Sustainable consumption and production policies are emerging in Eastern Europe
and the Caucasus – UNEP report
A new UNEP report launched in Chisináu, Moldova this week can provide a platform for
the exchange of regulatory best practices on sustainable consumption and production
(SCP) for the entire region.
Recommendations are also made in the paper for furthering work in specific fields and
how to best organise bodies in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of
Moldova and Ukraine that deal with SCP.
The study, titled ‘Sustainable consumption and production policies and initiatives in
Eastern Europe and the Caucasus,’ was presented to policymakers from Eastern Europe
and the Caucasus this week by Rie Tsutsumi, Programme Officer for the UNEP Regional
Office for UNEP.
Moves towards a green economy
One of the challenges faced by countries wishing to transition to a green economy are
the knowledge gaps on economic, social and environmental challenges and the policies
or regulations that can be designed to tackle them.
Yet thanks to the new report, some of this knowledge can be filled for six countries
taking part in the 'Greening Economies in the Eastern Neighbourhood' programme,
sponsored by the EU and other donors.
All six have a lasting industrial legacy from the Soviet era, yet also a bounty of natural
resources and unique ecosystems. In order to protect and capitalise on the latter, new
ways of producing and consuming goods are needed.
In order to do so, each country requires a tailored mix of long and short term policies
supporting sustainable consumption and production. Exchanging lessons learned is
a vital way for ensuring this.
On energy efficiency for example, the report shows how Moldova is attracting
investment for 85 projects to renovate hospitals, schools and other buildings. Like
several other countries in the region, Moldova relies heavily on energy imports, while
electricity prices in the country rose by 50% between 2007 and 2014 – meaning energy
efficiency moves can protect economic growth in the country and ensure savings.
Ukrainian policy provides another best practice supporting sustainable consumption.
Waste management services there are developing rapidly, with about 270 million
batteries estimated to be imported each year. The report describes a ‘Throw well’
programme launched by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, which has seen
special green boxes installed in public spaces. These boxes will help measure the
amount of battery waste and inform a decision on whether domestic processing
facilities will be built.
Meanwhile, in Armenia, a local organic certification company, ECOGLOBE, has been
accredited by the German and US authorities, the report reveals. As a result,
manufacturers certified by the company can now sell produce on the US and EU organic
market, where demand is expected to continue to rise.
Gaps and recommendations
Current regulation gaps on food, housing and transportation are meanwhile also
identified for furthering the transition to a green economy. A system for measuring the
sustainable development of the food sector is for example missing in all six countries,
while work towards indicators for measuring knowledge capital is also lacking.
In terms of recommendations, the report suggests that government focal points be
designated for dealing with green economy and SCP issues, so as to ensure greatest
efficiency and avoid any communication or coordination problems.
Economic mechanisms and incentives furthermore need to be elaborated so that the full
benefits of a green economy can be reaped by all, the report indicates.