VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
“The Russian Geographic Society’s wildlife conservation programme is also very important. The creation of a new nature reserve of federal importance, Pozarym, combining specially protected areas in Altai, Tuva, Khakassia and southern parts of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, resulted from the Snow Leopard Programme. <…> I can’t help mentioning the volunteer campaign to clean up the banks of Siberia's largest river – the Yenisei – attended by over 1,000 people. In addition, members of the Russian Geographic Society suggested that local authorities make this campaign an annual event and establish the Day of the Yenisei. The initiative found fertile ground, and we now have in Russia the first environmental festival launched at the regional level upon the initiative of a public organisation.”
“A huge proportion of our cities are still in bad shape, with about 40% of our urban population living in cities with polluted air. <…> We must achieve a sound balance between the challenges of economic development and the requirements of environmental protection. The document we are going to discuss and adopt today is aimed at properly regulating this sphere, with due account of modern requirements.”
“The State Duma is currently considering a law on applying the world’s best environmental practices not only to the construction sector, but also to other industrial sectors. While working on this law, we drew from the best global practices and cooperated with international experts. I hope very much that it will be adopted by the State Duma in the near future and will be implemented in practice.”
“If we all act together – actively, carefully, abiding by international standards, listening to expert opinions and finding compromises – I am certain that we will be able to organise our work in the Arctic in such a way that it will contribute to all nations living there and, in fact, to all of humankind. At the same time, we will act so as to preserve the region for future generations, to the extent that humans can preserve anything in its original form; what I mean is that our planet is a living organism, and everything on it is changing.”
“Our goal is to use all our resources to study the current state of the Arctic in detail and to develop effective instruments for reducing already inflicted damage and preventing new risks. I'd like to hope that the current forum will become a venue for discussing and finding solutions to all the problems I have mentioned. Therefore, I propose that we devote the next forum to environmental protection.”
“For our part, we have already launched a general clean-up operation in the Far North and the Russian Arctic as promised. One of the first projects is clearing Franz Josef Land of barrels with waste oil. <…>Implementation of these proposals will not only improve the Arctic environment but also allow us to develop unique technology for reclaiming polluted territories. Let me repeat that environmental protection should become a key theme of our activities in the Far North because for all its severity, the Arctic has the most fragile ecosystem on our planet. The price of a negligent, careless attitude towards the Arctic is very high and the consequences disastrous.”
“All our plans will be carried out in compliance with the toughest environmental standards. A careful, civilised attitude to nature is a requirement of all development programmes. Active economic development of the Arctic will be beneficial only if we maintain a rational balance between economic interests and environmental protection for the long term, not just for 10, 15 or 20 years.”
“Certainly, not a single industrial project, neither production on the shelf nor construction of new plants, will be implemented without compliance with the most stringent ecological requirements. A protective, civilised relationship with nature is a prerequisite for the implementation of all our development programmes. Another 11 federal nature reserves and 20 national parks will be established in Russia within the next ten years.”
“We are introducing the most up-to-date environmental standards. Quite possibly, such standards are even more stringent than those in other countries. By no means can Russia be considered a leader in terms of emissions. <…>Russia does not damage the global environment to the same extent as other countries. At the same time, we understand our responsibility, but we will never place the national economy in a worse situation compared to other states. When we had signed and ratified the Kyoto protocol, Russia had assumed sufficiently tough obligations with regard to emissions. We are observing all of these commitments. We must promptly modernise production to reduce the burden on our ecosystem.”
“Come what may, we should switch to state-of-the-art equipment, which will be environmentally friendlier and more efficient. Such equipment demands high-octane petrol.”
“In addition to that, offshore and inland sea operations will be conducted only by those companies that, in addition to having the requisite technologies and specialists, have sufficient financial resources to prevent and clean up any potential oil spill and compensate for the damage done to the environment and to biological resources.”
“The tragedy that unfolded in the Gulf of Mexico last year is fresh in our memory. We remember the toll it took on the surrounding environment and on people. We need to be proactive and address all the necessary technical and financial issues in order to prevent anything of the sort from happening in Russia. Therefore, I propose to adopt a law listing all the requirements and responsibilities of those companies engaged in upstream and downstream operations in inland seas and on continental shelves.”
“We have big plans for development of the Pacific and Arctic shelves and certain areas of the Black and Caspian seas. <…> Let me point out that all such projects are carefully studied by environmental experts. Our basic requirements for Russian and foreign companies who plan to work in these areas include the use of the latest and most environmentally safe techniques in an effort to minimise their ecological impact.”
“All industrial projects in the Russian Arctic are thoroughly reviewed for their environmental impact. This is our principled position, we will proceed like this in the future, and this fully accords with the Basic Principles of State Policy in the Russian Arctic adopted in 2008.”
“I truly hope that the ethics of respect for the environment, wildlife and the country’s cultural and historical heritage will eventually become a fundamental part of our national identity. We have a lot to be proud of, a lot to preserve and, most importantly, something to pass on to future generations.”
“If an enterprise invests in modernisation, energy conservation, and green technologies, it is entitled to preferential treatment. For instance, the cost of environmental protection can be taken into account in setting an environmental tax. By the same token, we propose to increase fines for those enterprises that violate (environmental) laws and established rules. I should emphasise here that all such proposed changes are in keeping with international practice and are essentially aimed at enhancing the ecological security of the country, improving quality of life, and contributing to the health of the nation. And, of course, they give an extra boost to technological innovation in our industry and economy.”
“There is always a conflict between development and conservation. There always has been, and there always will be, but we need to strike a balance. <…>But we all understand that in the absence of incentives, production will remain steeped in old methods and old technologies.”
“The construction of a regional emergency centre in Nis was one of the items on our agenda. Russian and Serbian rescuers intend to use it as a base for joint disaster relief efforts. We are calling on other Southeast European countries to join the project as well.”
“The first sectors to be converted to new technologies will of course be those that pose environmental hazards. For example, major oil refineries – in Moscow, Ryazan, and Yaroslavl – are located practically within the city limits. Residents reasonably complain about the environmental hazards they present: chimney stacks spewing smoke, inefficient purification systems, etc. Over the next few years a drastic modernisation of all of these oil refineries will take place. Companies will invest about 118 billion roubles in modern equipment and conservation efforts, and harmful emissions will be cut almost by half.”
“The RGS is called upon to bear a substantial share of the responsibility to cultivate concern for the environment in society, to raise environmental awareness in the country. This objective applies, first and foremost, to the younger generation. I hope that the projects targeted at children and young people will be real priorities for the RGS and its partners. It is about developing educational programmes to support young scientists and, of course, organising competitions, festivals and expeditions that will help kids realise their potential, to believe in themselves and, most importantly, to truly get to know their homeland – our country.”
“While our discussion today is about the fate of the tiger, we are in fact touching on issues that are critical for the entire planet, humanity and its future. Using the example of the tiger, we are speaking about how to preserve nature. We are saying that human civilization can only develop sustainably if we take a responsible attitude to nature, our common home. We all have to work hard and join forces to ensure that this attitude becomes widespread.”
"A natural area's status as a nature reserve or sanctuary does not always reliably protect it from poaching, illegal logging or industrial pollution. I am convinced that punishment for such violations should be increased. On the other hand, I am sure you will agree that we should avoid taking it to the other extreme and closing the national parks to the public. One cannot be taught to love and value the natural world if it is only experienced in books and pictures."
“I have always supported the programmes aimed at reducing the negative influence of human activity on climate and the environment. I will continue to support, together with the Russian government and other authorities, every effort to protect the environment. But still, our work should be based on a realistic view of the situation, and we should rely on expert opinion. We have been paying so much attention to supporting the experts who are working in this sphere precisely so we can determine Russia's practical policy that will be based on facts and objective research data, rather than on newspaper articles, however much we may respect them.”
“Preserving nature remains, of course, a top priority. We must complete the job of amending existing legislation with the environmental agencies. That goes without saying. At the same time, it is clear that we need these changes as much as we need additional funding. We are currently in the midst of a budget planning process. So let us adjust our plans with this in mind. <…>Let us make the first step: let us allocate the necessary funds for 2011 and complete the job of amending the law at the autumn meeting of parliament. Any commercial business in our nature reserves is forbidden, and only partly allowed in the national parks. As I understand it, we will not overhaul these rules.”
“We’re trying to protect the environment as well as to restore what's been lost as a result of human activities. I have already shown you what's been done to restore the population of Caucasian leopards, which were exterminated in the Caucasus in the 1950s. We've reached further agreements with our Iranian partners, and hope to bring in a few more animals from Iran to implement the project here, in the Caucasus. It's strange that leopards can be found on the coats-of-arms and other national symbols of the North-Caucasian republics but do not exist in the wild.”
“The efforts of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) are an example of useful and effective cooperation in environmental protection. As the current HELCOM chairman, Russia is doing all it can to enhance the performance of this universal and one-of-a-kind international organisation. Successful implementation of the HELCOM long-term plan of action, which was adopted in Krakow in 2007, should become a model for environmental protection policies in the region. The experience we gained may be used to protect other bodies of water along our borders.”
“I would like to stress that we are willing to cooperate internationally on the broadest scale and engage in dialogue with all interested states. We see great potential in the initiative to establish the Partnership for Modernisation between Russia and the European Union (EU). Joint environmental projects will be an integral part of this partnership.”
“In 2010 we are planning to pass a decision establishing the Ingermanland Nature Reserve, which will contain several islands in the Gulf of Finland. This is our real contribution to the fulfilment of our collective commitments to protect the Baltic Sea.”
“We are making significant progress in reducing waste and air and water pollution - by more than 1% per year. We will increase the area of nature reserves and national parks by 11 million hectares by 2012. This is a colossal amount of land even for Russia, with its enormous territory. Today we have 55 million hectares of national nature reserves. We will increase this figure by 20% by 2012.”
“From the very outset environmental protection has been a priority for Nord Stream. We were guided not only by economic expediency, but also by commitment to the strictest international environmental standards. Some €100 million were spent on environmental impact assessments. Geophysical surveys were carried out over an unbelievable 40,000 square kilometres of seabed to find the optimal, safest route for the gas pipeline. <…>I can state with confidence that there has never been such massive environmental study in the history of the Baltic. Never has such a large amount of money been allocated for the environmental research on the Baltic.”
“It is important not only to realise the scope of problems but also take actual steps to address them, as my Finnish counterpart has just said, and take joint responsibility for the fate and recovery of the Baltic Sea. When addressing any economic issues and goals, it is necessary to take into account both the interests of one's own economy and people, and the interests of one's neighbours, as well as assess possible environmental impact on the Baltic which unites all of us. This is Russia's approach to implementing major infrastructure projects.”
"I take advantage of my current job to try to resolve the most acute problems in that area. Are you aware that our Red list includes many animals that are on the brink of extinction and extermination? Among them - the Amur tigers in the Far East of which there are only 500 left. That is a critical number. The Far Eastern leopards are in an even worse situation. Scientists estimate that there are approximately 50 to 60 species of leopards left. "
"We have made the first steps to the so-called green economy and sustained development. We have formulated strict energy efficiency guidelines. The government's development guidelines until 2012 and for the period until 2020 stipulate a series of nature protection and other environmental initiatives. Our goal is to fight pollution, rehabilitate land, and protect water and forest resources."
"The required level of APG utilization should be no less than 95% by 2012. Oil producers that do not fulfill this requirement and continue to burn it off in flares will have to pay huge fines for excessive air pollution. Oil companies must also have positive stimuli for developing APG processing. For example, electricity generated from APG could have priority access to the country's power grids, which would encourage oil producers to invest in the construction of new generating capacities."
"I would like to remind you that the Russian Federation currently holds the presidency of the Baltic Sea States Council. Just lately, several days ago, I signed off on the plan for the Russian Government's work as President of the Baltic Sea States Council. We are completing, have completed the practical work on the plan to improve the Baltic Sea environment for 2010-2012. It includes specific projects such as the building of purification facilities, including in the Kaliningrad Region."
"Our foreign partners, as a rule, are very sensitive to environmental issues and conservation. I agree with them entirely. In that sense the establishment of new, state-of-the-art enterprises in Russian regions will contribute to the responsible use of natural resources, help put an end to predatory exploitation of forests, and improve the environment not only in Russia, but in the whole north-west of the European continent. And this also holds for other parts of the world, for example the Far East."
"Russia supports the Finnish initiative of holding a Baltic summit in Helsinki early next year. I believe that its decisions will strengthen environmental cooperation in the region. Let me remind you that Russia currently holds the presidency of the Helsinki Commission on the Protection of the Baltic Marine Environment. Needless to say, we are ready to render our Finnish colleagues every assistance in the context of the future forum. I would also like to tell you that the Government of the Russian Federation has decided to prepare and launch a programme to improve the Baltic Sea ecology. The programme will cover the period of 2010-2015. It is based on the measures set forth in the Helsinki Commission Action Plan."
“Upgrading environmental standards, if the industrial facility already exists, should be a smooth process. We should consider the current economic and social environment, setting feasible periods for giving up outdated technology and for dealing with social issues which emerge while industries are upgraded. And we should create new jobs where the old ones are cut."
“Expanding cooperation with public environmental organisations is one of the most important points of the environmental protection measures package prepared by the Government. I guess you already have the draft of this document. After our meeting today, the necessary changes will be made, and I will put my signature on it.”
“We therefore pay attention to environmental programmes in our key strategy documents, including the Long-Term Development Concept until 2020 and the Guidelines for Government Action until 2012. It's about improving the law, measures to reduce industrial waste, waste recycling development and the revitalisation of polluted areas.”
“The environmental-economic mechanisms, many of which were formed back in the Soviet era, still exist today but they are certainly far out of date. The current system of environmental control often falls below world standards. There is no motivation for manufacturers to introduce environmentally-friendly technology or to reduce emissions. In the near future, we need to develop and introduce such mechanisms. Additionally, we need to thoroughly study ways to tighten sanctions for environment pollution.”
“Strict environmental standards force business to adopt modern technology, to cut costs and to save resources. We also shouldn't forget that compliance with environmental standards is a mandatory requirement for accessing the markets of leading economies, those that are most profitable and receptive.”
"I would like to return to the first issue on our agenda. We are to consider the draft Climate Doctrine submitted by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Climate change and related risks have been addressed by many global forums. Russia is an active participant in such discussions, and is complying with its international obligations to the dot. Moreover, if not for Russia's active stance, some of the international projects would not have been implemented. For example, the Kyoto Protocol would not have come into force without Russia's contribution."
"We should pursue a balanced and responsible policy on climate and related issues at the national levels. This policy should be designed for a long term and take into account all factors, including environmental, economic, social and political factors. In addition, the provisions of the Climate Doctrine should be used to formulate a concrete action plan regarding the introduction of resource and energy saving technology, and enhancement of energy efficiency of the national economy. We must introduce modern environmental standards and systems of monitoring and researching climate processes. In the final run, we should formulate new, more exacting demands to the technological standards of the Russian economy as a whole and its individual sectors. Most importantly, we should formulate new demands to the living standards and the quality of life of our people."