The Ministers of Environmental Affairs for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Environmental Cooperation at the 10th BRICS Summit.

According to the Department of Environmental Affairs the MOU will strengthen cooperation between the BRICS countries and promote continued collaboration in the areas of air quality, water, biodiversity, climate change, waste management and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Research, regulatory frameworks and joint programs

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 programs and projects to demonstrate best achievements, practices and technologies in areas of environmental cooperation and of joint interest,” the department said.

Ensuring effective implementation

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 at the BRICS summit which is being hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg.

The Summit is focused on the need to strengthen the relationship between BRICS and Africa. In this regard BRICS leaders will also interact with African leaders on how best to bring about inclusive growth and shared prosperity through heightened collaboration.