The new edition of the Law «On Environmental Protection» entered into force in Belarus

8 May 2024

On April 26, 2024, the Law of the Republic of Belarus dated July 17, 2023 № 294-Z «On Changes to the Law of the Republic of Belarus «On Environmental Protection» enteredinto force.

The new edition of the Law «On Environmental Protection» establishes the legal framework for environmental protection, environmental management, conservation and recovery of biological diversity, natural resources and objects, aimed at ensuring the right of individuals to a favorable environment and to compensation for harm caused by violation of this right.

Among the main innovations of the Law:

• the principles and directions of state policy in the field of environmental protection are supplemented by such provisions as encouraging the use of resource-saving technologies, economic incentives for a low-carbon economy, economic valuation of ecosystem services, restriction in the production of products from the use of substances and materials for which there is no possibility of their further use as secondary raw materials;
• the principle of the ecosystem approach was introduced;
• directions for the development of the «green» economy were determined;
• standards for environmental quality, permissible environmental impact, and limits on natural resource use were regulated;
• the rights of individuals and legal entities, the public, and public associations to participate in the process of decision-making by government bodies on issues related to environmental protection were expanded;
• the requirements for carrying out business activities were reviewed, etc.

The implementation of the Law will help to ensure environmentally favorable conditions for the life of society and the balanced use of the country’s natural resource potential, which will make an important contribution to the achievement by the Republic of Belarus of Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, 15 and other SDGs.

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