Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Ukraine on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection, Washington, 1992

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The Government of the United States of America and the Government of Ukraine, hereinafter the ‘Parties,’

Attaching great significance to the problem of environmental protection and to the prevention of the degradation of nature,

Recognizing the wholeness and integrity of the environment and the global nature of many environmental problems,

Conscious of their responsibilities for the environmental safety of their nations,

Deeply convinced that environmental protection is an essential aspect of a nation's development,

Noting that cooperation in the field of environmental protection is an important and necessary element in strengthening bilateral relations for the benefit of the peoples of both nations;

Have agreed as follows:

The Parties shall develop and carry out mutually beneficial and long-term cooperative activities in the field of environmental protection and the efficient use of natural resources.

The Parties, through their respective agencies, may enter into implementing arrangements, as appropriate, for cooperation in the field of environmental protection in the following areas:

Control of air, soil, and water pollution due to waste, toxic substances, pesticides, or other contaminants;

Observation and monitoring of environmental quality;

Environmental emergencies;

Analysis of human health risks arising from environmental influences;

Radiation exposure and monitoring;

Economic, and administrative aspects of environmental protection work;

Environmental education; and

Other areas as agreed by the Parties.

Cooperation of the Parties under such implementing arrangements may include the following:

Joint projects and programs;

Exchange of information and documentation;

Organization of conferences, consultations, seminars, and meetings of experts;

Training and instruction of personnel;

Exchange of experts, specialists, and trainees; and

Creation of a center for environmental education and information in Kiev.

The Parties shall encourage, wherever it is appropriate and feasible, the general development of direct contacts and cooperation in the field of environmental protection between state, civic and private organizations, institutions, companies, foundations, and individual citizens of the two Parties.

This Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations of either Party under other agreements arising from previously concluded international agreements in force between them.

The Parties shall consult, at the request of either Party, on any matter within the scope of this Agreement. If after such consultations a dispute exists between the Parties over the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, the Parties shall seek to resolve such dispute by negotiations between them.

All activities under this Agreement shall be subject to the applicable laws and regulations of the Parties. The obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall be subject to the availability of funds and personnel of each Party.

This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature and remain in force for five years, after which it shall be automatically extended for successive five year periods. This Agreement may be terminated by either Party on six months written notice through diplomatic channels. Termination shall not affect the validity or duration of activities commenced under this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

DONE at Washington, in duplicate, this seventh day of May, 1992, in the English and Ukrainian languages, each text being equally authentic.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: William K. Reilly

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF UKRAINE: Yuriy Shcherbak