Collaborative approaches to address environmental challenges were recently discussed by Barbados’ Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, Adrian Forde, and other regional Ministers of Environment.
The Ministers participated in the United Nations Special Session of the Forum of Ministers of Environment and the One Planet Network Forum, which were both held in Brazil.
Mr. Forde highlighted the regional SOILCARE project, as an effective example of the ways under which synergies in the region could be achieved, and he served as moderator for one of the ‘Deep Dive’ sessions, which examined priorities to address land degradation in the region.
The Minister also addressed the need for ecosystem restoration and protection, noting that “threats to ecosystems are exacerbated by the vagaries of climate change and land degradation”.
In addition, he emphasised “the importance of protecting genetic resources, their associated intellectual property, and the inclusion of vulnerable people in the fight against environmental degeneration”.
Sustaining the circular economy, as a model of consumption and production, was the focal point of discussion at the One Planet Network Forum.