India supports ecosystem-based approach to tackle climate change

India reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, equitable climate action and ecosystem-based approaches at the G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa on Thursday. “India truly believes in and supports ecosystem-based approaches, participatory implementation and landscape-level conservation models as proposed in the Biodiversity and Conservation Bill,” Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said while delivering India’s national statement. The minister warned against the commodification of biodiversity and called for deeper global deliberations on the issue. Congratulating the South African presidency for identifying six thematic priorities that address global environmental challenges, ranging from biodiversity conservation to ocean health, Yadav said that India looks forward to building on the substantive work done by the South African presidency and working closely with the incoming presidency. Global recognition welcomed On the themes of land degradation, desertification, drought and water sustainability, India has welcomed the global recognition of land restoration as both an ecological and economic opportunity. Yadav called for co-developed, non-restrictive technology transfer and suggested establishing a ‘G20 Knowledge and Solutions Exchange Platform’ to promote sharing of best practices. He emphasized the need for voluntary and flexible global standards with a strong focus on women, youth and small farmers. On chemicals and waste management, the minister appreciated the G20’s emphasis on circular economy principles and shared India’s experience with extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks as scalable models. He underlined that global frameworks for chemical management must remain voluntary and nationally determined, and warned against the imposition of trade-linked or prescriptive technology standards that could burden SMEs and developing economies. Support for the integration of action On climate change and just transitions, Yadav reiterated India’s support for the integration of climate action with development priorities, guided by equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and differentiated capabilities (CBDR-RC). He emphasized the need for finance, technology and capacity building support to ensure a just transition in all sectors. On air quality, India endorsed collaborative capacity building but warned against one-size-fits-all approaches that do not take into account national contexts. Yadav supported marine spatial planning as a way to promote sustainable development and protection of biodiversity. He has supported voluntary global efforts to address the issue of Abandoned, Lost and Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) while protecting the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen. He strongly insisted that efforts to degass marine transport must be based on equity and climate justice, with clearly defined means of implementation for developing countries.