Second Baikal International Ecological Water Forum concluded in Irkutsk

September 25, 2018

The Second Baikal International Ecological Water Forum was held in Irkutsk on 20-21 September 2018. The event organized by the Government of Irkutsk oblast brought together more than 1000 participants from 32 countries. As part of the business programme of the Forum, issues of international cooperation in the field of preservation of lake ecosystems, introduction of innovative technologies in water treatment and waste management, environmental education and other related questions were discussed.

The Director of the UNIDO Centre in Russia Sergey Korotkov told the audience about UNIDO projects aimed at industrial development and reduction of negative impact on the environment in water management sector of the Russian Federation. Specifically, he presented the project implemented by the Centre in 2011-2015 that was aimed at improving water quality and reducing negative regional and trans-boundary impact from industrial activities within the Middle and Lower Volga River basin. The project used the UNIDO’s integrated approach for the transfer of environmentally sound technology (TEST). Furthermore, Sergey Korotkov presented the joint initiative of the UNIDO Centre and the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment of the Russian Federation, which has received the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, seeking to improve cooperation between BRICS countries in the fight against river pollution.

An exhibition of companies specializing in such areas as development of innovative water treatment solutions, industrial water management, planning and development of coastal areas, construction of treatment facilities, eco-tourism among other, was held as part of the Forum.

On the sidelines of the Forum Sergey Korotkov held several bilateral meetings with foreign colleagues, representatives of Russian institutions and companies, and the academic community.

Photo: Baikal Ecological Water Forum.