BRICS ministers agree to jointly work for sustainable lifestyles, climate resilience
New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting concluded here on Tuesday with the consensual adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement, comprising four outcome documents, which include the advancement of knowledge sharing, research, and innovation in sustainable lifestyles by the network of BRICS institutions.
The joint statement also covers BRICS principles for integrated landscape management for combating desertification, sustainable land management, and ecosystem resilience. Besides, it includes a common understanding for forest fire preparedness and response across BRICS and charts out the principles for advancing climate resilience through people-centric and community-based adaptation built on traditional knowledge.
“Reflecting the spirit of collaboration and mutual learning, under the India BRICS Chairship, the Compendiums of the Environment Working Group during the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting have been launched. The compendiums present a rich compilation of experiences, innovative approaches, traditional knowledge and shared experiences from BRICS Member Countries,” India’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav said.
Delivering the keynote address, he stated that India’s Chairship is guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in placing the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda and redefining BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a people-centric approach and the spirit of “Humanity First”.
Noting that the progress achieved during India’s Chairship reflects months of dialogue, negotiation and collaboration, he called for building resilience without leaving communities behind, pursuing innovation with responsibility and placing sustainability at the centre of development.
The minister further stressed that BRICS can “convert cooperation into collective and co-operative capability” through knowledge networks, technical exchanges, training, technology cooperation, and stronger institutional partnerships.
Yadav highlighted the growing global environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks, particularly for developing countries where environmental vulnerability is often closely intertwined with broader development priorities. He called for stronger BRICS cooperation on forest fire prevention, preparedness, early warning, response and post-fire recovery, while stressing the importance of climate finance, adaptation and empowering local communities.
Emphasising India’s approach, the minister said “ecological restoration and human development can advance together”, citing ‘Mission LiFE’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ as examples of combining ecological restoration, public participation and community ownership. He also called for bringing traditional knowledge and modern science together to ensure solutions are “scientifically robust, locally relevant and socially inclusive”.
The minister highlighted that India’s new Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035 further reflects the ambitious commitment to advancing climate action while supporting inclusive development and energy security.
The Environment Ministers’ Meeting also witnessed engaging panel discussions and side events, including the BRICS High-level Dialogue on Climate Change – People-Centric, Community-Based Adaptation.
In a discussion on integrated landscape-based greening, there was a sharing of BRICS experiences for resilient landscapes and sustainable development.
–IANS
sps/vd