvedev handed over the symbol of presidential power to the elected President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Then Vladimir Putin pronounced the presidential oath of office, after which the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation Valery Zorkin announced the accession of Vladimir Putin as President of the Russian Federation.
Source: the site of Russian President

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Adoption of principles for the country's environmental policy
The Principles of state policy on environmental development of the Russian Federation until 2030 has been approved. The relevant document was signed by President Dmitry Medvedev on April 30, 2012. The Principles of environmental policy list the objectives of the state in the environmental field and the mechanisms for their implementation. The document reflects the main global and national 2


environmental issues and establishes strategic objectives, taking into account national and international experience in environmental protection and ecological safety. The public policy objectives in the field of environmental development are: environmentally-oriented economic growth; maintaining a healthy environment, biodiversity and natural resources to meet the needs of present and future generations; implementing citizens' rights to a healthy environment; strengthening the rule of law in environmental protection and ensuring ecological safety. As Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Rinat Gizatulin noted: "In the work on the document have been involved all stakeholders - from government to the environmental organizations, academia and business associations. This is the first strategic document in modern Russia in the environmental field that creates a balance between economic development and environmental conservation." In the Principles it is expected to improve the management and legal support in the field of environmental protection, to create a new system of regulation of industrial companies and also economic incentives to modernize these, increasing the liability for environmental offenses. Transparent conditions for the control authorities will be created and mechanisms to collect information about the state of the environment will be improved. Particular attention is paid to environmentally sound waste management. For these purposes, is supposed to organize separate collection of different types of waste, impose strict sanctions for its storage in unauthorized locations, and additional environmental fees if the buyer buys goods that requires environmentally safe disposal. These measures, together with the proposed ban on burial of certain types of waste that can be recycled, would reduce the number of illegal dumps, and create a waste recycling industry. Other objectives stated in the document include the establishment of mechanisms for compensation for harm and liquidation of past environmental damage, restoration of damaged natural systems and biodiversity conservation. Much attention is paid to environmental education and awareness, the formation of an eco-friendly culture in society, development of international cooperation and other issues. Public policy in the field of environmental development is focused on the active participation of citizens in the discussion of decisions affecting their right to a healthy environment. In order to implement the fundamentals of state policy on environmental development a plan for action will be made in the near future. The activities will be funded from the federal budget, the budgets of the Russian Federation subjects and local budgets, as well as extra-budgetary sources, including through public-private partnership. It is expected that after the measures the number of cities with high and very high levels of air pollution in the Russian Federation will decline from 128 in 2012 to 50 in 2020. Accordingly, the number of people living in such cities will decrease from 54 to 21 million people. The increase in investm ent in fixed assets for environmental protection in 2020 will amount to 110%. The Principles of state policy are fully harmonized with the international obligations of the Russian Federation, and correspond to the Action Plan on Russia's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation (OECD). As R Gizatulin noted: "The implementation of the environmental policy framework will create a harmonious solution to environmental and economic tasks in the process of modernization and innovation development in Russia." More detailed: http://eco.ria.ru/nature/20120430/638295819.html The full document: http://news.kremlin.ru/news/15177
Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation .

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WWF on the principles of environmental policy
WWF welcomes the signing of principles of state policy in the field of ecology to 2030 by the President of the Russian Federation, but is waiting for the adoption of a detailed action plan with targets, indicators and deadlines for implementation. The principles of state policy in the field of environmental development up to 2030 was the first document of such level in the history of Russia that determines the long-term strategy for green economic development. Paragraph 24 of the document stipulates that the public policy on environmental development is carried out in accordance with the Plan of Action for the implementation of the Framework. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment told RIA Novosti that they plan to develop a plan of action with specific targets this year. However, WWF is concerned that the specific period of adoption of the Action Plan - December 1 2012 - vanished from the adopted Principles and, therefore, a clear time frame for the development and adoption of this document has not been formally fixed. "Currently, the priority of civil society and the expert community should be work ing to ensure the development and adoption of a plan of action with specific quantitative and temporal characteristics and indicators of the implementation of this document," says Yevgeny Schwartz, Dr of Geography, Director of Conservation Policy of WWF Russia. The adopted document lists the strategic goals, key objectives and mechanisms for their achievements in the field of environmental development. At first glance, the contents of the "Principles" seems clear and streamlined, but the document includes a number of mechanisms new to Russian environmental practices, such as the use of strategic environmental assessment of plans and programs, environmental risk assessment in management decisions, a number of measures to promote economic regulation and market-based instruments for environmental protection. At the same time, the Principles do not include WWF's proposed provisions on the need to consider ecosystem services in the planning of regional development or the establishment of environmental funds, which would accumulate fees for pollution and provide funds for the implementation of new technologies in polluting enterprises, and restoration of the environment where needed. Implementing this proposal would stop the immoral practice of using payments for environmental pollution as a source of replenishment of the budgets of all levels. The draft document was developed by an editorial board, established by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Enviroment, co-chaired by Yevgeny Schwartz, Director of Conservation Policy of WWF Russia, and Amirkhan Amirkhanov, Deputy Head of Rosprirodnadzor, pursuant to instructions of the President of Russian Federation D Medvedev, given in June 2010 following a meeting of the State Council Presidium of the Russian Federation, and orders of Prime Minister V Putin.
Sources: Press Service of the WWF Russia.

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General Meeting of the Russian Academy of Sciences
The annual general meeting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which summarized the activities of the Academy in 2011, took place in Moscow May 22, 2012. The meeting was attended by President Vladimir Putin. The head of state facing society and strengthening the academic audienc outlined his vision of the future development of domestic science to the challenges the state. The President also touched upon the issue of funding of scientific activities, material-technical base of the academy and social status of scientists. Referring to the e, he said, in particular: 4


Speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the general meeting of the Russian Academy of Sciences May 22, 2012. Photo from the site of the President of the Russian Federation

"We all know that the coming decades will be largely decisive for us, and for many countries in the world - for peace, which not only enters, but has practically entered a rather difficult period of global turbulence. New geopolitical centers are forming, social and demographic trends are changing, technology, and life changes seriously. All these processes require the deepest u nderstanding in order to develop and take adequate steps and solutions. In this regard, I once again emphasize that we need serious intellectual work on development projects, the projects of the future. A system of long -term economic, scientific, technological, and defense forecasting is necessary. We also need to feel and analyze the problems of the modern Russian society. The tremendous role of national science, especially the Academy of Sciences, is evident. I believe that creating a solid foundation in both the natural sciences and humanities is a mandatory, indispensable prerequisite for our modernization breakthrough, the key to global leadership for Russia."
Source: Web site of the President of the Russian Federation

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New Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation
On May 21, 2012 S Donskoy was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation by presidential decree. Sergey E. Donskoy was born October 13, 1968, in the city of Elektrostal, Moscow region. In 1992 he graduated from the State Academy of Oil and Gas named after Gubkin. He has worked in the Ministry of Fuel and Energy of the Russian Federation, OAO Lukoil, and OJSC Zarubezhneft. From 2005 to 2008 he was Director of the Department of Economics and Finance at the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation. From 2008 to 2011 he was Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, and from 2011 General Director of JSC Rosgeologiya.
Photo from the site of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.

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5th Nevsky International Ecological Congress
7-18 May, 2012, the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS States and the Federation Council of Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation held the fifth Nevsky International Ecological Congress "Ecological basis for sustainable development" in the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) was an official partner of the event. The mission of the Nevsky International Ecological Congress is to promote the formation of an international system of environmental safety. The congress is held every year since 2008 in St. Petersburg and is a platform for discussion of the following: · interparliamentary cooperation in the field of environmental safety and harmonization of environmental legislation in the CIS countries and European Council member states; · promoting dialogue and exchange of experience between representatives of public authorities, business, educational and research institutions and non-government organizations on improving the environmental performance of the economies of the CIS states · improvement of legislation in use of natural resources and environmental protection through the mechanisms of legal regulation of the introduction of resource saving, energy-efficient and low-waste technologies, and deep processing of raw materials and waste; · enhancing the role of environmental education of the population, promoting the ideas of healthy lifestyles; · formation of an international agenda related to policies in the field of environmental safety, in cooperation with specialized institutions of the United Nations.
The program of the Congress in 2012 included plenary sessions, which addressed issues regarding formation of the environmental fundamentals for sustainable development of society, the ways and means to harmonize incentives for economic growth and environmental safety requirements in order to improve the quality of life and human health, as well as the definition of long-term tasks associated with the implementation of the selected priorities.

The thematic "round tables" of the Congress contained broad discussion and exchange of experiences on issues such as: improving the international legal framework for environmental security in the system for sustainable development; cross-border environmental protection cooperation for the sustainable development of regions; introduction of economic regulation and control mechanisms in the areas of energy efficiency and reducing nature intensity of production and waste management in terms of innovative development; implementation of the environmental priorities of the social sphere to improve the health of the population; formation of an environmental culture and eco-friendly way of life; improvement of the system for integrated environmentally sound management of water resources; enhancing the role of education and science in solving environmental problems; improving the efficiency of interaction between government, business and civil society in implementing the environmental policy. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants and guests of the 5th Nevsky International Ecological Congress. The telegram from the Head of State, reads in part: 6


"I congratulate you on the occasion on the opening of the Fifth, the anniversary, Nevsky International Ecological Congress. Its agenda holds a number of pressing issues on the protection of the environment. Among them is a more rational and efficient use of natural resources, improvement of environmental legislation, prevention and control of man-made disasters and their consequences. Today, solving environmental problems is one of the key conditions for sustainable development of nations. It is necessary to adhere strictly to the principles set out in international agreements, including the Muskoka Declaration of the Group of Eight, to implement modern environmental standards and "green" technologies in manufacturing, energy, transport, ant to use alternative energ y sources to a greater extent." In the report of the Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Yuri Trutnev sounded the forecast that the number of contaminated sites in Russia should be reduced by at least 10% by 2020. According to him, in 2010-2012 1800 locations of meteorological observations, and 64 stations of highaltitude atmospheric sounding have been reconstructed. Up to 2020 more than 3,000 items of hydrological observations will be put into operation. According to the speaker, the current system of online environmental monitoring is already in use in Sochi; the next area of development is Lake Baikal. Yuri Trutnev stressed that by 2020 the system will cover all the territory of the Russian Federation. At the plenary session of the Congress A Frolov, Head of Hydromet, held a presentation on "Adapting to climate change as a necessary condition for sustainable development." Violeta Ivanova, the chairman of the IPA CIS Permanent Commission on Agrarian Policy, Natural Resources and Environment, Chairman of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova on the environment and climate change, stressed the need for a unified environmental legislation for all CIS countries. Keith Whitmore, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the European Council noted the importance of the issues declared to be discussed at the congress, its global nature, spoke about the European approach to solving environmental problems. He stressed the importance of discussion and exchange of experience in the areas of environmental safety - one of the main components of the system of international security and sustainable development. Two exhibitions also took place at the congress: the Orenburg region and the Office for Environmental Protection and Nature Use of the Tambov region "Area of innovation: resource-saving and environmental protection." The exhibitions presented the regional companies that implement the most significant innovation projects and provide a reduction of negative impacts on the environment.
More: http://www.ecocongress.info/5_congr/index.html Documents of the Congress: http://www.ecocongress.info/5_congr/5_Documents.html Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation .

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Partnership for modernization in waste management
In the Ministry of Russia in the period from 24 to 25 May 2012 The international conference "Russia European Union: A Partnership for modernization in the field of waste management" was held at the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment May 24-25, 2012. The event was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation and the European Commission's Directorate General for Environment. The conference was co-chaired by Nuritdin Inamov, Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry and Timo MДkelД, Director General of the EC Environment. Welcoming the participants, N Inamov said: "Today, Russia is moving steadily along the path of 7


innovative development, and for the solution of the problems is important and necessary to ensure effective environmental management and environmental safety. So, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the improvement of the legal provision concerning the management of priority types of waste, which will allow market mechanisms to develop incentives for organizat ions to introduce environmentally friendly technologies." He also noted: "The Conference, which we hold today, is to become a platform for dialogue between states, representatives of Russian and foreign businesses, as well as international partners from the major European institutes." T MДkelД, in turn, said: "The global development stimulates and will put pressure on resources. Waste should not be regarded as a problem, but as an opportunity for business development and increasing jobs. This area has great potential for cooperation between Russia and the European Union." N Inamov urged the participants to open dialogue and discussion, sharing experiences and ideas on the problems of waste management, modern technology and new research in the field of waste treatment, and in new areas of establishing an integrated waste management system. "I am confident that the upcoming two conference days will be an important step toward improving the system of waste management in Russia, as well as a real strengthening of cooperation with the European Union to achieve the goals and priorities of the Roadmap on the Common Economic Area Russia-EU. I hope that with the continuation of the same productive interaction in the near future we will see concrete results," he said. During the thematic sessions May 24 the following issues were addressed: normative legal support for the treatment of priority waste types, the latest developments and practical experience of EU member states and Russian regions, the prospects for use of the most effective solutions in Russia and directions of cooperation development. The conference was attended by representatives of the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Ecology of the State Duma, the Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environment of the Federation Council, the Committee on Environment and Ecology of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, Rosprirodnadzor, the European Business Association, the European Environment Agency and others.
Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation .

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Cooperation with Kenya
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sergey Donskoy has had a meeting with the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of Kenya, Chirau Ali Mwakwere. C A Mwakwere acted as the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, and gave S Donskoy a letter for the Russian President Vladimir Putin signed M Kibaki concerning sustainable development issues. During the meeting, the Minister of Kenya appealed to the Russian side with a request for support for the proposal to raise the status of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to a specialized agency of the UN Conference on Environment and vesting it with appropriate powers, as well as the preservation of UNEP headquarters in the capital Kenya, Nairobi. C. A. Mwakwere said that the issue would be discussed at the forthcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development, "Rio +20", which will be held from 20 to 22 June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The Kenyan minister stressed that the proposal has the support of the African Union and Group 77. Given the authority and role of Russia including in the field of environmental protection, as well as the long-term relations of cooperation between Russia and African countries, the Republic of Kenya expects to find support for its initiatives in the Russian Federation. 8


During the meeting C A Mwakwere offered to intensify the work between ministries in the geological field and to begin the practical implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2006. In turn, S Donskoy assessed the prospects for cooperation between the countries in the area of subsoil resources, and recalled that in Russia the company Rosgeologiya has been set up, which is aimed at effective implementation of exploration, including in Africa. The parties agreed on the need to discuss issues of exploration and mining in Kenya with the assistance of Russian experts and companies.
Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation .

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Golden Mountains of Altai is a World Heritage site
A meeting with representatives of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre has been held in the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources. The participants discussed issues of cooperation, as well as the results of UNESCO's mission to assess the state of conservation of World Natural Heritage "Golden Mountains of Altai." The Natural World Heritage site "Golden Mountains of Altai" contains the Katun and Altai reserves, Ukok plateau, the Belukha mountain and Lake Teletskoye, all subordinate to the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. During the talks, the experts expressed satisfaction with the past mission and hope for the further development of cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in matters of organization and functioning of specially protected areas. The experts also requested assistance from the Ministry in preparation of meetings with representatives of OAO Gazprom to discuss construction a gas pipeline to China through the Altai Republic. Speaking about the project of JSC Gazprom, the Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources Amirkhan Amirkhanov noted that the proposed pipeline construction zone does not affect the habitats of snow leopards and Altai mountain sheep, noted in the Red Book of Russia. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Rus sian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Rosprirodnadzor, the Russian Foreign Ministry, and UNESCO.
Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation .

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New head of Federal agency for mineral resources
Alexander Popov has been appointed head of the Federal agency for subsoil use (mineral resources). The corresponding decree was signed by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on May 5, 2012. Alexander P. Popov was born June 6, 1965 in the village Rovnoye in Ochakovo district of Mykolayiv region. In 1988 he graduated from the Tyumen Lenin Komsomol Industrial Institute as a specialist in drilling oil and gas wells.

Photo from the web site of the Ministry of Natural resources and Environment

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He started his career as an assistant driller of operational and exploratory drilling for oil and gas of the 3rd department of Nefteyugansk drilling administration 1 of Yuganskneftegaz of Glavtyumenneftegaz. From 1990 to 1993 he worked as engineer, chief engineer, deputy head of the district engineering and technology services, then served as the lead technologist, deputy head for the production of the central engineering and technology services of Varegansky Drilling Operations of Nizhnevartovskneftegaz of the Ministry of Oil and Gas Industry of the USSR. From 1993 to 1994 he worked as drilling supervisor of JSC Negusneft. In 1994 he was appointed head of the central engineering and technology services and chief technologist of the Vareg ansky Drilling Operations (Vareganskaya Oil Company of JSC Varyeganneftegaz). In the period from 1997 to 2001 he served as chief technologist of contract work for the construction of wells of JSC Zapsibneftegazdobycha and then as chief drilling technologist of the geology department at the industry for production of gas, gas condensate and processing of gas condensate and served in the position of Head of geology and drilling of the department on production of oil, gas and condensate at Zapsibgazprom. From 2001 to 2006 he worked as chief engineer and deputy director general of JSC Severneftegazprom. In the period from 2008 to 2011 he served as general director of JSC Severneftegazprom. In 2011 he was appointed general director of LLC VostokGazInvest. After that, he worked as assistant to the deputy prime minister Igor Sechin.
Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation .

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New publications
The book Climate Change and International Security has been published. The book is devoted to the study of systemic problems of climate changes and their consequences in the context of international security. The themes are the main trends and forecasts of global climate change, the impact of the negative consequences of these changes on global, regional, and national security. The book analyses and evaluates climate-caused threats to international and national security. It also contains a set of proposals in the area of public policy and a system of measures to reduce climatic threats to national security and sustainable development in Russia.
Authors: B Porfiriev, Doctor of economic sciences, Professor, Head of the Laboratory of Analysis and forecasting of natural and man-made risks to economics at the Institute of Economic Forecasting of RAS, V Kattsov, Doctor of physical and mathematical Sciences, director of the Voeykov GGO, S Roginko, Candidate of economic sciences, Head of the Group for environment and development at the RAS Institute of Europe. Publisher Ltd RIF "D'ART" Moscow, 2011, 290 p., ISBN 978-5-905264-05-4.

The book is intended for professionals and a wide range of readers interested in the problems of global climate change and international security. **********************************
RUSSIAN SUSTAINABILITY NewsLETTER, May 2012

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