January 21 (BTA) - The European Union environment and energy ministers discussed the issues of fair transition to low emissions and the role of forests in the fight against climate change on the second day of their informal meeting in Amiens, France. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov and Minister of Energy Alexander Nikolov.

''The role of forests in climate change mitigation is undeniably important. In order to increase long-term carbon sequestration, it is essential that forests are actively and sustainably managed, taking into account all other functions and roles of the forest ecosystem. The old-growth forests in Europe must be adequately protected, giving them the necessary importance, including with regard to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems,'' Sandov said during the talks.

The Ministry of Environment and Water noted that Bulgaria defends the position that the future legislation for achieving the common climate goals by 2030 should be based on key principles and priorities. A coherent legislative framework is needed to stimulate a cost-effective contribution from all sectors, including innovative solutions to reduce emissions in carbon-intensive sectors, and last but not least, to share efforts between Member States in a coherent, fair and cost-effective way.

During the meeting in Amiens, Minister Sandov and his Romanian counterpart Minister Barna Tanczos discussed strengthening the bilateral relations and cooperation between their two countries, said the Ministry of Environment and Water.

Sandov raised the subject of stubble burning that causes air pollution over the Danube city of Ruse. Tanczos confirmed that stubble burning still occurs in Romania even though it is illegal. He reassured the Bulgarian diplomat that Romanian authorities are looking into ways to terminate this illegal practice.

The two ministers further discussed future joint efforts to protect the biodiversity in the Black Sea and along the Danube River, which included establishing new protected areas and water areas. Minister Sandov invited his Romanian counterpart to visit Bulgaria during the second half of March 2022, which the latter accepted, the Environment Ministry said.

 

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Source: Sofia