The first G20 environment and climate sustainability working Group (ECSWG) meeting concluded on a positive note on Saturday in Bengaluru, with all G20 countries expressing interest and commitment to working constructively towards the three priority areas of arresting land degradation, accelerating ecosystem restoration, and enriching biodiversity, promoting a sustainable and climate resilient blue economy, and encouraging resource efficiency and circular economy, according to a statement released by the ministry of environment.
The first meeting of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) marks the start of productive conversations for a sustainable future amongst G20 countries, led by India's G20 presidency, the statement said.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, hosted the three-day ECSWG meeting from February 9-11, 2023.
The meeting started with a side event focused on sharing best practices for ecosystem restoration of forest fire and mining-affected areas, followed by a visit to the Bannerghatta National Park and Kalkere Arboretum to showcase Karnataka's forest ecosystems, ecosystem restoration and ecotourism models, and wildlife protection.
The Second Day Of The Meeting:
According to the statement, the second day began with an introductory address by Hardeep Puri, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The first half of the second day's sessions focused on techniques for restoring land-based ecosystems damaged by anthropogenic causes and improving the Global Biodiversity Framework, the statement said.
In the second part, discussions focused on the development of circular economies in a variety of sectors, including steel and biowaste, as well as the role of expanded producer responsibility in the development of a circular economy.
A G20 industry coalition for resource efficiency and the circular economy was also proposed. Delegates from many countries participated enthusiastically in the discussions, the statement added further.
In the evening, a cultural event was prepared to highlight Karnataka's rich cultural legacy and present the delegates from 29 countries with a unique 'India' experience.
The Third Day Of The Meeting:
As per the official statement released by the ministry, the following outcomes were reported for the third day of the meeting:
The third and last day opened with the session focusing on the theme of 'Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy'. Over three meetings and one side event, the Oceans and Blue Economy discussions covered a wide range of themes, including marine trash, protection and enhancement of coastal and marine ecosystems, and marine spatial planning. The subject of marine plastic litter and its negative consequences was the focus of the debate.
The Presidency presented the inception report of the technical study on 'Accelerating the Transition to Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy,' which would cover all G20 countries and provide inputs for the development of high-level principles on 'Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy.
It was also said that the Indian Presidency, in partnership with Japan, will publish the 5th report on efforts against marine plastic litter under the G20 Framework for Marine Plastic Litter.
Delegates expressed support for initiatives to promote the sustainable use of maritime resources, avoid pollution and littering, and protect and enhance biodiversity.
These are crucial for increasing climate resilience and maintaining ocean carbon sequestration capacity, as well as contributing to a thriving blue economy that would sustain the livelihoods of local coastal communities.
The Second ECSWG Meeting To Take Place In March:
The deliberations will continue in the second part, and the delegates committed to working constructively and collaboratively with the Indian Presidency to achieve the suggested goals envisioned by the ECSWG.
The talks at this meeting will be carried forward at the second ECSWG meeting, which is slated for March 27-29 in Gandhinagar.