The BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was held on June 22-23, 2017, in Tianjin, China. This was the third such meeting of BRICS Environment Ministers and the first one hosted by China. The meeting was chaired by Li Ganjie, who was the Secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group of China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection at the time.

Key details about the meeting include:

Venue and Date

The meeting was held in Tianjin, China, on June 22-23, 2017. Tianjin, a major port city in northeastern China, was chosen as the venue, highlighting China’s commitment to environmental issues and its role in BRICS cooperation.

Participants

1. Li Ganjie – China (Chair)
2. José Sarney Filho – Brazil
3. Sergei Donskoi – Russia
4. Dr. Harsh Vardhan – India
5. Edna Molewa – South Africa
6. Erik Solheim – UN Environment Programme Executive Director

Key Discussions and Outcomes

1. Tianjin Statement

The “Tianjin Statement of the Third BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting” was a significant outcome. This document likely outlined shared environmental priorities and commitments among BRICS nations.

2. Urban Sustainability Initiative

The “Initiative on the Partnership of BRICS Environmentally Sustainable Cities” was a major development. This initiative aimed to:

• Promote sustainable urban development practices
• Share experiences and technologies for urban environmental management
• Encourage green infrastructure and eco-friendly urban planning

3. Air Quality Improvement

• Discussions on reducing air pollution in major cities
• Sharing best practices for monitoring and controlling air quality
• Strategies for transitioning to cleaner energy sources

4. Water and Soil Environment Governance

• Addressing water scarcity and pollution issues
• Soil contamination remediation techniques
• Sustainable water management practices

5. Biodiversity Conservation

• Strategies for protecting endangered species
• Sustainable forest management
• Combating illegal wildlife trade

6. Climate Change and Global Environmental Governance

• BRICS countries’ role in implementing the Paris Agreement
• Cooperation on renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Strengthening the voice of developing countries in global environmental forums

Significance and Impact

1. Strengthened Environmental Cooperation: The meeting reinforced BRICS commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
2. Knowledge Sharing: It provided a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices in environmental management among major emerging economies.
3. Global Leadership: The meeting positioned BRICS countries as key players in addressing global environmental challenges.
4. Preparation for BRICS Summit: Environmental discussions at this meeting likely informed the agenda for the 9th BRICS Summit held later that year in Xiamen, China.
5. Alignment with SDGs: The discussions and outcomes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to environmental sustainability.

Follow-up Actions

While specific follow-up actions would require more detailed information, it’s likely that the meeting resulted in:

• Commitments to implement the agreed initiatives
• Plans for future cooperation and knowledge sharing
• Integration of environmental priorities into broader BRICS economic and development strategies

This expanded version provides a more comprehensive overview of the meeting, its context, and its potential impacts on BRICS environmental cooperation and global environmental governance.