New Delhi, 12 July 2024
A high-level delegation from Bhutan, led by Mr. Gem Tshering, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, met with Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, India’s Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to discuss crucial environmental issues. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the two nations on air quality, climate change, forest conservation, natural resources management, renewable energy sources, and wildlife protection.
While pointing out the geographical and ecological parallels between both the countries, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh thanked Bhutan for joining the International Big Cat Alliance during the talks. The urgency of tackling climate change as a shared duty was emphasized, along with the importance of a shared commitment to democracy and sustainable development.
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Mr. Gem Tshering informed about Bhutan’s recent milestone of hosting the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscape Conference in Paro, April 2024, underscoring countries status as a carbon-negative nation largely powered by hydropower.
Both sides agreed on collaborative efforts in combating climate change, enhancing air quality, sustainable forest management, wildlife conservation, and fostering mutual capacity building in environmental sciences. India proposed initiating a Joint Working Group Meeting to further these shared objectives.
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The bilateral meeting between India and Bhutan marks a significant step towards strengthening environmental cooperation, with a focus on mitigating climate change impacts and promoting sustainable development across shared ecosystems. This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to preserving natural resources and fostering resilient environmental policies for the future.
