Brussels, 18/12/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission adopted a communication with a view to enhanced dialogue with Russia on the environment and sustainable development. Dialogue would cover: - the efficient use of energy and the fight against climate change. Cooperation should especially include surveillance and follow-up on greenhouse gases, which should facilitate the early ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the EU and Russia; - improving public health, mainly by reducing health risks for the more vulnerable categories (Russian estimates show that one third of all water pipes are in urgent need of replacement); - improving resource efficiency and above all the efficient use of energy and raw materials, with special attention to the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel from nuclear power plants and nuclear submarines; - other aspects such as surveillance of the environment, international cooperation (especially with Northern Europe and the area of the Danube, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea), and public awareness.
Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström stressed on this occasion that "Russia is of tremendous importance to Europe's environment and the sustainable development of the planet". "It is custodian of over 20% of global water resources and forests. It contains vast areas of pristine nature virtually undisturbed by man, and at the same time severe environmental and related health problems in urban and industrial centres. Diseases and poisoning from heavy metals and other toxic materials are a significant factor in the decline of life expectancy which for males is now only 58 years", she noted.