In a recent event that raised eyebrows globally, the Environment and Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting was held by BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Notably, these countries represent major emerging economies, accounting for 41% of the world’s population, contributing 24% to the Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and over 16% share in global trade. For the year 2021, India has taken the helm as the chair of the BRICS grouping.
Highlights of the 7th BRICS Environment Ministerial 2021
The meeting placed priority attention on areas such as air pollution, managing the circular economy, battling marine plastic litter and single-use plastic product contamination, and forestry. Pertinently, focus was given to safeguarding biodiversity preservation and mitigating forest fires. The ministers came to a consensus on the importance of cooperation in waste management, considering its significance in maintaining ecosystem health, conserving resources, and improving people’s quality of life.
New Delhi Statement on Environment: A Leap Forward
In an endeavor to strengthen Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation and Consensus among BRICS nations regarding environmental matters, the New Delhi Statement on Environment was adopted during the meeting. This statement is particularly valuable in anticipation of the COP15 Biodiversity meet and the COP26 Climate Change conference due later this year.
BRICS Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Dialogue: An Innovative Initiative
India introduced the BRICS Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Dialogue with the objective of facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting best practices concerning waste management, resource efficiency, and circular economies. The program will encourage discussions on issues related to construction, agriculture, solar energy, biofuels, packaging, electronic wastes, food, water, and textiles.
India’s Standpoint on Climate Change
From India’s perspective, the 2021 Climate Change Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) may signal the last call for unified global action against environmental and climate challenges. India emphasized that actions need to be guided by equity, national priorities and circumstances, aligning with the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).”
11th Meeting of Agriculture Ministers of BRICS: A Paradigm Shift in Agro-biodiversity
The meeting held under the theme “BRICS Partnership for Strengthening Agro Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Security” witnessed the establishment of the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform in India. This platform is set to strengthen cooperation in agricultural research & innovations among the BRICS countries. By promoting sustainable agricultural development through strategic cooperation in agriculture and its related sectors, the platform seeks to address world hunger, undernutrition, poverty, and inequality.
Action Plan of 2021-24 for Agricultural Cooperation: A Strategic Move
The Action Plan of 2021-24 for Agricultural Cooperation, which was adopted at the meeting, focuses on food security, farmer welfare, conservation of agrobiodiversity, resilience of food and agricultural production systems, and promotion of digital agricultural solutions.
India’s Efforts in Preserving Agro-biodiversity
India underscored its commitment to preserving agro-biodiversity by establishing and maintaining National Gene banks for plants, animals, fish, insects, and agriculturally important microorganisms across respective Bureaus. Additionally, it has been proactively encouraging the diversification of its agri-food systems through nationwide programs such as pulses, oilseeds, horticultural crops, National Bamboo Mission and the recently launched National Palm Oil Mission. The objective is to increase farmer income while promoting diversification in both farm and plate.