Since Soviet times, the territory of Ukraine has suffered from pollution caused by industrial waste and emissions.
Each region has its own specific challenges and practices in handling such waste, as well as problems faced by local residents. Measures 74–86 of the National Waste Management Plan until 2030 are dedicated to mining waste, while regional programs often overlook or deliberately ignore this issue, creating additional opportunities for abuse, “social bribes,” and corruption at various stages of the industrial waste management chain. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) reports emphasize the need for transparency and monitoring in the handling of industrial waste and emissions; however, these recommendations are only partially taken into account or ignored altogether.
The project involves an analysis of the Socio-Economic Development Programs and SEA Reports of Kirovohrad and Kharkiv Oblasts with a focus on environmental protection, through the lens of minimizing corruption risks in waste management—particularly in the extractive industries—and assessing compliance with national environmental legislation. Based on this analysis and with public engagement, proposals will be developed for the Regional Waste Management Plans and Socio-Economic Development Programs of the respective oblasts. The project consortium will conduct thematic trainings on monitoring and analyzing corruption and environmental risks in strategic planning documents (SPDs), as well as public debates on the studied issues to stimulate public interest in implementing environmental and other nature-related programs at regional and local levels.
Expected Project Results:
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An environmental analysis of the Socio-Economic Development Programs of Kharkiv and Kirovohrad Oblasts will be prepared, identifying opportunities for abuse and corruption risks in the area of industrial waste and emissions management.
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At least 20 recommendations will be developed for regional socio-economic development programs. These recommendations will later be adopted by local deputies and integrated into regional programs, contributing to the creation of effective industrial waste management strategies in the regions.
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A broad public awareness campaign will be conducted to promote eco-thinking among the population and foster intolerance toward corruption in the use of natural resources. The campaign will engage at least 150 participants from Kharkiv and Kirovohrad Oblasts.
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16 local residents will be involved in monitoring the implementation of local environmental programs by authorities.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the Democratic Practice program of the International Renaissance Foundation as part of the competition “Analysis and Monitoring of the Implementation of Environmental Policies and Programs at the Local and Regional Levels”, in consortium with the NGO Flora from Kropyvnytskу