The BRICS Environment Ministers meeting was held on September 15-16, 2016 in Goa, India. This was the Second BRICS Environment Ministers meeting, and it focused on discussing environmental issues under the overarching theme “BRICS Cooperation on Environment”.

Venue and Participants

The meeting was held in Goa, India, a coastal state known for its beaches and Portuguese-influenced architecture. Environment ministers or their representatives from all five BRICS nations attended the meeting.

Theme and Objectives

The overarching theme of the meeting was “BRICS Cooperation on Environment.” The primary objectives were to:

1. Strengthen cooperation among BRICS nations on environmental issues
2. Share best practices and experiences in environmental management
3. Develop common positions on global environmental challenges
4. Explore opportunities for technology transfer and capacity building

Key Discussions and Outcomes

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The ministers agreed on an MoU to establish a Joint Working Group on environment. This group would facilitate regular dialogue and cooperation on environmental issues among BRICS countries.

2. Goa Statement on Environment

The ministers issued the Goa Statement on Environment, which outlined their shared commitments and priorities. Key points included:

• Reaffirming commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change and supporting the Paris Agreement
• Promoting sustainable urban development and smart cities
• Encouraging the adoption of environmentally sound technologies
• Combating illegal wildlife trade and promoting biodiversity conservation

3. Specific Areas of Cooperation

The ministers identified several areas for potential collaboration:

• Water resource management
• Solid waste management
• Air quality improvement
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Biodiversity conservation
• Environmental education and awareness

4. Technology Sharing

The meeting emphasized the importance of sharing environmentally friendly technologies among BRICS nations, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, and pollution control.

Significance of the Meeting

1. This meeting was part of India’s chairmanship of BRICS in 2016, showcasing its leadership in environmental issues.
2. It set the stage for environmental cooperation to be a key agenda item at the 8th BRICS Summit held in October 2016.
3. The meeting helped align BRICS countries’ positions on global environmental issues, potentially increasing their collective influence in international forums.
4. It facilitated knowledge exchange and best practice sharing among countries facing similar environmental challenges.

Follow-up Actions

The outcomes of this meeting were expected to be further discussed and acted upon at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa on October 15-16, 2016. The establishment of the Joint Working Group was intended to ensure continued cooperation and follow-up on the commitments made during the Environment Ministers meeting.This expanded version provides a more comprehensive overview of the 2016 BRICS Environment Ministers meeting, its context, discussions, outcomes, and significance in fostering environmental cooperation among these major emerging economies.