The 4th and last Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting concluded with significant discussions today in Chennai, with consensual adoption of an Outcome document the Chennai High Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue/Ocean-based Economy. This document will be submitted to the Leaders for their consideration to be annexed to the G20 New Delhi Leader’s Declaration 2023.  The Ministers also adopted the Outcome Document and the Chair’s Summary.

The Ministerial meeting, represented by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was attended by 41 Ministers or their deputies from other countries, and highlighted significant achievements and key takeaways centered around the priority areas under the Environment and Climate track: Land and Biodiversity, Blue Economy, Water Resource Management and Circular Economy. The meeting witnessed proactive engagement from over 225 delegates representing G20 member countries, invitee countries and heads and representatives of 23 International organisations including UNEP, UNFCC, COP28 and UNCCD. The discussions revolved around critical challenges related to matters of climate and environment which are of utmost global importance.

In his video message to the delegates and the Ministers attending the 4th ECSWG and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, expressed his confidence on the G20 countries joining hands to tackle the climate and environmental challenges in a holistic way in the true spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future.

In recognition of the achievements of the priority areas under the ECSWG, he praised the efforts in restoring priority landscapes impacted by forest fires and mining through the Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap and Gandhinagar Information Platform. Furthermore, he commended the dedication to wildlife conservation displayed during the recent launch of the International Big Cat Alliance. He highlighted the significance of Mission LiFE - Lifestyle for Environment, a movement encouraging individual and collective action for environmental preservation.

Hon’ble Prime Minister further emphasised on India’s initiatives being powered by people’s participation. Citing an example of community participation, he mentioned about “Mission Amrit Sarovar”, a unique water conservation initiative more than sixty-three thousand water bodies have been built.

The opening address by Shri Bhupender Yadav resonated with the message by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. He applauded ECSWG on the adoption of the High-Level Principles. He extended his gratitude towards the efforts made, and encouraged the collaboration among nations in tackling the complex and interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, fostering a unified approach towards a sustainable and resilient future. He thanked each country for showing an unyielding commitment towards climate action and environmental sustainability, despite its unique challenges and capacities.

During the course of the Ministerial meeting, the leaders thanked India’s Presidency for its efforts in developing the compendiums of best practices in water management, mining affected areas, and forest fire impacted areas, conducting technical study on ‘Accelerating the transition to a sustainable and resilient blue economy’, and technical documents on important topics like and Knowledge Exchange on Circular Economy in Steel Sector, Extended Producer Responsibility, Circular Bioeconomy. To strengthen the G20 Global Land Initiative, the Presidency also came up with ‘Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap’ and ‘Gandhinagar Implementation Framework’ for voluntary adoption by G20 members.

Addressing a Press Conference Shri Bhupender Yadav on the conclusion of the Ministerial meeting said, the Environment Climate and Sustainability Working Group took historical step on arriving at a high degree of consensus towards addressing the critical pillars of environment and sustainability. He shared that the ECSWG’s journey under India’s Presidency concluded with the adoption of Chair’s Summary and Outcome Documents. India's G20 Presidency released 1 outcome document and 2 Presidency Documents under the theme of Blue Economy, 4 Presidency Documents and Compendiums of Best Practices under the theme Land and Biodiversity, and Water resources management, 4 Presidency Documents under the theme Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy. G20 countries reiterated their leadership role in tackling climate change and ambitious action across all pillars of Paris Agreement. Topics like ecological restoration, marine spatial planning, and circular economy were addressed in detail for the first time in the G20 discussions.

The launch of an industry-led Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) marked a significant milestone under India’s G20 Presidency, highlighted Shri Bhupender Yadav. He said the coalition was launched by him in the presence of Hon’ble Commissioner from EU and Hon’ble Ministers from France, Canada, Italy, Denmark, Mauritius and the UAE. He was proud that the Ministers appreciated the Indian Presidency for the efforts in launching RECEIC. The G20 Ministers invited the G20 Resource Efficiency dialogue to engage with RECEIC and leverage synergies in future.

Shri Yadav particularly shared the success of the Mega Beach Clean Up Event at Juhu in Mumbai, which saw participation of 20 countries and 37 Indian beaches from the coastal states and Union Territories. The massive drive organized to sensitize people and create awareness is in alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Ministers message on ‘Swachhta’ and ‘Jan Bhagidari’ and highlights the significance of ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE) concept and the importance of individual actions in tackling the menace of marine pollution.

Throughout the ECSWG meetings, several side events and excursions were organised. Delegates had the opportunity to explore numerous heritage sites that showcased both tradition and sustainable lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature. Notable visits included Bannerghatta National Park, Adlaj Vav, and a UNESCO heritage monument visit at Mahabalipuram.

The Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meetings chaired by Ms. Leena Nandan, G20 ECSWG Chair, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) were held in Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Mumbai and Chennai. The Chennai meeting was the fourth and final ECSWG. Apart from that, numerous bilateral meetings have been held between India and other G20 countries. The ECSWG deliberated and negotiated on priority areas selected by the Indian Presidency, which was cemented by the Environment and Climate Ministers by holding deliberations and adopting the outcome documents related to these priority areas.

All through the ECSWG meetings, many G20 and invitee countries, as well as international organizations actively participated in the preparation of compendiums, technical documents and studies termed as presidency documents under the ECSWG this year. It is promising that the knowledge repositories put together during the course will significantly support countries and organisations in crafting action-oriented frameworks, coalitions, and alliances, and these endeavours will serve the G20 and the rest of the world profoundly during this crucial decade of climate action.

The success of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group's endeavours stands as a testimony to the collective will and determination of the G20 nations to tackle environmental challenges head-on. As the India Presidency's term draws to a close, the legacy of this fruitful collaboration will continue to inspire and guide global efforts towards a more sustainable and prosperous world.

***