The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy considered a report on adaptation to climate change
Despite the challenges associated with the Russian military aggression, Ukraine is taking measures aimed at reducing the risks of natural disasters, but the overall level of preparedness for them remains insufficient - systemic changes in approaches are needed. This was emphasized by the Deputy Chairman of the Accounting Chamber, Serhiy Klyuchka, during an online meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Environmental Policy and Environmental Management on March 3. The Committee considered the Report of the Accounting Chamber on the results of the performance audit on the topic of "Disaster Risk Reduction – measures to adapt to climate change".
For reference. The audit was conducted as part of the Global Joint Audit of Climate Change Adaptation, initiated by the INTOSAI Working Group on Environmental Auditing (INTOSAI WGEA) in conjunction with the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI).
During the meeting of the Committee, Serhiy Klyuchka noted that the existing disaster risk management system in Ukraine is not sufficient to ensure proper coordination between state institutions, local executive bodies and the public and is aimed primarily at responding to the consequences of disasters, rather than preventing them. In addition, the issue of adaptation to climate change is not always a priority in the formation of national and regional policies. Disaster risk assessment in Ukraine is carried out irregularly and only in certain regions. Public awareness and participation of citizens in disaster risk reduction issues are also insufficient.
«According to the audit results, the Accounting Chamber provided the audited entities with 18 recommendations that must be implemented by the end of this year. They concern the introduction of a centralized interdepartmental platform for coordinating the actions of government bodies in terms of disaster prevention, modernization of early warning systems, implementation of a unified methodology for disaster risk assessment, ensuring such an assessment is carried out in all regions of Ukraine, as well as other measures,” he said.
According to the Deputy Chairman of the Accounting Chamber, the objects of control, which are the central executive bodies and regional administrations, have already informed the Accounting Chamber about the consideration of the decision, the planned and already taken measures in this regard.
The representatives of the central bodies present at the Committee meeting reported on the current implementation of the recommendations of the Accounting Chamber.
Following the results of the consideration, the Committee took note of the report of the Accounting Chamber, and also recommended the Ministry of Environment, the State Emergency Service, the State Water Agency, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, together with the State Geocadastre, to continue working on the recommendations provided and to inform the Committee about the status of their implementation within the established deadline.