India’s G20 Presidency: Bengaluru to host first meet of Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group next month

Under India’s G20 Presidency, Bengaluru is going to host the first meeting of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) on February9-11, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a statement.

According to the Ministry, as many as four meetings of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) are scheduled to be hosted under India’s G20 Presidency where the agenda of the meet will be promotion of blue economy along with coastal sustainability, restoration of degraded lands and ecosystems, enhancement of biodiversity and strengthening of circular economy.

On January 18 and 19 in preparation for the first meeting of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group in Bengaluru, Mysuru Zoo in coordination with the Central Zoo Authority organised a two-day national conference for zoo directors of India, the Ministry said.

During the first Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting in Bengaluru, the G20 delegates are scheduled to visit the Kalkere Arboretum and Bannerghatta Biological Park at Bengaluru. At Kalkere, the delegates will have an opportunity to visualize and experience four predominant forest ecosystems of Karnataka state, the Ministry maintained.

The State Forest Department will also showcase the forest restoration models adopted in these ecosystems and the successful revival of faunal biodiversity in these areas. The Bannerghatta Biological Park will showcase the state-of-art butterfly park and animal safaris to the delegates. The Karnataka Forest Department will also highlight the flagship ecotourism model, the Jungle Lodges Resort, which is extremely popular for nature lovers, globally, the Ministry added.

Besides, Karnataka Forest Department will showcase flagship 777 ecotourism model and the forest restoration models adopted for the successful revival of faunal biodiversity

During the Working Group meet in Bengaluru, the rich legacy of Karnataka handicrafts and textiles will be also showcased through the pavilions at the venue. Similarly, plan is on to showcase the artistic depiction of Karnataka through ‘nadeswaram’, performance by the Ayana Dance Company and the flute recital by Sumukha Rao.

Such moves are in sync with the plan to showcase the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Karnataka, ensuring that the delegates carry a flavour of Karnataka with them.

India will be holding the Presidency of G20 for one year till November 30, 2023. The forum will bring together the G20 member countries, guest countries and international organisations invited by India.

Through the Sherpa Track, 13 Working Groups and 2 Initiatives will meet under India’s Presidency to discuss priorities and provide recommendations. Environment, Climate & Sustainability is one of the working groups under the Sherpa Track.