Kyiv, 7 March 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have joined efforts to deliver comprehensive training on the safe handling of debris during its removal, transportation, and recycling. The training places particular emphasis on managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and mitigating the risks posed by explosive ordnance, or EO.

Representatives from five Ukrainian cities — Kharkiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Sumy — took part in the training, alongside officials from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, and the Kyiv Regional State Administration.

In Ukraine, where 13% of the housing stock has been damaged or destroyed, according to the recent Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4), the risk of asbestos exposure to both workers and communities has significantly increased. The proper management of these materials is essential to safeguard workers and residents during the recovery process.

The two-day training programme included expert-led seminars and a field trip. On day one, the participants learned how to identify ACMs, proper handling procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment, or PPE. A session on EO also covered safety protocols for dealing with potential threats.

The second day included a field visit to the JICA-supported Debris Recycling Site in Borodianka, where participants saw how environmentally responsible practices are integrated into debris management. The visit provided a practical example of how to minimize contamination and health risks while transforming debris into secondary materials for reconstruction.

Hideki Matsunaga, Head of the Ukrainian office of JICA, highlighted Japan's experience in recovering from extensive destruction caused by natural disasters. “Japan has navigated complex recovery processes, including debris management and the safe handling of hazardous materials like asbestos, gaining valuable insights along the way,” said Matsunaga. “Through joint training with UNDP, we aim to share the experience and lessons learned to contribute to Ukraine's safe and sustainable recovery.”

Mykola Kalashnyk, Acting Head of Kyiv Oblast State Administration, gave details of the success of initiatives for sustainable and safe debris management in Ukraine: “Since November 2024, the Borodianka debris station has processed over 4,300 tonnes of debris from three Kyiv Oblast communities, with recycled materials already contributing to infrastructure restoration,” Kalashnyk said. “We’re grateful to JICA and UNDP for their support, not only in providing equipment, but also in strengthening capacity through training, education, and awareness-raising efforts.”

Mizuho Yokoi, Programme Manager at UNDP Ukraine, emphasized the need to safeguard those at the forefront of rebuilding efforts. “Safety must always come first. At UNDP, we work closely with local authorities and recovery teams to equip them with necessary knowledge and tools in order to protect both public health and the environment,” Yokoi said. “We’re honoured to partner with JICA, combining our expertise and resources to maximize impact and support for Ukraine’s recovery.”

Background: Globally, asbestos exposure at work is responsible for more than 200,000 deaths, with 125 million people exposed at work, according to the WHO and the International Labour Organization. 

About UNDP

UNDP is leading a large-scale debris management project in Ukraine, providing practical support for debris removal in eight regions. This includes capacity-building for local authorities through the provision of training and equipment, introducing recycling practices, as well as support for legislative development. Efforts also focus on safe asbestos management by supplying PPE, enforcing safety protocols, and training workers to minimize exposure and raise awareness of asbestos hazards.

About JICA 

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the implementing arm of Japan's official development assistance. Its mission is to promote international cooperation and support socioeconomic development worldwide. Since 2022, JICA has supported emergency recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine, with debris management one of the priority areas. In response to widespread destruction, the agency collaborates with local partners to strengthen debris management capacities, including establishing operational guidelines and providing essential equipment in key regions such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, and Sumy. The support includes capacity-building in asbestos analysis and safe handling. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, Communications Team Leader, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org 

JICA media enquiries: Kateryna Chuzhakina, Associate Project Officer, Chuzhakina-Kateryna@jica.go.jp; Nataliia Volos, Associate Project Officer, Volos-Nataliia@jica.go.jp