International Scientific and Technological Cooperation for Environmental Protection

Abstract

The paper deals with issues of international scientific and technological cooperation for environmental protection. The legal platform for cooperation in the field of science and technology (STC) between states is an international treaty. At the same time, the search for an optimal model of international STC requires considering the features of scientific and technological development at the present stage. The development of an international STC for environmental protection is linked to the task of finding the most promising and convenient forms of such cooperation. Along with international agreements on global scientific projects, STC for environmental protection is actively developing at the bilateral level. The paper defines the features of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding in the development of scientific and technological cooperation for environmental protection. STC issues for optimal implementation of international environmental obligations are considered. Serious natural disasters present challenges when it is necessary to understand the scientific basis of decisions made by different countries and to improve the exchange of data and information. This determines the direction and activity of STC in relation to the prevention and overcoming of the consequences of environmental emergencies, which is emphasized in the paper. While STC between developed and developing countries has traditionally taken the form of technical assistance, there are now new motivations and opportunities to support scientific cooperation for development and research capacity-building, especially for developing countries in the sense of focusing on real partnership. STC for environmental protection between developed and developing countries is analyzed. In conclusion, a summary of the prospects for STC for environmental protection is presented.