XVIII Republican Ecological Forum Brings Together over 400 Participants to Advance Climate Action and Circular Economy and Ecotourism in Belarus

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus supports key dialogue platforms focusing on climate mitigation and adaptation, nature-based solutions, and climate education.

August 22, 2025

A girl in a black sweatshirt holds a photo frame, looking up with curiosity in a park. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

22 August, Minsk — More than 400 environmental leaders, policymakers, experts and young activists gathered in Dzerzhinsk, Minsk region, today for the opening of the XVIII Republican Ecological Forum, a two-day platform dedicated to strengthening environmental protection and advancing climate resilience across Belarus.

The EcoForum serves as one of the country's key environmental events, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable development solutions. This year's agenda emphasizes regional climate adaptation, circular economy principles, ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, ecotourism development, and youth engagement in environmental action. These discussions underscore the critical intersection between environmental protection and sustainable development.

Two women stand together, overlooking an outdoor event with a stage and seated audience.

A group of people seated outdoors, some wearing sunglasses and purple scarves.

A child examines colorful art displays in a park on a sunny day.

A smiling woman in a yellow shirt holds a container of strawberries at a vibrant outdoor event.

"The agenda before us is both timely and critical. At UNDP, we see the next frontier of global development clearly: advancing human well-being while radically reducing environmental pressure," said Ms. Renfei Liu, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Belarus during the opening of the plenary session titled "Regional Climate Agenda in Belarus: Advancing Towards a Circular Economy.” “This is the promise of nature-based human development — and the core commitment of our mission.”

A woman with short black hair speaks at a podium during an event, colorful backdrop behind her. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

"Environmental protection has become a cornerstone of Belarus's national strategy," said Sergei Maslyak, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. "For over two decades, this forum has evolved into a unique platform that brings together diverse sectors of society to tackle environmental challenges. It has earned its reputation as the authoritative gathering where government officials, business leaders, scientists, and civil society representatives come together to shape the key decisions that will determine our country's ecological future and sustainable development."

Three speakers sit on stage at an ecological forum, with a blue backdrop displaying the event title. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

The 2025 EcoForum highlights the tangible results of a three-decade partnership with UNDP. Thus, with UNDP support, the country charts its path towards a green transition through key strategic frameworks — the National Action Plans on Green Economy and the National Strategy for the Development of Circular Economy.

UNDP also provided expert guidance in developing next-generation climate policies, including Belarus’ first National Climate Change Adaptation Plan and Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy until 2050. These policy documents demonstrate Belarus' commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Apart from this, UNDP's three-decade partnership with Belarus has yielded substantial environmental achievements, including the restoration of over 70,000 hectares of damaged peatlands and support for 187 local environmental initiatives, implemented in partnership with civil society organizations, worth more than US$7 million since 2006. The Climate Box educational initiative has further expanded environmental education across classrooms nationwide.

A woman in a wheelchair receives flowers from another woman, with two men nearby in a sunny park setting.

A hand holds two brochures in front of a display of various colorful book covers.

The EcoForum’s youth progrmme focused on the Youth Climate Start initiative. Backed by UNDP and the Republican Centre for Ecology and Local History, interactive hubs were created where young people, eco-volunteers, and SDG Youth Ambassadors ran masterclasses and shared practical tools for climate action.

During the regional seminar, UNDP also showcased cutting-edge approaches to climate education through its "Climate Box" educational toolkit.

Two women in green hats working at a table in a sunny park, reviewing documents.

Two women in green hats examine materials on a table in a sunny outdoor setting.

On the EcoForum's second day, UNDP will host an interactive discussion platform called "Ecological Tourism: Green Routes -- The Living History of Belarus," where representatives from pilot nature reserves will show how ecotourism can protect unique ecosystems while generating new economic opportunities.

As Belarus works toward its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), the Forum provides a critical platform for inclusive dialogue that incorporates the voices of women, youth, and local communities while advancing scalable nature-based solutions aligned with global climate priorities.

The EcoForum is being implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus and the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, with support from various partners committed to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Media enquiries: Alexei Tchistodarski, UNDP Belarus Communications Analyst; e-mail: alexei.tchistodarski@undp.org

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