New Delhi, Nov 27: Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and counterpart Krista Mikkonen of Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of biodiversity conservation and environment protection. According to the MoU, both the countries will exchange their best practices in specific areas of environment.

 

The countries have decided to exchange their best practices in the areas of prevention of air and water pollution, waste management, low carbon solutions, sustainable management of natural resources and promotion of circular economy. It will also help the countries to develop technological, scientific and management capabilities.

 

The MoU aims at developing bilateral cooperation in the field of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit, which will eventually contribute in the promotion of sustainable development.

 

According to the announcements made by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar while signing the MoU, India has achieved voluntary target of reducing its emission intensity of GDP by 21% in 2020, as compared to the 2005 levels. He also informed that India has set a target of achieving 35% of reduction in its carbon emissions well before the 2030 target.

 

Under Paris Agreement, India has committed to achieve 40% electric power installation based on non-fossil fuels by 2030. Also, under the agreement, India has committed to create carbon sink of 2.5 billion to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.