Memorandum on transformation of Ukraine's coal-producing regions signed

MOSCOW. Oct 21 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Environment Protection and Natural Resources Ministry, the Energy Ministry, the Restoration Ministry, and the Association of Coal Communities have signed a memorandum for a fair transformation of the country's coal-producing regions at a forum focused on the Fair Transformation of Ukraine's Coal Communities, Ukrainian media reported.

"The signing of this memorandum is an important step, as it consolidates joint efforts of various agencies," Ukrainian media quoted Deputy Environment Protection and Natural Resources Minister Victoria Kireyeva as saying.

Ukraine needs to draw investment, support local communities, and help them switch to alternative energy sources amid the crisis and during the post-crisis recovery, she said.

"This document lays the groundwork for comprehensively addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the coal-producing regions," Kireyeva said.

The memorandum is designed to promote cooperation between parties in the process of a fair transformation of coal regions, placing an emphasis on addressing economic, social, and environmental problems arising with the declining coal production and the gradual closure of coal-producing and related businesses.

The memorandum identifies as key areas of work promoting investment development of coal-dependent communities, improving the living conditions for their residents, developing high-quality and convenient infrastructure, facilitating a transition to alternative energy sources, improving energy efficiency in the housing and utilities sector, fostering the emergence of points of economic growth, taking into account the existing economic potential and human resources for diversifying local economies, holding consultations on repurposing vocational education institutions, and addressing environmental problems.

The forum was organized and the memorandum was signed with support from the German Society for International Cooperation and the Ukrainian government.