BELHYDROMET

On 21 October, the Belhydromet venue became a centre of attraction for young scientists, researchers and experts from leading environmental agencies and universities across the country. The youth scientific conference "Green ideas: women and the world of ecology" was held here, dedicated to women's leadership in science, sustainable development and practical eco-initiatives.

Welcoming remarks to the participants were delivered by Sergei Khilman, Head of Belhydromet; Olga Borisenok, Head of the Department of Environmental Policy, Science and Information of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection; Olga Bakinovskaya, Deputy Head of the Institute of Legal Studies of the National Centre for Legislation and Legal Research; Olga Kovzunova, Director of the Republican Unitary Enterprise "Central Research Institute for Complex Use of Water Resources"; and Nadezhda Batova, Head of the Sector of Ecological and Economic Research at the Institute of Economics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. They noted the contribution of young researchers to the discussion of topical areas — from lowland bogs to ecosystem services — and wished the participants heated discussions and creative ideas for promoting the principles of the green economy and circularity.

The conference programme covered the most topical areas of modern ecology. Speakers addressed women's leadership in ecology and the "green" economy, and the problems of greenwashing in marketing and consumer protection. Special attention was given to the conservation of lowland bogs and the landscape greening indices of Minsk, recycling, new-generation composites and the introduction of reusable containers. Applied issues were not left aside either: GIS inventory of water bodies, the impact of de-icing agents, and agroecology — from crop resilience to water scarcity to salt stress in plants. Participants also touched upon environmental education on social media and environmental policy as a scientific discipline.

The results of the busy scientific day were summarised by Elena Meleshkova, Deputy Head of the Department of Environmental Policy, Science and Information of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. She emphasised the high practical significance of youth research for the environmental future of Belarus.

Congratulations to all the speakers on their brilliant presentations!

Science inspires, unites and changes the world for the better.