Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “It may seem that during economic crises, war, and repression, there’s no time to think about the environment. But it is precisely in such times that we must treat nature with special care and think about the world we will leave to our children. In a country where the regime pays no attention to people’s health or well-being and fights not against environmental threats but against green NGOs and their activists, it is particularly important to protect Belarus’ rich natural environment.
In these circumstances, those who continue to work for the sake of a clean and safe country play an exceptional role. While officials avert their eyes at environmental inquiries, activists (as always) draw attention to problems with the nuclear power plant, speak out about the horrifying scale of deforestation, and raise concerns about air quality. They defend nature and explain how important it is to live in harmony with our surroundings. And they do all this not just despite the regime’s passivity but in the face of its resistance.
You can learn more about ecology in Belarus thanks to Ecohome – the country’s oldest environmental NGO. For nearly three decades, this initiative has not only raised awareness about the state of Belarus’ environment but also provided valuable guidance on solving ecological issues.
There’s also the Green Portal – a large network of Belarusian environmental organizations and eco-activists, as well as a media platform where you can find fascinating eco-news from around the world.
We all recognize the importance of the environment. We know about the ozone layer and carbon footprint but sometimes feel powerless to influence the environment. What can one person do? We’re not the ones dumping oil waste into the ocean, nor do we own chemical factories. But we can take small steps that improve the environment here and now. Start with a modest contribution: pick up litter near your home, join tree-planting projects, or simply choose a reusable tote bag instead of single-use plastic. The Earth is our common home. And we must care for it together”.
