3rd Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Meeting

The Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) under the India G20 Presidency has identified “Promoting a sustainable and climate resilient blue economy” as one of its priorities. As part of this effort, the 3rd ECSWG meeting, held from 21st to 23rd May, commenced with a G20 Mega Beach Clean Up event on 21st May in Mumbai.

The beach clean-up campaign took place in Juhu Beach, Mumbai, and was attended by G20 delegates participating in the ECSWG meeting. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, organized the campaign with the active participation of Indian Coastal States/UTs and other G20 countries. Over 30 beaches in 9 Coastal States and 4 Union Territories across India were cleaned, and similar campaigns were organized in more than 20 countries, including G20 and invited countries.

Apart from beach cleaning, various activities were planned by local administrations to raise awareness and sensitize communities. These activities included inter-school painting competitions, pledges for the conservation of marine ecosystems, promotion of waste recycling, and a sand-art display by Padma Awardee Sri Sudarshan Patnaik at Juhu Beach. An all-India inter-school painting competition involving more than 5900 students aimed to raise awareness about the impacts of marine waste and encourage action to prevent it.

The campaign also aimed to promote the concept of ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) advocated by India, which emphasizes individual responsibility and behavior change to address environmental issues. The overall objective was to foster a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the environment through community participation.

Over 10,000 volunteers participated in the campaign, representing various stakeholders such as local communities, governments, local administrations, private organizations/corporates, and NGOs working for coastal ecosystem conservation. This campaign was one of the largest “Jan Bhagidari” (community participation) initiatives under the G20 India Presidency.

Following the beach clean-up, discussions were held on the Ocean20 dialogue, which serves as a platform for sharing best practices on science, technology, innovation, policy, governance, participation, and blue finance mechanisms. These dialogues aim to ensure a sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy.

India’s commitment to preserving coastal and marine life, addressing environmental issues, and promoting a sustainable future was showcased through the Mega Beach Clean Up campaign and the G20 efforts under the India Presidency.