BRICS countries sign environmental agreement

“The MOU strengthens cooperation between the BRICS countries and promotes continued closer collaboration in the promotion of matters related to air quality, water, biodiversity, climate change, waste management and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” the Department of Environmental Affairs said in a statement.

Implementation of MoU

The implementation of the MoU will be coordinated through regular meetings by the BRICS states and the BRICS Joint Working Group on Environment.

“This incorporates the exchange of experience and information in the main areas of cooperation, including the development of regulatory and methodological documents.

“The states will also collaborate in conducting joint research, capacity building and training, the organising of symposia, conferences and workshops, as well as the development of joint programmes and projects to demonstrate best achievements, practices and technologies in areas of environmental cooperation and of joint interest,” the department said.

In terms of the MoU, the participants will conclude additional agreements or arrangements to ensure effective implementation of environmental cooperation.

The MoU was signed on Thursday, 26 July, at the BRICS summit which was hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg. The summit took place under the theme BRICS in Africa: 'Collaboration for inclusive growth and shared prosperity in the fourth industrial revolution'.