Resolution Booklet of the National Session 2007 of the European Youth Parliament in Kyiv, Ukraine November 29 – December 02 2007
European Youth Parliament is a project of the Heinz Schwarzkopf Foundation
Resolutions of the National Session in Kyiv 1. ITRE I – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy I Ukraine and EU climate strategy: Opportunities and risks of becoming one of EU's major biofuel sources. 2. ITRE II – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy II Energy efficiency and renewable energies: Ukrainian gold mines awaiting discovery? 3. ENVI I – Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety I Biodiversity conversation: economic development vs ecology collapse in the Danube delta. 4. ENVI II – Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety II Ethical aspects of GMO utilization: what is a future of GMO in Europe? 5. CULT – Committee on Culture and Education Education for sustainable development in Ukraine: impossible or inevitable? 6. CLIM – Committee on Climate Change Climate protection in Ukraine: selling “hot air” to the EU – and that’s all?
Kyiv, December 2007 COMMITTEE
ON INDUSTRY,
RESEARCH
AND
ENERGY I
Ukraine and EU climate strategy: Opportunities and risks of becoming one of EU's major biofuel sources. Submitted by: Nataliya Tatarchuk (Kyiv, UA), Ilyana Yasko (Kryvyi Rih, UA), Iryna Thorovska (Chortkiv, Ternopil oblast, UA), Kateryna Yermakova (Luhansk, UA), Khrystyna Nebes (Zboriv, Lviv oblast, UA), Olga Severyn (Gulyaypole, Zaporizhya oblast, UA), Vladyslav Lopatynskyi (Zaporizhya, UA), Yaryna Hanushchak (Mykolayiv, Lviv oblast, UA), Anna Suprunenko (Kyiv, UA), Edvard Ljulko (Chairperson, Tallinn, EE) The European Youth Parliament,
A. Noting with regret that CO2 emission resulting from human activity causes global warming is causes global warming, B. Recognizing biofuels as one of the most promising solutions to the problems of: i. CO2 emissions, ii. dependence on fossil fuels, iii. possible political dependence on major exporter of fossil fuel, iv. limited fossil fuel supply, v. rising fossil fuel prices, C. Recognizing that vast quantities of unused arable land are a sufficient resource for development of biofuels sector in Ukraine, D. Recognizing that rural communities will benefit from development of biofuel production, E. Recognizing the growing demand for biofuels in Ukraine, F. Having examined the EU Commissions plan to: i. increase biofuels market share to 5.75% by 2010, ii. increase biofules market share to 10% by 2020, G. Viewing with appreciation Kyoto protocols role in: i. promoting renewable energy sources, ii. reducing CO2 emissions, H. Taking into account of the vital importance of pure water, land and natural products, I. Noting with regret that rapeseeds and corn appear to pose a greater risk for the exhaustion of soil than the rest of the biofuel seeds;
1. Calls upon arable land in regions that are too polluted for food production to be used for growing rapeseed for production of biodiesel; 2. Recommends using land that could also be suitable for food-production in biofuel production only when there is currently no need to use it for food-production; 3. Further recommends using land suitable for food-production to grow grain seeds, because they do not pose a large risk for exhaustion of the soil; 4. Emphasizing that Ukraine should export refined biofuel products, not raw materials; 5. Calling for effective regulations of land use while producing biofuels; 6. Recommends setting limitations on export (quotas) in order to minimize the risk of foodproduction and biomass production competing for arable land; 7. To create a state program that would improve the investment climate in the biofuel sector by: a. giving tax incentives, b. creating a proper legal framework, c. setting affordable rates on credit, d. discouraging corporate concentration that could lead to the formation of monopolies; 8. Emphasizing that the general legislative framework of the agriculture sector in Ukraine should provide the necessary base for development of biofuels without damage to foodproduction; 9. Encouraging investment into life-cycle technology production; 10. Educating the public about risks and opportunities concerning biofuel policy though means of: a. Television, b. Radio, c. the Internet, d. printed materials; 11. Affirms that public opinion must be taken into account in making decisions concerning biofuel policy.
Kyiv, December 2007 COMMITTEE
ON INDUSTRY,
RESE ARCH
AND
E N E R G Y II
Energy efficiency and renewable energies: Ukrainian gold mines awaiting discovery? Submitted by: Anastasiya Babenko (Kyiv, UA), Hanna Hradil (Kyiv, UA), Nataliya Karchevska (Kyiv, UA), Olga Ihnatovych (Chernivtsi, UA), Oleksandr Petryanych (Lviv, UA), Khrystyna Vinyar (Kyiv, UA), Nataliya Shmeleva (Kyiv, UA), Alyona Serdyuk (Tokmak, Zaporizhya oblast, UA),Szymon Lesniak(PL, journo, chairperson), Maria Romanenko (UA, Vice President, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament,
A. Realizing the use of energy sources is inefficient, B. Deeply disturbed by the approaching crisis seen through: i. Ukraine’s oil and gas dependency on Russia, ii. Increase in petroleum emission rates, iii. Limited reserves of the resources, C. Having considered lower capacity of biofuel engines, D. Fully alarmed by export of Ukrainian biofuel equipment to Belarus and Australia with no domestic use, E. Aware of the following renewable energy sources potential that is not used sufficiently: i. Water, ii. Sun, iii. Wind, iv. Biomass, E. Noting with regret the difficulties in implementing the results of researches in the field of renewable energy sources, F. Emphasizing the absence of advertising campaigns concerning energy efficiency, G. Taking into consideration lack of appropriate legislation concerning alternative energy;
1. 2. 3. 4.
Further recommends to use cheaper and environment-friendly biofuel in transport; Emphasizes the necessity of organic and dump waste to be recycled into biogas; Encourages Ukrainian companies to use domestic biofuel equipment; Recommends to develop the system of mini-dams on small rivers in regions where hydro energetic potential is high; 5. Considers building the wind farms in uninhabited territories where wind energy potential is high;
6. Draws the attention to the necessity to meet local needs by introducing solar panels; 7. Strongly believes that all renewable energy sources should be used in a reasonable way, according to economic capacity; 8. Has resolved that Alternative Energy Law of 20 February 2003 should be amended and include the following issues: a. Use of mixture of biofuels with petroleum, b. Development of efficient renewable energy strategy, c. Introduction of a long-term energy storages system, 9. Supports simplification of investment procedure in research and development, 10. Further invites to raise awareness among citizens about the advantages of renewable energy by: a. Social advertising, b. Education system, c. Activity of NGOs.
Kyiv 2007 MOTION
FOR THE
RESOLUTION
BY
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH FOOD SAFETY I
AND
Biodiversity conversation: economic development vs ecology collapse in the Danube delta. Submitted by: Oleg Sapishchuk (Ivano-Frankivsk, UA), Olena Bondarenko (Khmelnytskyi, UA), Stas Uymenov (Kryvyi Rih), Yuliya Pryymak (Novovolynsk, Volyn oblast, UA),, Maryna Yaroshevych (Kyiv, UA), Iryna Loyik (Kyiv, Ukraine), Iryna Yevdokymova (Mykolayiv, UA), Olga Deryapa (Kyiv, UA), Karol Filipiuk (PL, Vice President, Chairperson)
The European Youth Parliament,
A. Deeply concerned by the threat to the unique ecosystem of the Danube delta, B. Emphasizing that there are 325 bird species and 75 fish species listed in Red Book and European Red List IUCN, C. Taking into consideration that the Danube delta region is Europe's most important and unique wetland, a heritage for all mankind, D. Further noting the migration of rare and endangered species to the Danube Delta Region (DDR) from the Baltic Sea region and Scandinavia, E. Guided by the fact that the DDR is under protection of UNESCO, F. Alarmed by the great ecological damage caused by the construction of the Danube – Black Sea Canal (CDBSC), G. Recognizing the high unemployment rate and consequent social problems DDR, H. Expecting the observation of international ecological rules and regulations;
1. Accepts the necessity to continue the construction works of CDBSC only if a shipping lock system is implemented; 2. Suggests conducting a tender between companies from the EU and Ukraine to construct CDBSC; 3. Further recommends that European partners' share in the abovementioned tender is not larger than 30 %; 4. Urges to observe all ecological norms and regulations by inviting independent European experts; 5. Calls upon imposing fines on subjects harming DDR environment; 6. Encourages creating a flexible reductions system for foreign investors;
7. Supports the idea of developing green tourism in DDR by further investments of Ukrainian entrepreneurs; 8. Insists that Ukrainian government establishes water purification system in DDR; 9. Requests to amend already existing laws in order to achieve better protection for DDR; 10. Emphasizes the importance of reaching common European technical standards of water transport; 11. Reaffirms the need to observe the laws concerning responsibility for environmental pollution.
Kyiv 2007 MOTION
FOR THE
RESOLUTION
BY
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH FOOD SAFETY II
AND
Ethical aspects of GMO utilisation: what is a future of GMO in Europe? Submitted by: Alina Alekseyenko (Donetsk, UA), Artur Tretyakov (Kharkiv, UA), Fatima Agayeva (Mykolayiv, UA), Illya Symonenko (Kyiv, UA), Kateryna Kozhemyakina (Kyiv, UA), Vita Kaznokha (Kyiv, UA), Tetyana Remyga (Zaporizhya, UA), Olena Suk (Lubny, Poltava oblast, UA), Olga Semenyuk (Sarny, Rivne oblast, UA), Iryna Khrulyova (Kyiv, UA), The European Youth Parliament,
A. Defining genetically modified organism (GMO) as an organism genetic material of which has been altered using genetic techniques, B. Noting that main GMO crops’ types are soybean, maize, cotton and canola, C. Recognizing that during the period from 2005 till 2006 the amount of GMO crops increased by 21%, D. Appreciating the Cartagena Protocol as the first step to establish international legal framework for the cross-border movement of GMO, E. Fully alarmed by strong influence of GMO translational corporations on the agricultural industry, F. Bearing in mind that biotechnology techniques have potential to: i. deliver improved food quality and environmental benefits through agronomically enhanced crops, ii. lead to more sustainable agricultural practices in both the developed and developing countries, iii. result in major health care benefits, such as production of cheaper and safer drugs in large quantities, G. Disturbed by unforeseen results of GMO consumption and effects it might cause on future generations, H. Taking into account lack of objective information on GMO, I. Drawing attention to the fact that GMO are not properly tested, J. Keeping in mind the possible negative impact on human health and environment;
1. Encourages detailed and objective researches on GMO to be carried out; 2. Calls upon the following actions to be taken in order to increase public awareness on GMO: a. media campaigns, b. special courses in schools, c. public activities; 3. Recommends that national governments act to regulate spread, production and consumption of GMO products through the improvement of their law systems and the creation of independent institutions that concern this problem; 4. Welcomes international cooperation in field of GMO; 5. Strongly requests obligatory marking of genetically-modified products; 6. Proposes impose a tax on GMOs to provide financial support for research on this problem and the improvement of the current situation; 7. Supports obligating farmers to use technologies that prevent the spread of transgenes; 8. Reminds of the dangers posed by the possibilities of bioterrorism; 9. Draws the attention to the problem of GMOs and its unforeseeable effects.
Kyiv 2007 MOTION
FOR THE
RESOLUTION
BY THE
COMMITTEE
ON
CULTURE
AND
EDUCATION
Education for sustainable development in Ukraine: impossible or inevitable? Submitted by: Alla Babkina (Mykolayiv, UA), Alyona Petrenko (Luhansk, UA), Anastasiya Myahkokhod (Zaporizhya, UA), Anna Voytyuk (Vinnytsya, UA), Artur Matyukhin (Sumy, UA), Daryna Syzhuk (Kyiv, UA), Mariya Hud (Lviv, UA), Mykola Mazanyi (Kyiv, UA), Ruslana Kostina (Mykolayiv), Kateryna Baskenova (Sumy, UA), Mari Tiidus (EE, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament,
A. Recognizing education for sustainable development, (further called “ESD”) as education that forms culture and values of living in harmonious union with environment to preserve it for future generations, B. Declaring that “green way of life” means living in harmony with nature, preserving natural resources for future generations and protecting environment, C. Noting with deep regret the lack of social awareness about existing environmental issues and poor promotion of the green way of life, D. Fully alarmed by the environmental indifference and nihilism in the Ukrainian society, E. Convinced that the ESD strategies are not implemented in practice, F. Desiring for integrating the principles of sustainable development into the educational system, G. Aware of desperate need for financial support to enable activists to carry out the ideas of sustainable development, H. Noting with deep concern the high level of consumption of national resources due to inefficient and out-dated technologies in industrial sphere, I. Claiming the absence of cooperation between private sector, civil society, governmental structures and international organizations.
1. Calls upon the social promotion of the green way of life and draws attention to the existing environmental problems in Ukraine through mass media involving celebrities, authorities, etc; 2. Encourages involving people into environmental activities such as building social sculptures and supporting the ideas of environmental NGO’s and making voluntary work prestigious; 3. Recommends to create general regulations for governmental institutions to integrate the principles of sustainable development, e.g. eco-lesson, system of encouragement,
projects, etc; 4. Supports the idea of organizing a National Committee, consisting of NGO leaders, teachers, scientists, businessmen, that is responsible for implementing the ESD strategies; 5. Emphasizes the need for motivating investors by reducing taxes in order to financially support ESD by raising salaries for teachers, experts; 6. Suggests supporting youth initiatives and creating a system of grants for ESD projects; 7. Expresses its hope that managers of industrial companies are orientated towards sustainable development; 8. Further suggests the managers to use the system of testing, in-service and pre-service courses; 9. Further recommends involving society by providing complex approach to carry out ESD strategies e.g. system of checks-‘n’-balances, forums, videoconferences, common websites, etc.
Kyiv 2007 MOTION
FOR THE
RESOLUTION
BY THE
COMMITTEE
ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate protection in Ukraine: selling “hot air” to the EU – and that’s all? Submitted by: Anna Zhoga (Kyiv, UA), Galyna Kareva (Kyiv, UA), Mykhaylo Latynskyi (Kyiv, UA), Nataliya Chepornyuk (Kyiv, UA), Nataliya Tarasevych (Chernigiv, UA), Oksana Korchak (Kyiv, UA), Taras Chornyi (Ivano-Frankivsk, UA), Viktoriya Syvolobova (Kyiv, UA), Aryna Kostina (Mykolayiv, UA), Oksana Fomicheva (Kharkiv, UA), Fabian Graimann (Chairperson, Vilbach, AU) The European Youth Parliament,
A. Deeply concerned by the threat of global warming and greenhouse effect, B. Welcoming the fact that Ukraine having the highest potential for Joint Implementation (JI) has ratified the Kyoto protocol, C. Taking into consideration that Ukraine is likely to benefit greatly from selling emission certificates, D. Taking into account that Ukraine has the opportunity to sell "hot air" and thus get additional money for sustainable development, E. Deeply regretting that the progress in setting up legislation framework that JI and Kyoto protocol in Ukraine has been rather slow, F. Noting that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine to implement the Kyoto protocol in Ukraine, G. Emphasising the significance of following pollution sources: i. industry, ii. transport, iii. power plants, iv. chemical waste; H. Alarmed by absence of any treaty dealing with the issue of climate change after 2012, when the Kyoto protocol expires, I. Deeply disturbed by the possibility of violation of the Kyoto protocol, J. Taking into consideration that the amount of the greenhouse gases in developing world is rising, K. Further acknowledging the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) which is a part of Kyoto protocol and sponsors emission reductions in developing world;
1. Strongly recommends all nations to tackle environmental problems united; 2. Encourages raising international investments in order to profit from trading surplus emissions quota under the opportunities given by the JI; 3. Recommends the money received from selling "hot air" to be invested in: a. the development of heavy industry, b. financing Ukrainian ecological policy; 4. Emphasizes the possibility for Ukraine to invest in projects in the following areas of environmental importance: a. alternative energy sources, b. scientific research, c. reforestation; 5. Strongly recommends that Ukrainian government should act more effectively and decisively; 6. Calls upon the establishment of an appropriate system that would control over-channelling of money raised from emission trading; 7. Further insists that these funds be allocated to previously identified projects that strive for environmental benefits; 8. Requests that accounting documentation of greenhouse gases emission be part of the abovementioned system; 9. Encourages modernising Ukrainian industry by the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources; 10. Further recommends developing the Kyoto protocol and prolonging it beyond 2012; 11. Requests applying the following sanctions in case Kyoto protocol is violated: a. financial fines, b. reduce quota by 30% in the next period; 12. Affirms the following mutual benefits for participants of CDM: a. free of charge advance technology for recipient countries, b. credits that help industrial countries meet their emission targets, c. decrease of gas emissions levels.