Last updated on July 12th, 2023 at 04:22 pm
A meeting was held between the Indian delegation, headed by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the German Delegation, headed by H.E. Ms. Maria Flachsbarth. Mr. Ralph Brinkhaus, from the German-Indian Parliamentary Group of the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag), is in New Delhi today.
Shri Yadav said our conversation focused on exploring pathways to sustainable development, particularly the circular economy, tackling single-use plastic, forest management, and climate resilience.
The German delegation brought up topics at the meeting about the effect of climate change on forests, working together with Africa on environmental and climate issues, the circular economy, and plastic alternatives. They also asked about ways both countries could cooperate more in these areas.
Shri Yadav emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister’s Mission LiFE in response to the queries of the German delegation. He mentioned the various steps taken by India for combatting plastic waste, alternatives for plastics, conservation of endangered species and forests, forest surveys, and agroforestry.
The efforts made by Germany in the areas of technology, water, circular economy, and forestry through bilateral cooperation were acknowledged and appreciated by Shri Yadav.
The Union Environment Minister stated that the Ministry of Power is already undertaking various projects in Africa when asked about trilateral cooperation in Africa.
The Ministry of External Affairs must be consulted before any trilateral cooperation on the environment and climate in Africa can occur. India’s G-20 will be guided by the motto of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the concerns of the Global South will be addressed accordingly.
Both sides agreed at the conclusion of the meeting that they have common interests in many areas and could explore further strengthening bilateral cooperation in new areas such as biodiversity, climate change, and energy technology.
