Policy Papers

Yauheniya Shershunovich|Natalja Apanasovich| 09.04.2024

Belarus and its sustainable development

Sustainable practices help mitigate climate change, preserve biodiversity, and ensure that all citizens have access to clean air, water, and energy. Belarus has traditionally put some effort into promoting the concept of sustainable development within the country, particularly its environmental part. Several legal documents and commitments such as the National strategy of sustainable development for the Republic of Belarus till 2035 and the National action plan on the “green” economy development in the Republic of Belarus in 2021-2025 exemplify these efforts. However, in 2023 the country worsened its positions in the Sustainable Development Index, the Climate Change Performance Index, and the Environmental Performance Index compared to previous years. This paper aims to analyze Belarus' environmental indices and explore reasons behind negative trends, providing recommendations to enhance sustainability.