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India and United Kingdom have agreed to enhance cooperation in dealing with issues related to sustainable development. This was indicated at a meeting between the Minister for Environment and Forests, Thiru A. Raja, and the UK Minister of State for Environment, Mr. Elliot Morley, here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Thiru Raja informed that emission of green house gases by India is very low, both in terms of per capita as well as aggregate emissions, amounting to about 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Thiru Raja stated that India’s legislation for wildlife conservation is being strengthened to incorporate CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) provisions. He said that the Wildlife Crime Cell established at the national level is being reinforced for developing a dynamic database with networking. He further informed the visiting dignitary that Government is considering the constitution of a multi-disciplinary Bureau for Control of Crimes related to Wildlife, on the lines of Narcotics Control Bureau.
Stating that India has initiated a number of steps for achieving the national goal of 33% forest and tree cover by the year 2012, Thiru Raja said that India is keen to focus on developing a framework for public-private partnership for attracting private investment for afforestation of degraded forest lands. Appreciating British efforts in successfully implementing public-private partnership in environmental related issues, Thiru Raja said that India would also like to promote public-private partnership in environment and forestry conservation projects.
Expressing concern at the illegal felling of trees in various parts of the world, Mr. Elliot Morley acknowledged that there is no significant instance of illegal logging in India.
India & UK share a long history of collaboration in the field of environment. India’s draft National Environment Policy as well as the UK Sustainable Development Strategy are clear that understanding environmental impacts and integrating them into other sectoral and cross-sectoral policies are crucial for poverty alleviation and natural resource management.
The Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Shri Namo Narain Meena, also present on this occasion.
AKS/RS
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