sustainability

Article
International Collaboration in the Field of
Environmental Protection: Trend Analysis and
COVID-19 Implications
Yelizaveta Chernysh 1, * and Hynek Roubík 2, *
1 Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection Technologies, Sumy State University,
40007 Sumy, Ukraine
2 Department of Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences,
16500 Prague, Czech Republic
* Correspondence: e.chernish@ssu.edu.ua (Y.C.); roubik@ftz.czu.cz (H.R.); Tel.: +380-542-331-205 (Y.C.);
+420-22438-2487 (H.R.)




Received: 15 November 2020; Accepted: 9 December 2020; Published: 11 December 2020


Abstract: This paper focuses on the analysis of current cooperation trends in environmental protection
research. A unified system of interrelations between research methods in the field of implementation
of the bibliometric approach to the review of international cooperation in the field of environmental
protection taking into account the consequences of the COVID-2019 pandemic was formed. To form a
unified visualization of the analyzed bibliometric data, a special software product VOSViewer was
used. Five clusters were defined: green—international cooperation for assessing risks to public health,
in particular in the field of biosafety and the spread of social infections, with a focus on COVID-19,
in 2019 and 2020; yellow—describes the related interaction between other clusters in the field of
national and international mechanisms of cooperation in the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions
and climate change; blue—brings together research areas in the field of economics of environmental
management and control. The situation concerning the impact of the COVID-2019 pandemic is
ambiguous, and it is crucial to recognize that this is a long-term period of impact, not only directly on
public health but also due to economic and social constraints, as quarantine activities cause a chain of
socio-economic crises. The problems of the environmental and economic spread of COVID-19 on
various human activities and the environment require the development of this topic and the formation
of a new cluster of interactions due to the wave dynamics of disease in the future. Broad cooperation
and collaboration is proposed to address the challenges and accelerate sustainable development in
Europe. A diagram of the main cooperation programs has been created, illustrating the overlap
of the entire field, from basic research to the market. Further analytical studies will examine the
effectiveness of cross-analysis using various scientometric databases to form an integrated approach
to the new realities of quarantine activities.

Keywords: environmental protection; international cooperation; COVID-19; bibliometric analysis;

visualization software; clusters

1. Introduction
The international importance of global issues requires finding concrete measures to maintain the
stability of ecological systems. Cross-border transport leads to the spread of pollution from one state to
the territory of a neighboring state. The homogeneity of the biosphere processes and the conditionality
of the municipal borders lead to the fact that no exemplary power in terms of careful treatment of
nature, with the most effective environmental legislation and law-abiding inhabitants, can be protected
from the deterioration of the properties of water, air, land, animal and plant life. Therefore, it is not

Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384; doi:10.3390/su122410384 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 2 of 17

enough to improve the legislation and system of nature management exclusively in one’s own country;
it is also necessary to promote international cooperation and international legislation governing the
common efforts of all countries in the field of nature protection [1].
The protection of the environment from harmful impacts implies two main directions [2]:

(i) control (monitoring);

(ii) management (economic measures of environmental regulation).

The implementation of these activities on a planetary scale will not be possible without the close
cooperation of as many states as possible in the field of environmental protection.
Thus, there are several challenges and obstacles to sustainable development. These and other
issues were on the agenda of the Rio+20 international conference (The United Nations Conference on
Sustainable Development (UNCSD)), the main topics of which were [2]:

(i) building a green economy to achieve sustainable development and overcome poverty; helping
developing countries to shift to a green development path;
(ii) improving the coordination of international efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.

Effective international cooperation in the field of environmental protection will not be possible
without the active participation of international organizations. Such participation is necessary because
of certain features of environmental issues.
Firstly, modern science is not yet able to answer questions related to the mechanism of human
impact on nature and how it addresses emerging issues. Extensive and costly research is required,
the success of which depends in no small part on the existence of permanent global and regional
systems for the exchange of scientific information and environmental monitoring [3].
Secondly, given that international agreements are now one of the main forms of the response of the
international community to environmental issues, the usual slowness of states in their development,
conclusion, and ratification cannot be overlooked. It is thought that traditional diplomacy has
largely exhausted itself concerning environmental issues and should be replaced by new normative
mechanisms capable of responding adequately to the rapid changes in the state of the environment and
the level of scientific knowledge about nature. It is also important to note that the implementation of
the international legal obligations already undertaken by states remains highly relevant. To increase the
effectiveness of environmental conventions, it is necessary, on the one hand, that the obligations of the
parties be more specific and, on the other hand, that there be bodies to monitor their implementation,
such as those established under international agreements [4].
Thirdly, environmental problems are characterized by their close, objectively related relationship
to economic development, population control, and poverty reduction. This means that the adoption
of measures aimed at overcoming negative environmental trends must take into account social,
demographic, and economic factors.
Fourthly, it is important to assess the impact of the pandemic dynamics of COVID-2019 on the
processes of international cooperation in the field of environmental security, as it is a new challenge
that has affected the world economy and the social priorities of entire states.
We decided to take bibliometric analysis as the main approach to studying the analysis of
current trends in environmental research cooperation. It should be noted that an effective tool for the
implementation of bibliometric analysis of the scientometric space are programs for visualization of
trends in the development of scientific knowledge. Thus, in the work of Yi-Ming Guo et al. (2019)
bibliometric analysis was applied using the VOSViewer visualization software to review the area related
to “smart cities” from the point of view of regular publications, the main field of activity of “smart cities”
researchers, and consider possible directions of development of this subject [5]. Wenjie Zhang and
Hongping Yuan (2018) analyzed the topic of research in the field of energy performance contracting and
formed mechanisms to implement project cooperation in this area, defining a network of relationships
with the use of bibliometric analysis and the VOSViewer software [6]. The research methodology of
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 3 of 17

Josué Briones-Bitar et al. (2020) consisted of the following stages: data compilation, software and data
cleaning, and analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Moreover, it allowed the authors to assess
disaster risks and to analyze the limitations of current research to shape the future direction of new
research [7]. Dorin Maier et al. (2020) provided a bibliometric approach using visualization software to
review the development of sustainable innovation from the perspective of a more practical approach
with a commercialization component for new technologies, products or services, and entrepreneurship.
As a result, a basis was created for the subsequent synthesis of research results in the field of sustainable
innovation [8].
As can be seen, bibliometric analysis of research trends is very widely used in various areas of
scientific knowledge, in particular, sustainable social development and the introduction of new areas of
cooperation for innovation development. Therefore, we believe that the bibliometric approach can be
effectively applied to the analysis of international cooperation in the field of environmental protection.
At the same time, it is necessary to note the importance of the issue of COVID-2019 influence in this area.
We have limited the scope of analysis of the bibliometric approach in the context of the research subject.
Of course, COVID-2019 has an extensive sphere of influence, that can be studied in different areas of
economic and social development, health care, and industrial potential. In this article, we intend to
delve deeper into the analysis of a specific research area related to international cooperation projects in
environmental issues that are affected by the COVID-2019 situation.
Therefore, this paper focuses on the analysis of current trends in cooperation in environmental
protection research. To achieve this aim, the following tasks were set: (i) analysis of the dynamics
of cooperation in the field of environmental research; (ii) visualization of the relationship in
international cooperation under environmental protection research taking into account the impact and
the implications of the COVID-19.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Methodological Approach

The bibliometric approach is a reliable methodological basis for analyzing trends in scientific
research in various fields. Bibliometric analysis was used to analyze the research results and publication
trends in the scientific field of international cooperation and environmental protection. It should
be noted that scientometry is a form of quantitative analysis based on specialized data sources.
Quantitative analysis is possible only if there are data sources relevant to the tasks being solved [9].
This can be done by analyzing the English-speaking segment of such global political information
and analytical resources as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, produced by Clarivate Analytics and
Elsevier, respectively. Research papers (including original papers and conference proceedings) are the
main type of publication, and English is the most widely used language, which is why this language
segment was chosen. The data obtained show the dynamics of changes in the number of publications
and relevant citations [10].
In this analysis, Scopus databases were used. Its resources make it possible to conveniently and
quickly track the citations of studies published in scientific journals. Both databases allow search
and sorting of results by expected parameters such as first author, citation, institution, the impact
factor, the h index, etc. [11]. It is worth mentioning the high correlation between these databases,
which has been studied in several works [11,12]. Of course, it is necessary to compare them when
in search of certain research areas. The Scopus database indexes journals, conference proceedings,
and books, but unlike WoS, it is not divided into separate databases, and Scopus covers more journals
than WoS [13].
To carry out the search in each database system, keywords under different topics were used,
in the following combinations: environment, international cooperation, environmental protection
and COVID.
The correct use of citation indexes and bibliometrics is essential for the following tasks [13]:
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 4 of 17

1. Find adequate information on the subject under study with the possibility of detailed analysis by
authors, organizations, countries, etc.
2. Analyze actual research directions and interrelations between different directions.
3. Obtain supporting objective data for the evaluation of research results.

We used the bibliometric analysis as the main approach for studying the area of international
cooperation on environmental
Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEWissues and the impact on this process. We can highlight the following
4 of 18

advantages of this method; it allows us to: integrate information about the subject area in a single
We used the bibliometric analysis as the main approach for studying the area of international
information
cooperation resource; obtain the
on environmental necessary
issues and the amount
impact onofthis
data on a particular
process. subject-oriented
We can highlight the followingtopic, ensure
the advantages
adequate displayof this method; it allows us to: integrate information about the subject area in a single for analysis
of the state of the subject area of research; and provide an opportunity
using information
information technologies.
resource; obtain the necessary amount of data on a particular subject-oriented topic,
ensure the adequate
Bibliometric displayofofscientometric
analysis the state of the subject area allows
databases of research; and provide anofopportunity
us—regardless our own ideas about
for analysis using information technologies.
the importance of the problem and the degree of its coverage in the media—to obtain real data on
Bibliometric analysis of scientometric databases allows us—regardless of our own ideas about
thethe
number of scientific publications on a particular issue, the sources of this information and the
importance of the problem and the degree of its coverage in the media—to obtain real data on the
publications
number of that mostpublications
scientific fully cover onit,a the authors
particular (their
issue, the publication
sources of thisactivity), theand
information assessment
the of the
articles by the scientific
publications community
that most fully cover it, (on
the bibliometrics), and eventually,
authors (their publication activity),based on all of of
the assessment thethe
above factors,
articles
to form by the scientific
a professional community
opinion on the(onenvironmental
bibliometrics), and eventually,
issues based on allcooperation
and international of the above in this field
thatfactors,
are mostto form a professional
significant opinion on the
and highlighted byenvironmental
scientists, as issues
well asand
theinternational
impact of thecooperation
current insituation with
this field that are most significant and highlighted by scientists, as well as the impact of the current
COVID-2019. The array of publications for bibliometric analysis in the field of international cooperation
situation with COVID-2019. The array of publications for bibliometric analysis in the field of
andinternational
environmental protection
cooperation in databasesprotection
and environmental such as Scopus and Web
in databases such of
as Science
Scopus andwasWebidentified
of on the
basis of specialized
Science was identified queries onbasis
on the a setofofspecialized
keywordsqueries
relatedonto theofareas
a set underrelated
keywords consideration
to the areasin the field of
environmental
under consideration studies, verified
in the field of by experts, with
environmental special
studies, attention
verified to the
by experts, withimpact of COVID. Further,
special attention
an to the impactresearch
empirical of COVID. Further, an
database empirical
(Figure 1) research
was formeddatabase (Figure
based on1)the
wassets
formed based on thespecified for
of keywords
sets of
this area. keywords specified for this area.

Online tools
•with the help of software
visualization of clusters of
•analysis of publishing •using an databases online tools interaction directions in the field
activity on the subject of to analyze statistical data on of environmental research at the
study for environmental publication activity in the field of international level
protection (on the international cooperation in •a general network visualization in
selected topic) in scientific environmental issues the field of international
periodicals, indexed by the cooperation and environmental
science-metric database • a basis for the study was
formed based on the sets of protection
keywords specified for this area, •a network visualization under
including "COVID" combinations of
“cooperation AND environmental
Database protection AND COVID”

Software
visualization

Figure 1. System of interrelation of research methods in the sphere of implementation of bibliometric

Figure 1. System of interrelation of research methods in the sphere of implementation of bibliometric
approach to the review of international cooperation in the environmental protection field taking into
approach to the review of international cooperation in the environmental protection field taking into
account
account theimpact
the ofthe
impact of theCOVID-2019
COVID-2019 pandemic.
pandemic.

AsAscan
canbebe seen fromFigure
seen from Figure 1, important
1, an an important
elementelement is the formation
is the formation of a unified of a unified
system of system
visualization of of
of visualization analyzed bibliometric
analyzed data, fordata,
bibliometric whichfor
a special
whichsoftware product,
a special VOSViewer,
software wasVOSViewer,
product,
wasused.
used.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 5 of 17

2.2. Visualization Software

VOSviewer is an open access program that can be used for various purposes. VOSviewer can be
used to create maps based on a data network. Maps are created using VOS mapping technology and
VOS cluster highlighting technology. VOSviewer can be used for viewing and investigating maps.
The program displays the map in various ways, each of which highlights its different aspects. It offers
features such as zoom, scroll, and search, that make it easy to thoroughly explore the map. VOSviewer
was originally conceived to analyze bibliometric networks. The program can be used, for example,
to create maps of publications, articles, or journals based on a social network or to create keyword
maps based on their simultaneous appearance on the network [14].
VOSviewer, developed by the Centre for Science and Technology Studies of the University of
Leiden (https://www.cwts.nl), was used to analyze and visualize the data obtained. The program
allows users to work with data from different sources (WoS, Scopus, Dimensions, CrossRef, Medline),
and it is regularly updated, distributed free of charge, and does not require installation.
The work with this program was carried out using the following protocol:
Step 1: Run the file VOSviewer.exe
Step 2. Choose to Create a map based on bibliographic data
Step 3: On the Scopus tab, specify the location of the CSV file.
Step 4: Choose, in the corresponding sections, Co-occurrence, All keywords, Full counting.
Step 5: The program analyzes the file and offers to enter the threshold of keywords to remove
very rare terms from the analysis.
Step 6: The program will offer to reduce the number of terms for which the calculation will be
performed to 1000. We refused this automatic setting and chose the full number (2441).
Step 7: VOSviewer offers a last look at the list of terms, with the possibility to edit it manually.
This is an important step, as it allows for the removal of terms which are too generic—such as human,
humans, article, male, female, etc. By removing uninformative terms, we increase the specificity of
links between publications, which should have a positive effect on the clustering result.
By default, the program identifies several large zones (clusters) in which different areas of research
are formed. In this case, as described in the report of van Eck and Waltman (2009) [15], the density
of the elements of a point on the map depends on both the number of neighboring elements and the
weight of these elements. The larger the number of adjacent elements and the smaller the distance
between these elements and the point of interest, the higher the density of the elements. Besides,
the greater the weight of neighboring elements, the higher the element density [15].
Thus, VOSviewer is a service for fast data processing from scientific citation indices and reference
databases, and for the reflection of existing links in the format used for the analysis of network structures.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Dynamics of Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Research

Figure 2 shows the changes in the number of publications by year in the journals that are indexed
in the Scopus database. If we look at the distribution of the share of publications by topics of
environmental cooperation (Figure 2) since 1974, there has been an increase in publication activity in
this area. Over the past decades, there has been a clear trend toward addressing many environmental
security issues at the inter-state level. The impetus for international cooperation on environmental
issues at the level of states was provided by the Stockholm Conference (1972) [16], and can also be
attributed to the increased interest in this topic in publications since the 80s of the last century.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 6 of 17
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Figure 2.
Figure 2. Publication
Publication activity
activity curve
curve over
over the
the years
years based
based on
on Scopus
Scopus database
database data by topics
data by topics of
of
environmental cooperation
environmental cooperation (1974–2019).
(1974–2019).

1982,the
In 1982, theUnited
UnitedNations
Nationsadopted
adopted the
the “World
“World Charter
Charter forfor Nature”,
Nature”, which
which proclaimed
proclaimed forfirst
for the the
first time at the international level the responsibility of mankind for the state of
time at the international level the responsibility of mankind for the state of nature. The Rio de Janeiro nature. The Rio de
Janeiro Conference
Conference adopted aadopted a policy document,
policy document, Agenda
Agenda 21 (1992), 21 (1992),
replacing replacing theenvironmental
the international international
environmental
action plan at the action plan from
transition at thethetransition
twentiethfromto thethe twentiethcentury.
twenty-first to the twenty-first century.over
Its implementation Its
implementation
the decade was over summedthe decade
up at thewasWorld
summed Forumup atin the World Forum
Johannesburg in Johannesburg
in 2002 as disappointingin 2002 as
[17].
disappointing
The “Humanity[17]. andThe “Humanity
Global Change”and Global
program is Change” program istobeing
being implemented implemented
explore to explore
the interrelationships
thethe
in interrelationships
“Human Environment in the “Human
for Life”Environment
system [18]. for Life” system [18].
When analyzing
When analyzingthe thecurve
curveof ofpublication
publicationactivity
activity(Figure
(Figure2),2),we
we can
can note
note thethe choice
choice of of
thethe period
period of
of data
data aggregation
aggregation sincesince
1990,1990,
wherewhere theoftrend
the trend of strengthening
strengthening and developing
and developing the conceptthe concept of
of sustainable
sustainable development
development in the world in the world is The
is determined. determined. The Fifth
Fifth Programme of Programme
Action for the of Environment
Action for the of
Environment
the Community, of adopted
the Community,
in 1993 and adopted in “Towards
entitled 1993 and sustainability”,
entitled “Towards wassustainability”,
fundamental inwas its
fundamental
content. in itsProgramme
The Fifth content. The of Fifth
Action Programme of Action adopted
for the Environment for the Environment
the EC concept adopted the EC
of sustainable
concept of sustainable development, which became the official UN strategy
development, which became the official UN strategy for mankind’s recovery from the environmental for mankind’s recovery
from after
crisis the environmental crisis afteron
the 1992 UN Conference theEnvironment
1992 UN Conference on Environment
and Development in Rio deand Development
Janeiro (Rio 92) [19].in
Rio de Janeiro (Rio 92) [19].
The new program of environmental actions, as a whole, aims to provide three conditions for
The new program
environmental actions inofthe
environmental
Community [20]: actions, as a whole, aims to provide three conditions for
environmental actions in the Community [20]:
(i) Integration of the needs of the environment into the various activities of the EU and implementation
(i) Integration
of the principle of of
theenvironmental
needs of theconditionality
environmentof into the various
Community activities
activities of in
as set out the EU and
Article 6 of
implementation of the principle
the Treaty establishing the EU; of environmental conditionality of Community activities as set
(ii) out in Article 6ofofactivities
Continuation the Treaty establishing
aimed at ensuringthe sustainable
EU; development;
(ii) Continuation of activities aimed at ensuring sustainable development;
(iii) Conducting environmental activities with a view to the current and future enlargement of the
(iii) Conducting environmental activities with a view to the current and future enlargement of the
European Union, i.e., accession of new states to it.
European Union, i.e., accession of new states to it.
The Programme also defines the main tasks of the organization in the field of international
The Programme also defines the main tasks of the organization in the field of international
cooperation on environmental issues and establishes the criteria for the formulation of environmental
cooperation on environmental issues and establishes the criteria for the formulation of environmental
policy based on the processing of relevant information and the acquisition of new data [4].
policy based on the processing of relevant information and the acquisition of new data [4].
Figure 3 shows the subject area of research on different sources of publications, which shows
Figure 3 shows the subject area of research on different sources of publications, which shows its
its connection with different scientific directions. Publications in the natural sciences, social sciences,
connection with different scientific directions. Publications in the natural sciences, social sciences,
and medicine are dominant. There is also interaction at the interface of sciences with a trend toward
and medicine are dominant. There is also interaction at the interface of sciences with a trend toward
engineering implementation of environmental solutions, development of green agriculture and
energy, and economic substantiation of environmental processes in transboundary cooperation.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 7 of 17

engineering implementation of environmental solutions, development of green agriculture and energy,

andSustainability
economic 2020, 12, x FOR PEER of
substantiation REVIEW
environmental processes in transboundary cooperation.
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7 of 18
7 of 18

3. The
FigureFigure 3. subject areaarea
The subject of publications
of publicationsininthe
thefield
field of international
internationalcooperation
cooperationandand environmental
environmental
Figure 3. The subject area of publications in the field of international cooperation and environmental
protection on Scopus database
protection on Scopus database data. data.
protection on Scopus database data.

As canAsbecanseen
be seen in Figure
in Figure 4, the
4, the mainsources
main sourcesofof research
research funding
fundingcancanbebe
attributed to the
attributed to National
the National
As can be seen in Figure 4, the main sources of research funding can be attributed to the National
Natural
Natural ScienceScience Foundation
Foundation of
of China China (485
(485 (485 publications),
publications), the European
the European Commission
Commission (210),
(210), (210), the
the National
Natural Science
National Foundation
Science Foundationof China
(193), the publications),
National the European
Institutes of Health Commission
(146), and the the
U.S.
Science Foundation
National Science (193), the National
Foundation Institutes
(193), the of Health
National (146), and
Institutes of the U.S. Environmental
Health (146), and Protection
the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (74).
Agency (74).
Environmental Protection Agency (74).

Figure 4. Sources of funding for publications in the field of international cooperation and
environmental protection on Scopus database data.
Figure
Figure 4. Sources
4. Sources of funding
of funding for publications
for publications in the
in the field field of international
of international cooperationcooperation and
and environmental
environmental
protection protection
on Scopus on Scopus
database data. database data.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 8 of 17

Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 18

China is actively involved in international cooperation in the field of environmental
protection [21,22],
China and involved
is actively the National Natural Science
in international Foundation
cooperation of China
in the field supports aprotection
of environmental financially
[21,22], and
significant the National
number Natural Science
of environmental Foundation
and conservation of China
projects supports
(Figure a financially
4), which affects thesignificant
publication
number
activity of environmental
of Chinese scientistsand conservation
(Figure 5). Today,projects (Figure 4),
the European which affects
Community theispublication
(EC) activity in
one of the leaders
of Chinese scientists
environmental (Figure
cooperation 5). European
in the Today, thecontinent,
Europeanwhile
Community (EC) is onepolicy
the environmental of theand
leaders in
activities
environmental cooperation in the European continent, while the environmental policy
of the Community are inextricably linked with global activities, in particular those conducted under and activities
theofauspices
the Community are inextricably
of the UN, in the field of linked with global protection
environmental activities, in[23].
particular
Basedthose
on theconducted
provisions under
of the
the auspices of the UN, in the field of environmental protection [23]. Based on the
founding treaty, EC practice in the field of ecology is based on a special medium-term environmentalprovisions of the
founding treaty, EC practice in the field of ecology is based on a special medium-term
action program. The Environmental Action Programme sets out specific goals and objectives which environmental
action program. The Environmental Action Programme sets out specific goals and objectives which
the Community can achieve and implement in the light of the current situation [24]. In general,
the Community can achieve and implement in the light of the current situation [24]. In general, the
the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as the National Science Foundation and the
United States Environmental Protection Agency, as the National Science Foundation and the
National Institutes of Health, supports different areas of cooperation in the field of environmental
National Institutes of Health, supports different areas of cooperation in the field of environmental
protection [25]. Accordingly, as can be seen in Figure 4, publication activity in the United States on
protection [25]. Accordingly, as can be seen in Figure 4, publication activity in the United States on
international cooperation
international cooperationandandenvironmental
environmental protection is the
protection is the highest
highestcompared
comparedtotoother
othercountries.
countries.

Figure 5. Distribution of countries with the highest rates of publication activity in the field of
Figure 5. Distribution of countries with the highest rates of publication activity in the field of
international cooperation and environmental protection according to data from the Scopus database.
international cooperation and environmental protection according to data from the Scopus database.

Climate
Climate change
change andand environmental
environmental degradation
degradation areare
an an existential
existential threat
threat to Europe
to Europe and and the
the world.
world. Accordingly, the European Green Deals aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and
Accordingly, the European Green Deals aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and promote
promote the comprehensive development of resource-efficient technologies [26].
the comprehensive development of resource-efficient technologies [26].
The General Secretariat of the Commission assesses whether new policy initiatives can afford to
The General Secretariat of the Commission assesses whether new policy initiatives can afford to
postpone their implementation because they are not directly related to COVID-19 or are considered
postpone their implementation because they are not directly related to COVID-19 or are considered
less important for the achievement of absolute key priorities (Table 1). On 7 April 2020, the priority
less important
actions of thefor theERAvsCorona
first achievementAction
of absolute key priorities
Plan were approved(Table 1). On
as a result of 7dialogues
April 2020, the priority
between the
actions
Commission’s services and national ministries [27]. It is important to create a single platform for thethe
of the first ERAvsCorona Action Plan were approved as a result of dialogues between
Commission’s services andresearch
exchange of SARS-CoV-2 nationaldata
ministries [27]. It is important
and COVID-19-related to create
information, a single
i.e., a singleplatform
scientificfor
theecosystem
exchangethat of SARS-CoV-2 research data and COVID-19-related information, i.e., a single
will enable the rapid exchange of data and research results in an open collaborative scientific
ecosystem
format inthat will enable the rapid exchange of data and research results in an open collaborative
real-time.
format in real-time.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 9 of 17

Table 1. Green policy initiatives and the impact of COVID-19. Based on data from [28].

Maintained Initiatives Initiatives Delayed Until 2021

Updated Sustainable Financing Strategy.
This is considered an important part of the
The new EU climate change adaptation strategy
Green Deal and a “key factor” in the
and the new EU forest strategy.
recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and
will, therefore, be preserved.
Consumer empowerment for “green” transition.
This initiative is an important element of the
A wave of renewal as a key element in any “Circular Economy” package, whose technical work
post-COVID recovery plan because of its is on schedule. However, this consumer
benefits to stimulate economic activity. empowerment initiative can be postponed until
2021 and can be complemented by circular
economic initiatives on sustainable products.
Climate Target 2030 is a “key element of
the Commission’s climate policy”.
However, with the move of the UN
ReFuelEU aviation fuel is sustainable aviation fuel
climate conference to Glasgow (COP 26),
and FuelEU marine green European maritime space.
additional time could be allocated to the
complex analytical work of developing
new targets.

For a subregion that is home to 36 percent of the world’s poor, the Agenda 2030 provides South
Asia with an opportunity to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life. The study of Kumar (2019)
shows that there is great potential for regional cooperation and coordination in the implementation
and monitoring of the Agenda 2030 among countries in South Asia to build productive capacities
through a coordinated industrial development strategy, harness the potential of regional value chains
by strengthening transport links and simplifying procedures, enhancing their collective energy and
food security, and building resilience to natural disasters [29]. However, the development of an
environmental safety net should be an integral basis for regional cooperation.
The current level of transboundary pollution of the natural environment and the global nature of
environmental problems, which require adequate preventive measures at the inter-state level, result in
the emergence of new non-traditional problems in international relations, such as [2]:
− development and operation of a global monitoring system for the natural environment and
its components.
− creating conditions for quality management in the field of environmental protection.
− development of international environmental management standards.
− establishment of an international environmental safety system.
− introduction in the practice of international relations of effective mechanisms of economic and
legal responsibility for environmental violations, which may cause degradation of environmental
components and subsequently lead to the loss of ecological balance.
− public access to reliable environmental information.
− coordination of international efforts with a view to transition to the model of sustainable
development of human civilization.
Environmental monitoring and assessment include [30]:
(i) assessment of the current quality of the environment in terms of environmental integrity, i.e.,
paying attention to the function and stability in the region.
(ii) assessment of the state of natural resources, development trend.
(iii) monitoring the history, status, and development of the major ecosystem and environmental
problems, such as the destruction of vegetation, desertification, endangered animals and plants,
natural disasters, declining land productivity.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 10 of 17

The structure of the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) created in this document relates mainly to the
following indicator from remote sensing, which has not considered social and economic statistics for
the PRS model implementation, and retains therefore some uncertainty about the interference of society.
Meanwhile, the remote sensing of data speaks to the strategy’s shortcomings and fragility. Due to the
population growth and economic development have, biodiversity conservation is facing an increasing
number of challenges [30,31]. The efficiency of restoring the ecological integrity of nature reserves
has become a critical issue of concern to society. For example, the work of Wu et al. (2016) examined
the existing nature parks and reserves that have been restored and conserved in large numbers in the
Mekong Subregion by ensuring the conservation of biodiversity through a corridor connecting the
divided habitat of wild animals [31].
A study by Bacon et al. (2020) identified the importance of the necessary conditions for both
cooperation and non-competitive partnership. Through a vaguely defined qualitative comparative
analysis (fsQCA) and configuration recipes for conditions, various configurations were identified as
necessary for both collaboration and non-competitive activities of the partnership in the context of
innovative ecosystems. However, there is no unified approach uniting all the trends of interaction
between partners in a consortium for the implementation of sustainable development goals of a
transboundary nature in environmental research [32].
The study by Bulmash (2019) demonstrates the impact of environmental values on employee
attitudes toward business owners and managers. It describes the impact of changing social values on
business and standards, with a focus on the increasing role of environmental movements around the
world [33].
The main cooperation programs can be presented in a diagram (Figure 6) that illustrates the
overlap of the entire field, from basic research to the market. A study by Planko et al. (2019) examines
strategies for cooperation for sustainable development at the network level. Companies implementing
innovative technologies and supporting sustainable development should collaborate with other
actors in the innovation ecosystem, including their competitors, so that they can develop standards,
interoperable products, pool knowledge as well as resources and join forces to compete with other
technologies [34]. A study by Rahmani et al. (2020) analyzed the different types of cooperation between
supply chain actors as an option to manage each of the channels more efficiently. This can be used at
the level of interaction with contractors performing certain jobs of an international consortium partner
(subcontracting) [35].
Thus, the main forms of international cooperation in the field of environmental protection, rational
use of natural resources, and environmental security include [2]:

− Parliamentary cooperation between states to address global and regional environmental issues,
the joint use of universal, multinational, and transboundary natural sites, and cooperation between
Governments for the implementation of international environmental programs and projects;
− Cooperation between individual countries and international environmental organizations to
coordinate joint environmental activities;
− International legal cooperation between countries to develop common approaches to solving
environmental problems and rational use of natural resources, as well as to prevent and eliminate
the negative consequences of the anthropogenic impact on the environment;
− Creation of special international environmental organizations;
− Organization and holding of international conferences and forums on environmental
protection issues;
− Exchange of experience, technologies, knowledge, and information in the field of environmental
protection and rational use of natural resources;
− Involving the public, public organizations, and business structures in international
environmental cooperation.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 11 of 17
Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 18

Figure 6. Programs to promote international cooperation, particularly applicable to the field of

Figure 6. Programs to promote international cooperation, particularly applicable to the field of
environmental protection.
environmental protection.
The Case of Ukraine in the Direction to the European Research Area
Thus, the main forms of international cooperation in the field of environmental protection,
One of the vectors of expansion of the Ukrainian research space is the direction to the European
rational use of natural resources, and environmental security include [2]:
Research Area (European Research Area–ERA, http://ec.europa.eu/research/era/eraprogress_en.htm).
An −ERAParliamentary
is a wide range cooperation between
of connections andstates to address global
communications, which and
areregional
beyondenvironmental
the geographical issues,
the of
boundaries joint use ofItuniversal,
Europe. multinational,
can be characterized and following
by the transboundary natural sites, and
main characteristics: cooperation
integration,
between
strengthening, Governments
structuring, for the of
stimulation implementation
investments inofR&D,international
education, environmental
employment, programs
expansion.and
projects;
These features form the main priorities of the ERA: more efficient national scientific systems; optimal
− Cooperation
transnational cooperation between individual countries
and competition; open laborand international
market environmental
for scientists; organizations
gender equality; optimal to
coordinate joint environmental activities;
exchange of scientific knowledge [36]. The ERA meets many current global challenges, for example,
− International
the creation of a single legal
digitalcooperation between
market in Europe countries to develop common approaches to solving
(https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/europe-
environmental problems and rational
2020-strategy). It is to meet the challenges and accelerate use of natural resources,
sustainable as well as
development in to prevent
Europe thatand
eliminate the
broad cooperation andnegative consequences
collaboration of the The
is proposed. anthropogenic impact on
main cooperation the environment;
programs at the ERA can
− Creation
be presented in a of special that
diagram international
illustratesenvironmental organizations;
the overlap between the whole field, from basic research
− market.
to the Organization
In 2015,and holding
Ukraine of international
became an associateconferences
member of and theforums on environmental
European Union’s Frameworkprotection
Programmeissues;
for Research and Innovation “Horizon 2020” (https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/yevropejska-
− Exchange of experience, technologies,
integraciya/ugoda-pro-asociacyu). This membershipknowledge, and information
gave Ukrainian in the
participants fieldstatus
equal of environmental
vis-à-vis
protection and rational use of natural resources;
their European partners and opened up opportunities to influence the content of the program.
− Involving the public, public organizations, and business structures in international
3.2. Visualization of the Relationship
environmental cooperation. in International Cooperation under Environmental Research
Figure 7 shows the visualization of interaction zones by keywords in publications on the theme of
The Case of Ukraine in the Direction to the European Research Area
international cooperation in environmental research and conservation. Five clusters were identified
(Figure 7):
Onegreen—international cooperation
of the vectors of expansion of the for assessing
Ukrainian risks space
research to public health,
is the in particular
direction in
to the European
the Research
field of biosafety and theResearch
Area (European spread of social infections,
Area–ERA, with a focus on COVID-19 in 2019 and
http://ec.europa.eu/research/era/eraprogress_en.htm).
2020;
Anyellow—describes
ERA is a wide rangethe related interaction
of connections andbetween other clusters
communications, whichin are
the beyond
field of the
national and
geographical
boundaries of Europe. It can be characterized by the following main characteristics: integration,
strengthening, structuring, stimulation of investments in R&D, education, employment, expansion.
These features form the main priorities of the ERA: more efficient national scientific systems; optimal
 3.2. Visualization of the Relationship in International Cooperation under Environmental Research
Figure 7 shows the visualization of interaction zones by keywords in publications on the theme
of international cooperation in environmental research and conservation. Five clusters were
identified (Figure 7): green—international cooperation for assessing risks to public health, in
Sustainability 2020, 12,
particular 10384
in the field of biosafety and the spread of social infections, with a focus on COVID-19 12
in of 17
2019 and 2020; yellow—describes the related interaction between other clusters in the field of national
and international mechanisms of cooperation in the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and
international mechanisms
climate change; of cooperation
blue—brings together in the regulation
research of greenhouse
areas in the gas emissions
field of economics and climate
of environmental
change; blue—brings
management and control.together research areas in the field of economics of environmental management
and control.

7. General
FigureFigure network
7. General visualization
network visualizationininthe
thefield
fieldofofinternational cooperation
international cooperation andand environmental
environmental
protection (constructed via VOSViewer v.1.6.15): 5 clusters, 69,682 links, 131,761 total link
protection (constructed via VOSViewer v.1.6.15): 5 clusters, 69,682 links, 131,761 total link strength
strength
(green—international cooperation for assessing risks to public health, in particular
(green—international cooperation for assessing risks to public health, in particular in the field of in the field of
biosafety
biosafety and the spread of social infections, with a focus on COVID-19 in 2019
and the spread of social infections, with a focus on COVID-19 in 2019 and 2020; yellow—describes and 2020; yellow—
the related interaction between other clusters in the field of national and international mechanisms of
cooperation in the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; blue—brings together
research areas in the field of economics of environmental management and control).

Central to the development of international cooperation in environmental protection is climate

change on the planet (Figure 7). Global temperatures can rise continuously in most parts of the world,
and changes in precipitation, extreme events, and sea-level rise will vary from place to place and
from year to year, similarly creating local, regional, and public emergencies that require a thoughtful
approach and international cooperation to manage them [37].
As stated in a study by Gaura et al. (2020), the creation of waste-free recycling facilities is quite
difficult, so strategies need to be adopted to reduce waste generation or convert it into high-quality
products. Under this approach, a number of national and international public authorities have
developed policies governing the purchase of raw materials, the production of goods, and the disposal
of waste. These policies focus more on the reuse and recycling of waste but give priority to waste
prevention. In this regard, the valorization of such industrial waste, which contains large quantities
of macromolecules and biologically active compounds, is an effective strategy to contribute to the
reduction of hazardous waste while ensuring the economic efficiency of the process through the
production of value-added products of industrial and social importance [38].
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 13 of 17

At the same time, cooperation in the commonwealth of industrial sector partners with scientific
organizations, within the framework of international programs, becomes more and more important for
the realization of innovative approaches in the sphere of environmental protection and climate change.
Results obtained by Liu et al. (2020) showed that developing countries share “common but
differentiated responsibilities” with developed countries, as emphasized in the Kyoto Protocol and the
Paris Agreement. Thus, at an early stage of economic growth and capital accumulation in developing
countries, developed countries need increased environmental investment to assist developing countries.
As developing countries continue to improve their economies, they can afford to invest in pollution
control, which will reduce the necessary environmental investments from developed countries.
Moreover, in this way, developing and developed countries can control pollution without significant
social losses to their well-being [39]. This study, conducted by Chinese scientists, characterizes China’s
development dynamics as having a significant economic potential, and that the development agenda
also includes environmental priorities. It should be noted that developing countries have very different
dynamics of economic potential, and with the quarantine activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,
funding for environmental research has declined significantly, as has a green investment.
For a more detailed consideration of the impact of COVID-19 on the trends of international
cooperation in the field of environmental research, the term “COVID” was added during the search
in the database, and a network of visualization of keyword interaction in publications was formed,
which is presented in Figure 8. Two clusters are highlighted here: a red cluster associated with research
on coronavirus infections and their pandemic spread, and international collaboration to counteract this
spread; a green cluster describes the current state of COVID-19 and increasing publication activity in
this research area. It should be noted that this direction considers the impact on human health and
refers moreSustainability
to the medical sciences.
2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 18

Figure 8. The network visualization under the combinations of “cooperation AND environmental
Figure 8. The network visualization under the combinations of “cooperation AND environmental
protection protection
AND COVID” constructed
AND COVID” via VOSViewer
constructed via VOSViewerv.1.6.15):
v.1.6.15): 22clusters,
clusters,91 91 links,
links, 452 link
452 total total link
strength (the red (the
strength cluster showing
red cluster research
showing researchon
oncoronavirus infections
coronavirus infections andpandemic
and their their pandemic
spread, andspread,
international collaboration to counteract this spread; the green cluster describes the current
and international collaboration to counteract this spread; the green cluster describes the current state of state of
COVID-19 COVID-19 and increasing publication activity in this research area).
and increasing publication activity in this research area).
At the same time, we analyzed current research in this area, in the context of the environmental,
and economic spread of COVID-19 and its impact on various human activities and the environment
will require the development of this topic and the formation of a new cluster of interactions in
publishing activities due to the wave dynamics of diseases in the future. As has been studied in many
papers [40–42], quarantine activities in themselves have had some positive impact on the
environment. Recent data republished by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 14 of 17

At the same time, we analyzed current research in this area, in the context of the environmental,
and economic spread of COVID-19 and its impact on various human activities and the environment
will require the development of this topic and the formation of a new cluster of interactions in
publishing activities due to the wave dynamics of diseases in the future. As has been studied in
many papers [40–42], quarantine activities in themselves have had some positive impact on the
environment. Recent data republished by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
and ESA (European Space Agency) show that the pollution of some epicenters of COVID-19, such as
China, Italy, Spain, the United States, etc., has decreased to 30 percent [40]. This is due to the effect
of quarantine measures introduced as a consequence of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and
is an example of its environmental and economic impact on social development. If COVID-19 had
not spread and restrictions had not been imposed on industrial facilities, there would have been no
reduction in environmental pollution. Therefore, these pollution reduction effects are directly related
to the reduction of pollution activities due to the introduction of quarantine measures to prevent the
spread of COVID-19.
As set out in the work of Manzanedo and Manning (2020) [37], the following changes in
collaboration may be useful in the future:

(i) To prevent climate change, it can be reported as an investment without the necessary returns,
just as most of us take out personal health insurance, where we accept the cost of protecting
ourselves from potential negative impacts that may never occur. Such actions should prevent
public resistance to costly climate change-related actions and the risk of inaction.
(ii) Data on the COVID-19 pandemic to date show that countries that have reported consistently
and seriously to the public about the consequences and risks of the pandemic (e.g., Germany,
New Zealand, South Korea) have been more effective in containing the disease than countries that
have denied or understated the risks and have reported inconsistently to the public (Manzanedo
and Manning, 2020) [37].

However, the situation with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is ambiguous, and it is crucial
to recognize that this is a long-term period of impact, not only on public health directly, but also
through economic and social constraints, and quarantine activities trigger a chain of socio-economic
crises, as seen in Ukraine. At the same time, funding for health and environmental protection programs
is significantly insufficient.
As stated in the study by Manzanedo and Manning (2020) [37], climate change governance faces
the same challenge as combating the COVID-19 epidemic—to report on the need for timely and decisive
action in the face of a distant threat aggravated by the global nature of the problem and the lack of
counter-examples between countries to demonstrate success. The work done during the COVID-19
crisis to maintain public confidence in scientists and to build public understanding of risk aversion
can help lay the foundation for efforts to build social momentum for preventive action to protect
against climate change. Such initiatives are needed to encourage policymakers to prioritize long-term
security over short-term costs and economic benefits [37]. The European Commission has developed
and approved a plan for Horizon Europe, which aims to increase EU funding for science by 50% over
the period 2021–2027, to overcome the crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19 [43]. To address the
long-term impact of COVID-19, the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and Central Asia is launching
BOOST, a regional program to accelerate social innovation. It will support new solutions in the digital,
economic and health fields [44].

4. Conclusions
This paper presents an analysis of the dynamics of international cooperation in the field of
environmental research, including a thematic area of research on different sources of publications,
which shows its connection with different scientific directions. Publications in the natural sciences,
social sciences, and medicine predominate. At the interface of sciences, there is also interaction with the
Sustainability 2020, 12, 10384 15 of 17

trend of engineering implementation of environmental solutions, development of “green” agriculture

and energy, and economic justification of environmental processes in transboundary cooperation.
The historical dynamics of formation of publishing activities in the field of international cooperation
on environmental problems, in particular climate change, is analyzed, and the main international
milestones of such cooperation and their impact on research in the field of environmental protection
are outlined.
With the help of VOSviewer, several large zones (clusters) have been identified in which different
areas of environmental research are being formed, taking into account the impact of COVID-19. At the
same time, as the zonal distribution in the process of visualizing the main clusters has shown, it is
the theme of climate change that is of primary importance in international cooperation, taking into
account the distribution trends of COVID-19. The situation concerning the impact of the COVID-2019
pandemic is ambiguous, and it is crucial to recognize that this is a long-term period of impact, not only
directly on public health but also due to economic and social constraints, as quarantine activities cause
a chain of socio-economic crises.
Further analytical studies will review the effectiveness of cross-sectional research using
different platforms of scientometric databases, in particular WoS, to form an integrated approach
to assess environmental trends and prospects for international cooperation in the new realities of
quarantine activities.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, methodology, formal analysis and writing—original draft preparation,
Y.C.; Conceptualization, writing—review and editing, funding acquisition, H.R. All authors have read and agreed
to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: The research is carried out as part of a research project of the Department of Ecology and Environmental
Protection Technologies, Sumy State University, according to the scientific and technical program of the Ministry
of Education and Science of Ukraine (state registration no. 0116U006606) (Y.C.). Furthermore, this research was
funded by the Internal Grant Agency of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences,
Prague, grant no. 20205008 (H.R.).
Acknowledgments: In addition, we are thankful to the Czech Development Cooperation, which enabled
this cooperation.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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