AGP Executive Report

Belarus Environment Shake-up: President Lukashenka appointed Maksim Lysenka as the new minister of natural resources and environmental protection, replacing Siarhei Maslyak (detained in March over alleged bribery). Lukashenka also demanded “order in nature” and results from the ministry. Weather Watch: Forecasters issued an orange-level storm warning for Minsk and Vitsyebsk, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and fog possible. Regional Aid for Disasters: Belarus delivered over 27 tonnes of relief supplies to Vietnam’s Quang Tri province for disaster-affected residents, including food and bedding. Cross-border Air Alert (Baltics): Lithuania temporarily restricted flights at Vilnius Airport after an aerial threat alert; the suspected drone was later identified as a weather balloon, though NATO fighters had been scrambled. Food Safety Trade Shock: Russia announced a sweeping ban on many imports from Armenia (including seeds, plants, soil, timber and some food) tied to pest detections, with plans to block transit through Belarus and other routes.

Weather Watch in Belarus: Forecasters issued an orange-level storm warning for Minsk and Vitsyebsk, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, fog, and squally gusts expected overnight and during the day. Belarusian Environment Shake-up: President Lukashenka appointed Maksim Lysenka as new minister of natural resources and environmental protection, after dissatisfaction with the ministry’s work; he also reshuffled leadership across environment, industry, and transport. Flood Response Abroad (Belarus aid): Belarus delivered over 27 tonnes of relief supplies to disaster-affected residents in Vietnam’s Quang Tri province, including food and bedding. Armenia–Russia Trade & Biosecurity: Russia announced a sweeping ban on many Armenian imports (food, seeds, plants, soil/peat, fertilizers, timber and more), citing pest detections, and said it may also block transit through Belarus and other neighbors. Energy Costs Lens: A new global ranking highlights how electricity prices vary wildly, with Europe and fuel-importing islands often at the top of the most expensive list. EU Migration Rules: The EU’s new migration and asylum pact starts rolling out, with member states expected to adapt laws and border capacity.

Severe Weather in Belarus: An orange alert is out for June 11, with thunderstorms across much of the country and heavy downpours in places; Minsk may also see squally winds with gusts up to 15–20 m/s. Forest Cover Watch: A new ranking puts Finland at the top of Europe’s most forested countries (74% of land), with Sweden close behind (69%); Belarus is listed at 43%, showing how land use and climate shape the region’s ecosystems. Belarus in International Aid: Belarus delivered over 27 tonnes of disaster relief to Vietnam’s Quang Tri province, including food and bedding, after natural disasters—another reminder of how climate shocks ripple across borders. Energy Costs Snapshot: A data roundup ranks residential electricity prices worldwide, highlighting how policy and fuel access drive big differences—Europe features prominently among the highest-cost markets. Belarus-Linked Agriculture Deal: Belarusian agricultural equipment is being supplied to Ghana under a major procurement arrangement, supporting mechanised farming and fertiliser-related capacity.

Belarus Weather Watch: An orange alert is in place for June 11, with thunderstorms across much of the country, heavy downpours in some areas, and squally winds (gusts up to 15–20 m/s), including in Minsk. Forest & Land Use: A new ranking highlights Europe’s most forested countries, with Finland leading and Belarus at 43% forest cover—useful context as climate, pests, and wildfires keep pressure on woodland management. Biodiversity & Biosecurity: Russia is set to ban most food, seeds, flowers, wood and fertilizer imports from Armenia, citing pest detections (including khapra beetle) and extending restrictions to soil, peat, organic fertilizers, timber and even wooden packaging—plus plans to block transit through Belarus and other neighbors. Disaster Response Links: Belarus delivered over 27 tonnes of relief supplies to Vietnam’s Quang Tri after disasters, including bedding and food items, showing continued cross-border support during extreme events. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Belarus-linked procurement is also making news abroad: Ghana secured 1,840 agricultural machines from Belarus as part of mechanisation and food-security efforts.

Belarus Weather Watch: An orange alert is in place for June 11, with thunderstorms expected across much of the country and heavy downpours in some areas; squally winds with gusts up to 15–20 m/s are possible, including in Minsk. Wildlife & Land Use: Belarus is planning to expand the hunting list for several wildlife species, a move that could reshape local biodiversity management. Forests Snapshot: A new ranking puts Belarus among Europe’s more forested countries, with forests covering about 43% of Belarus—useful context as climate change, pests, and wildfires raise pressure on woodland ecosystems. Catholic Church Pressure: Belarus has expelled several Polish Catholic priests by refusing to renew residency permits, adding to concerns about growing administrative pressure on religious communities. Regional Climate Risk Link: Flooding reports from Salihorsk and Slutsk follow heavy rain, underscoring how extreme weather is hitting Belarusian communities and drainage systems.

Belarus Climate & Weather: Belhydromet expects summer in Belarus to be warmer than average (up to 60% chance of positive temperature anomaly) but with precipitation mostly below normal, with the driest outlook in the far southwest (up to 75%). Wetlands & Biodiversity: A new look at peatlands shows they’re being treated as “natural barriers” in border defence planning across the Baltic region, linking climate action and biodiversity with security needs. Forestry: A data roundup ranks Europe’s most forested countries, placing Belarus among the more wooded states (about 43% forest cover). Belarus–Ghana Agriculture: Belarusian agricultural machinery is set to support Ghana’s mechanisation push: President Mahama says Ghana has ordered 1,840 units for Farmer Service Centres, aiming to boost food security under the Feed Ghana programme. Catholic Church Pressure: Belarus has expelled several foreign Catholic clergy by refusing residency permit renewals, part of a wider tightening of rules for foreign priests. NATO/Drone Risk Near Belarus: Lithuania reported a drone scare tied to routes that can pass through Belarus and Russia, underlining ongoing cross-border security pressure.

Belarus–Ghana Green Trade Push: President John Dramani Mahama’s Belarus visit is tied to concrete agriculture deals: Ghana has secured procurement of 1,840 pieces of agricultural equipment/machinery for mechanisation and Farmer Service Centres under the Feed Ghana Programme, with Belarus highlighted for machinery and fertiliser strengths. Flood Risk Governance: After Accra floods, Mahama ordered NADMO to map flood-prone and restricted waterways and assess protected lands, warning that illegal construction and poor environmental practices are worsening impacts. Wetlands as Protection (and Policy): A new look at peatlands frames wetlands as natural barriers that can support biodiversity and water storage while complicating movement—now being discussed in Baltic border-defence planning. Belarus Environment Forecast: Belarus is expected to see warmer-than-average summer air temperatures, while precipitation is likely below normal in many regions, with the driest outlook in the far southwest. Catholic Pressure in Belarus: Belarus expelled/pressured foreign Catholic clergy by refusing residency permit renewals, adding to concerns about growing administrative pressure on the Church. Arctic Shipping Watch: Russia says it won’t ban Western use of the Northern Sea Route, with Arctic shipping and new icebreakers in focus—an environmental and climate-linked corridor to watch.

Climate Outlook for Belarus: Belhydromet expects summer to run warmer than the long-term average across most of Belarus, with precipitation likely below normal in many regions (near-normal only in parts of the northeast). Wetlands Under Pressure: A European debate is growing over using bogs and peatlands as “natural barriers” in border defence, while also highlighting their role in carbon storage and water retention. Flood Risk Governance (Ghana, with Belarus link): President John Dramani Mahama ordered a nationwide assessment of flood-prone and restricted lands in Accra, pointing to illegal construction in waterways, blocked drainage, and waste dumping into drains as key drivers of worsening floods. Belarus–Ghana Agriculture Deal: During a state visit to Minsk, Mahama secured an agreement for 1,840 pieces of Belarus-made agricultural equipment, framed as support for mechanisation and Farmer Service Centres under the Feed Ghana programme. Cross-border Security Spillover: Lithuania reported repeated drone and balloon incidents tied to the Belarus–Russia route, including a contraband balloon case that disrupted flights and triggered investigations. China–Belarus Cooperation: Chinese VP Han Zheng said China is ready to deepen and coordinate development strategies with Belarus, reinforcing the “all-weather” partnership.

Church Pressure: Belarus has expelled several Polish Catholic clergy by refusing to renew residency permits, including priests from Pinsk, Vitebsk and the Minsk-Mohilev archdiocese—an escalation of state pressure on a church with long-standing Polish ties. Weather & Flood Risk: Belhydromet forecasts a warmer-than-average summer but drier conditions across much of Belarus; meanwhile an orange alert warns of thunderstorms, squalls and heavy rain, with emergency crews already pumping water in Salihorsk and Slutsk and reporting fallen trees in Gomel. Agriculture Modernisation: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama announced an order for 1,840 Belarus-made agricultural machines under the Feed Ghana programme, aiming to boost mechanised farming and food security. Biodiversity & Land Use: The Economy Ministry is proposing new rules for gardening associations, including limits on renting garden houses for short-term stays when it comes to hosting events and services that can create noise and smoke pollution. Trade & Environment Links: A draft decree on gardening associations highlights how everyday land use can drive local environmental impacts like smoke from barbecues and bonfires. Cross-border Smuggling by Balloon: Latvia reported a weather balloon carrying 20,000 Belarus-made cigarettes, triggering a criminal investigation—another reminder of how contraband routes keep disrupting the region.

Severe Weather Watch: Belarus issued an orange alert for Monday as thunderstorms, heavy rain, and squally winds are expected, with emergency crews already responding to flooding in Salihorsk and Slutsk and reporting fallen trees in Gomel region. Gardening Rules: The Economy Ministry has opened public discussion on a draft decree tightening how garden associations can rent out houses short-term, aiming to curb noise and “environmental pollution” from activities like barbecues, bonfires, and sauna services. Belarus–China Cooperation: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met Belarusian leaders in Minsk, pledging to deepen ties and align development strategies, with Belarus highlighting the “all-weather” partnership and projects such as the Great Stone Industrial Park and cooperation in AI, engineering, and science. Waste & Recycling Links: Belarusian Prime Minister Aliaksandr Turchin visited a major waste processing and recycling facility in Bishkek, where Belarusian equipment helped build a sorting line and a plant designed for large-scale solid waste processing with energy generation. Wildlife & Hunting Policy: Belarus is set to expand its hunting list for several wildlife species, adding pressure points for biodiversity management. Cross-border Air Safety: Lithuania temporarily shut Vilnius Airport overnight after suspected contraband balloon incursions, with reports saying balloons may have crossed from Belarus.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Belarus’ Emergency Situations Ministry reports an orange alert after thunderstorms and heavy rain caused fallen trees in Gomel Region and flooding in Salihorsk and Slutsk, with crews pumping water from residential properties. Air Safety & Pollution Risk: Vilnius Airport shut overnight after suspected contraband balloon activity linked to Belarus; six flights were disrupted and authorities are searching for the balloons, a reminder of recurring illegal deliveries that can also create environmental and safety hazards. Wildlife Management: Belarus plans to expand the hunting list for several wildlife species, including foxes and raccoons, citing rapidly increasing populations in western areas. Local Environment Rules: The Economy Ministry is seeking public input on new restrictions for gardening associations, including limits on renting garden houses for short-term events that can bring noise and smoke pollution. Biodiversity & Animal Welfare: Minsk’s Fauna Goroda shelter denies kennel overcrowding claims tied to a planned dog tax, saying capacity is not exceeded and no animals were surrendered because of the tax. Green Diplomacy & Food Systems: During Belarus’ high-level ties with China, officials highlighted cooperation in agriculture and industrial projects; meanwhile Ghana’s state visit to Minsk produced MoUs covering trade, chambers of commerce, and agriculture, with agro-processing cooperation also spotlighted.

Climate Justice & Human Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted a climate resolution tied to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion, stressing states’ legal duties to prevent environmental harm and framing climate action as a human rights issue. Belarus Environment & Wildlife: Belarus plans to expand the hunting list for several wildlife species, while Minsk’s temporary animal shelter says dog-tax claims of overcrowding are overstated. Waste & Circular Economy: Belarusian Prime Minister Aliaksandr Turchin visited Bishkek’s waste sorting and eco-technological plant, praising a closed-loop system that sorts recyclables and turns processed waste into electricity. Belarus-China Cooperation: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met Belarus PM Alexander Turchin in Minsk, reaffirming support for the Belt and Road and major projects like the China-Belarus Industrial Park. Energy & Food Security: A Belarus-linked discussion of fertilizer shocks highlights how disruptions in global supply chains can push up food prices and strain agriculture. Local Weather Watch: An orange alert warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds across Belarus, including Minsk. Media & Accountability: Green Network named winners of the Green Award for Belarusian environmental reporting, spanning climate, energy security, biodiversity and Chornobyl coverage.

Biodiversity & Climate Journalism: Green Network named winners of the Green Award for Belarusian environmental reporting, spotlighting work on Chornobyl, energy security, climate adaptation in cities, and urban bats. Waste & Recycling: Belarusian PM Aliaksandr Turchyn toured Bishkek’s waste-sorting and eco-technological plant, praising a “closed-loop” system that sorts recyclables and turns waste into electricity, with Belarus-made equipment playing a key role. Wildlife Management: Belarus’ forestry minister authorized hunting of foxes and raccoons as their numbers rise, especially in western regions. Dog Tax Fallout: Minsk’s Fauna Goroda shelter denied kennel overcrowding claims tied to the planned July 1 dog registration and tax, saying capacity is far from full and no animals were surrendered because of the fee. Weather Watch: An orange alert warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds across Belarus on June 6, including possible downpours in Minsk. International Cooperation (Agro/Industry): Belarus and China reaffirmed plans to deepen ties in Minsk, including Belt and Road projects and the China-Belarus Industrial Park, while Ghana’s president visited Belarusian agro-processing sites in Brest as part of food-security cooperation.

Climate & Food Security: With US-Iran tensions and a Strait of Hormuz blockade threatening urea shipments, fertilizer prices are spiking and could hit crop yields and food costs far beyond the region. Belarus Environment Journalism: Green Network named winners of the Green Award for reporting on climate change, energy security, biodiversity and the Chornobyl legacy, including stories on heatwave impacts in Belarusian cities and bats in urban areas. Waste & Recycling: Belarusian PM Alexander Turchin toured Bishkek’s waste-sorting and eco-technological plant, highlighting a “closed-loop” approach and Belarus-made sorting equipment. Local Animal Welfare: Minsk’s Fauna Goroda shelter says kennels are not overcrowded despite the planned July 1 dog tax, after volunteers reported a temporary crunch and then freed up space. Wildlife Management: Belarus plans to expand the hunting list for species like foxes and raccoons due to rising populations, especially in western regions. Weather Watch: An orange alert warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds across Belarus on June 6, including possible downpours in Minsk.

Radioactive Waste Plan: Belarus says it will complete an environmental impact assessment and hold public consultations this year for a new radioactive waste disposal facility, then pick a site and move to design and state reviews, aiming for construction and commissioning by the end of 2030. Climate & Adaptation: Belarus issued an orange weather alert for June 6, warning of thunderstorms, heavy downpours and strong gusts, including in Minsk. Waste & Recycling Cooperation: Belarusian PM Aliaksandr Turchin visited Bishkek’s waste-sorting and eco-technological waste processing plant, praising a “closed-loop” system that sorts municipal waste and sends recyclables for further processing, with electricity generation from waste. Wildlife Management: Belarus’ forestry ministry authorized hunting of foxes and raccoons as their numbers rise, especially in western regions. Local Animal Welfare: Minsk’s Fauna Goroda shelter denies kennel overcrowding tied to the planned dog tax, saying capacity is far from full and no animals were surrendered because of the tax. Environmental Journalism: Green Network named winners of the Green Award, highlighting reporting on Chornobyl impacts, energy security, climate adaptation in cities, and biodiversity—especially bats in winter. Belarus-Kyrgyzstan Regions Forum: Belarus and Kyrgyzstan plan a regions forum in Minsk this autumn, with talks also touching infrastructure and technology cooperation.

Waste & Recycling: Belarus PM Alexander Turchin toured Bishkek’s waste-sorting and eco-technological plants, highlighting a “closed cycle” approach: a sorting line already operating since Dec 2025 and a facility planned to reach up to 3,000 tons of waste per day with 90 MW electricity generation. Wildlife Management: Belarus plans to expand the hunting list for several species, including foxes and raccoons, citing rapid population growth in the west. Nuclear Waste Planning: Belarus says it will complete an environmental impact assessment and public consultations this year for a radioactive waste disposal facility, with site selection and design work stretching into 2030. Transport Emissions Incentives: Lukashenka signed a decree exempting newly imported Euro 5 (or higher) trucks and trailers from the 2026 recycling fee, aiming to modernize fleets for international competitiveness. Environmental Journalism: Green Network named winners of the Green Award for Belarusian reporting on climate change, energy security, biodiversity and Chornobyl impacts, including work on heatwave adaptation and urban bats. Climate Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing states’ legal duties to prevent climate harm, while noting continued persecution of climate and environmental activists.