Focus on forest fires, ecosystems and climate resilience
New Delhi, Aug 18: The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting under India’s 2026 chairship concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday with the consensual adoption of a Joint Ministerial Statement and four key outcome documents focused on sustainable lifestyles, ecosystem resilience, forest-fire preparedness and people-centric climate adaptation.
The four outcome documents include the Terms of Reference for a network of BRICS institutions to advance knowledge-sharing, research and innovation in sustainable lifestyles; BRICS Principles for Integrated Landscape Management to combat desertification and strengthen ecosystem resilience; Common Understanding for Forest Fire Preparedness and Response across BRICS; and principles for advancing climate resilience through people-centric and community-based adaptation built on traditional knowledge.
Addressing the meeting, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav called for environmental action that is people-centric, implementation-oriented and responsive to the realities of developing countries.
He said BRICS could convert cooperation into collective capability through knowledge networks, technical exchanges, training, technology cooperation and stronger institutional partnerships.
Yadav highlighted climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks as growing challenges, particularly for developing countries where environmental vulnerabilities are closely linked with development priorities.
He called for stronger cooperation among BRICS countries on forest-fire prevention, preparedness, early warning systems, response and post-fire recovery, besides greater focus on climate finance, adaptation and empowerment of local communities.
The Minister said ecological restoration and human development could advance together, citing Mission LiFE and the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative as examples of combining ecological restoration with public participation and community ownership.
He stressed the need to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science to ensure that environmental solutions remain scientifically robust, locally relevant and socially inclusive.
India’s BRICS chairship has identified four priority areas — sustainable lifestyles; afforestation, forest-fire management and disaster resilience; circular economy; and adaptation.
Yadav said these priorities reflected the conviction that environmental action must remain people-centric, sustainable and focused on implementation, particularly in the context of developing countries.
He also referred to India’s new Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035, saying it reflected the country’s commitment to stronger climate action while supporting inclusive development and energy security.
The meeting also featured a high-level dialogue on climate change focused on people-centric and community-based adaptation, with discussions on integrating traditional knowledge and local practices with modern science, technology and innovation.
Another dialogue focused on integrated landscape-based greening and sharing experiences on landscape restoration and sustainable development among BRICS members.
The event also included the launch of four Knowledge Compendiums and a digital, interactive Mission LiFE pavilion showcasing India’s efforts to promote sustainable lifestyles through immersive and interactive technologies.
The two-day meeting also featured cultural performances for participating delegations, showcasing Indian art and culture.
