BRICS ministers agree on MoU on environmental issues

Environment ministers of BRICS countries on Friday agreed on a memorandum of understanding and announced the setting up of a joint working group institutionalising their co-operation on environment-related issues, an official said.

"The ministerial declaration highlights key arrangements which were adopted with mutual consensus. The areas agreed for mutual co-operation are abatement and control of air and water pollution, efficient management of liquid and solid waste, climate change and conservation of biodiversity," said a statement on Friday after a two-day conclave of BRICS environment ministers at a South Goa resort.

"The BRICS countries resolved to set up a platform for innovations, knowledge sharing and capacity building include a common website, network of technical institutions and undertake joint projects in areas of mutual interest," the statement said while also adding that ministers from the BRICS countries also re-affirmed their commitment to the principles of the Rio Declaration on environment and development.

"The ministers called upon the developed countries to honour their commitments relating to means of implementation and facilitate its operationalisation with a clear roadmap for successful achievement of various global environment agreements and sustainable development goals," the statement said.

--IANS

maya/pgh/bg