The three-day meeting of the ECSWG from 9-11 February 2023 in Bengaluru was led by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.

The Climate Sustainability Working Group (CSWG) was established during the Argentine Presidency in 2018, while the Environment Deputies Meeting (EDM) started in 2019 under Japan’s Presidency. EDM and CSWG focus on environment and climate issues which include inter alia resource efficiency, circular economy, ocean health, marine litter, coral reefs, land degradation, biodiversity loss, water resource management, and ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The group focused on three priority areas which are

• Arresting Land Degradation, Accelerating Ecosystem Restoration and Enriching Biodiversity
• Promoting a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy
• Encouraging Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy.

ECSWG plenary session began with the inaugural address by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India. With G20 India, the group aims to steer global conversation for an inclusive, action-oriented, ambitious and decisive approach for accelerating action to achieve various SDGs. India’s thinking on priority LiFE and Green Development Pact were presented to the ECSWG, enhancing synergies and Reimagining Green Development.

ECSWG deliberated on promoting circularity in Steel & Bio-economy, leveraging EPR for circular economy & developing G20 Coalition to reduce the material ecological footprint and pollution emission.

ECSWG deliberated on the following:

â–¶ Ocean and Blue Economy

â–¶ Developing Building blocks for #ECSWG Communique

With the belief that oceans provide invaluable ecosystem services, yet they are severely impacted by multiple stressors, this year, G20 plans to prioritize the reduction in Marine Litter & Marine Plastic Pollution in our oceans and promote a sustainable, resilient blue economy. It was also mentioned that Indian Presidency would publish the 5th report on actions against marine plastic litter under the G20 Framework for Marine Plastic Litter in collaboration with Japan. Delegates expressed support for actions for sustainable use of ocean resources, prevention of pollution and littering and for protection and enhancement of biodiversity.

The final session focused on building blocks for the Communique based on collaboration & consensus. The participants were thanked for their constructive engagement.

A side event centred around sharing best practices for ecosystem restoration of forest fire and mining affected areas was organized. It was followed by a visit to the Bannerghatta National Park and Kalkere Arboretum to showcase the forest ecosystems of Karnataka, ecosystem restoration and ecotourism models, as well as wildlife protection.