Need support from private sector to upscale sustainable solutions: Dr Susan George, Director, MoEF&CC, Govt of India

Jun 06, 2024

 

NEW DELHI, 06 June 2024: Dr Susan George K, Director, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Govt of India yesterday (on the occasion of World Environment Day), while addressing the launch of FICCI-UNDP report – ‘Business Actions for Biodiversity Conservation: From principles to Practice’ organised by FICCI, under the aegis of Centre of Sustainability Leadership, emphasized on the need for support from the private sector to upscale sustainable solutions and enhance green skills. She highlighted various government initiatives including Mission Life program and the nudges it provides at the individual and community level for responsible consumption and production to reduce our environmental footprint.

 

Ms Dhuwarakha Sriram, Chief of Generation Unlimited, Youth Development and Partnerships, UNICEF India said, “By bringing together public entities, private organizations, and youth partners, we are fostering a powerful alliance that aligns perfectly with the vision of our Green Rising movement. Together, we can drive impactful change and build a sustainable, resilient future for all.”

 

Dr Ashish Chaturvedi, Head, Action for Climate and Environment, UNDP India, acknowledged that with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) at UNCBD COP15, the private sector has gained attention as a prime stakeholder for biodiversity conservation. Dr Chaturvedi also highlighted that contribution of businesses towards updating, implementing and reporting on the NBSAP is essential for the country to fulfil its commitments towards biodiversity conservation.

 

Ms Deeksha Vats, Co-Chair, FICCI Environment & Climate Change Committee and Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Group highlighted the need for collaborative action and stressed on corporate efforts towards environment and sustainability to be streamlined throughout their value chains with a focus on green procurement. She also emphasised that companies’ need to examine externalities arising out from environment.

 

Mr Yogesh Mishra, Co-Chair, FICCI Environment & Climate Change Committee and Executive Director, Hindustan Unilever Limited said that almost 55 per cent of the world’s GDP is dependent on nature and hence a decline in biodiversity can impact economic growth.

FICCI- UNDP report ‘Business Actions for Biodiversity Conservation: From Principles to Practice’, outlines key legislations, guidelines, and frameworks and showcases real-world examples and strategies for businesses to minimize their environmental impact and contribute to conservation efforts. The report also explores the relationship between business and biodiversity and provides insights into global and national biodiversity conservation efforts.

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