The meeting on environment and climate sustainability emphasised the importance of member countries working together and participating in an "inclusive and consensus-driven strategy" to combat climate change
The G20 working group on environment and climate sustainability on Tuesday emphasised the need for collaboration among member countries and engagement in an “inclusive and consensus-driven approach” to address climate change.
During the second day of the second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting under India’s G20 Presidency here, participants also expressed their concern on the subject of depleting level of groundwater at an alarming rate, and said that “cooperation at all possible levels” is key in effective Water Resource Management (WRM).
“Technology, cooperation and joint research” are crucial for successful WRM, the working group said and called for the need to promote safeguard measures for the vital ecosystem, the role of communities in implementing measures like human rights to water, sound sanitation, and access to clean water.
Thematic presentations were also made on the Centre’s projects such as Namami Gange, Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), Jal Jeevan and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Participants stressed the need for a common understanding of water and groundwater and integrating principles of sustainable development in the implementation of WRM.
Members said that interventions in monitoring and evaluation of the water ecosystem are important, and strong legal and policy instruments are necessary for the regulation and implementation of strategies in WRM.
Indonesia will be hosting World Water Forum in 2024 and the importance of the same for water cooperation was highlighted at the event.
Richa Sharma, additional secretary of the environment ministry, reaffirmed India’s commitment to facilitate tangible outcomes to build a strong foundation before passing on the baton to the Brazil Presidency.
During a session on WRM, Debashree Mukherjee, special secretary, water resources, ministry of Jal Shakti, highlighted the need for efficient management of water resources to achieve the overarching UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Another technical session focussed on land restoration, with participants favouring a collaborative and consensus-driven approach directed at how key inputs are being incorporated in the development of the proposed outcomes under India’s Presidency.
A technical session on encouraging resource efficiency and circular economy was also held.