BRICS Environment Ministers Discuss New Environmental Projects and Adopt Final Statement

On 28 June, the 10th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was held in Nizhny Novgorod under the chairship of the Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation Alexander Kozlov.

The Ministers Meeting wrapped up two days of working group meetings, where experts discussed the BRICS Partnership for Urban Environment Sustainability Initiative (PUESI), the implementation of the BRICS Clean Rivers programme, and the role of the younger generation in solving environmental problems. Separate sessions were devoted to the development of forestry and adapting to climate change.

Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation Alexander Kozlov noted that BRICS always gives priority to work in essential areas – areas that have the potential to unite all countries. He called on new BRICS member countries to join the initiatives that are already under way.

“The BRICS Environmentally Sound Technology (BEST) Platform is a mechanism for putting proposals into practice. It currently runs two main initiatives: the BRICS Clean Rivers programme and the BRICS Partnership for Urban Environment Sustainability Initiative. The mechanism is universal – each country identifies a priority topic as an initiative for the Platform, taking environmental, economic and social factors into account. This means that countries both put forward initiatives and act as the ‘driving force’ in their implementation,” Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation Alexander Kozlov said.

“The UAE understands the importance of cooperation and coordination in the search for effective solutions to the climate problem. We are doing everything we can to mitigate climate change, promoting the idea of sustainable development on the global stage through knowledge exchange and cooperation. The UAE is making every effort to ensure a sustainable future. Like the other BRICS countries, the we are exploring innovative solutions and technologies that will help us achieve the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. We are committed to promoting sustainable development on the global stage,” said Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi.

“We believe that BRICS, in line with its mission, will rightly play a key role in developing cooperation in the field of capacity building through technology transfer and the provision of technical, financial, and advisory assistance, including the exchange of knowledge and experience. We will also promote joint projects, the exchange of experts and key professionals, and South–South cooperation,” stressed Vice President and Head of the Department of Environment of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Salajegheh.

“Extreme climate events, the loss of biodiversity and desertification transcend political borders. They create enormous problems for the global community. Environmental cooperation is not only desirable – it is absolutely necessary. What we have here is an opportunity to move towards a more sustainable, just and equitable world. Brazil considers sustainable development an absolute priority,” said Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of the Federative Republic of Brazil João Paulo Capobianco.

“Climate change is taking a huge toll on Ethiopia’s rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. We are witnessing the rapid degradation of our forests, the drying out of wetlands, and the disappearance of many species of plants and animals. Not only does this disrupt the delicate balance of our natural environment, but it also undermines the lives of communities that depend on these resources. The devastating effects of climate change are hitting Ethiopia’s poorest the hardest. The global community needs to act now, as one, to overcome this crisis. Ethiopia is ready to do its part, but we cannot do this alone. We must face this challenge together in order to ensure a sustainable future for our people, and for the entire planet,” noted Minister of Planning and Development of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Seyoum Mekonen Hailu.

“BRICS has made significant progress on the environmental agenda and is committed to expanding its activities in the fight against climate change. All this is being done in the context of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other multilateral agreements that are aimed at finding solutions, building partnerships, and supporting efforts to combat pollution and protect biodiversity,” said Director General of the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries of South Africa Nomfundo Tshabalala.

Minister of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China Huang Runqiu noted that work will continue to promote the establishment of environmentally sustainable urban partnerships between Chinese cities and cities in the BRICS countries. “Practical work is being carried out in the field of urban planning, the creation of carbon trading systems, and technologies for preventing and mitigating environmental pollution. China plays a key role in the so-called BRICS clean technology platform, and we are creating an international centre for exchange and interaction, where innovative approaches to environmental protection are exchanged. China has also been instrumental in organizing exchanges of environmental protection specialists,” Huang Runqiu said.

At the end of the meeting, Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation Alexander Kozlov noted that Russia was hoping that the BRICS member countries would support its initiative to create a BRICS Environmental Youth Network, which would aim to get schoolchildren and college students involved in implementing an environmental policy that goes beyond one-off volunteer activities such as planting trees or collecting rubbish.

A joint final statement was adopted by the heads of the delegations at the end of the meeting.

The Roscongress Foundation is the official organizer of events held as part of the Russian Federation’s BRICS Chairship.