Environmental Security: the Sixth Conference in Continuation of the First Peace Summit Was Held in Helsinki

A conference on Environmental Security, part of the Peace Formula, took place in Helsinki with representatives from 60 countries discussing the environmental repercussions of Russian aggression in Ukraine. Key highlights included:

1. **Environmental Damage**: Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office, noted extensive harm to Ukraine’s environment, including mined soil and contaminated water.
2. **Food Security Threat**: Ukraine’s status as one of the most mined countries jeopardizes global food security due to its agricultural significance.
3. **Need for Cooperation**: Yermak called for international collaboration to address environmental challenges and establish accountability for damages.
4. **Incorporating Environmental Protection into Security**: He stressed the necessity of integrating environmental considerations into security policies.
5. **Economic Impact**: Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal estimated Ukraine’s ecological damage at $65 billion and warned of a prolonged recovery period.
6. **Support from Finland**: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed Finland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and criticized Russia’s conduct.
7. **Green Principles for Recovery**: Minister Svitlana Grynchuk advocated for the development of green principles for rebuilding Ukraine’s economy.
8. **Prosecution of Environmental Crimes**: Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin reported 222 criminal cases related to environmental crimes, including ecocide.
9. **Global Accountability for Environmental Crimes**: Finnish Minister Kai Mykkänen underscored the need for international recognition of ecological war crimes.
10. **Future Initiatives**: This event is part of ongoing efforts leading to future Peace Summits, aimed at addressing all facets of the Peace Formula.

Overall, the conference fostered international unity in addressing the environmental fallout of the war and highlighted the importance of accountability and sustainable recovery.