The fifth International scientific conference “The Problems of Exploitation of Natural Resources and Ecological Situation in the European part of the Russian Federation and Bordering Countries” was held at BelSU. The round table initiated by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation was devoted to the existing world ecological problems. Scientists and students from leading Russian and Ukrainian universities presented their researches and investigations. In the welcoming address to the participants, Andrey Peressypkin, Deputy Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation of BelSU, said that “the ideas introduced at the conference won't solely become resources for further discussion but will substantially contribute to development of ecology and natural resources exploitation globally”. Within the framework of the conference sessions, the scientists also discussed the issues of land and water use, atmospheric air protection, and biodiversity conservation. Hazardous situations that can pose a risk to environment in certain regions were also considered at the conference. “Serious problems can arise from gas output from compacted sands at the territory of Ukraine: the use of hydraulic fracturing may cause pollution of subsoil waters on the territory of our region” – said the secretary of the conference organizing committee Pavel Goleusov, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, BelSU associate professor.