Himachal govt signs MoU with United Nations Development Programme to advance climate-resilient, sustainable development
Shimla, June 5
The Himachal government and the United Nations Development Programme today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable development in the State.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Secretary of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change, Sushil Singla, signed the MoU on behalf of the State Government, while Dr Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, signed on behalf of UNDP.
According to the release, the partnership envisages collaboration in key areas such as circular economy, waste management, social inclusion of waste management workers, electric mobility for waste collection and other climate-resilient development priorities.
The MoU also covers natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, including landscape restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity-linked sustainable livelihoods for local communities, protection of critical habitats and biodiversity corridors and strengthening of regulatory and governance frameworks for ecological resilience in climate-vulnerable regions of the state.
In addition, the partnership will promote gender-responsive and socially inclusive development by ensuring the participation of women, marginalised communities and informal workers in planning and implementation processes.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the agreement would enable the state to integrate global best practices with local solutions to protect its fragile Himalayan ecology while creating sustainable green livelihood opportunities for its people. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would accelerate the state's progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Chief Minister said that the MoU aligns with the state government's vision of transforming Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy state and a model for sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
He added that the partnership would focus on knowledge exchange, capacity building, implementation of pilot projects and mobilisation of climate finance to support long-term environmental and developmental goals.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Safai Mitra Scheme, aimed at empowering informal waste management workers across the state.
He said that sanitation and waste workers play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability through their invaluable services to society.
Sukhu said that the dignity, safety and socio-economic empowerment of Safai Mitras are central to the state government's circular economy vision. The scheme will ensure greater recognition, support and opportunities for those who contribute significantly to maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Safai Mitra Scheme is a much-needed step! Our waste workers deserve dignity and proper recognition. But I hope the government also ensures fair wages and safety equipment for them, not just certificates and photo-ops. 😊
Great to see international collaboration for climate resilience. The focus on circular economy and waste management is especially relevant for Himalayan states. Hope this brings tangible results for local communities.
Yaar, UNDP is doing great work but I'm skeptical about how much will actually trickle down to villages. We need more local participation, not just top-down approaches. Still, kudos for including biodiversity conservation and women's participation in the MoU. 👍
As someone from Himachal, I appreciate this initiative but we urgently need better waste management systems in tourist spots like Manali and Dharamshala. MoUs are good but the plastic problem is already choking our mountains. Hope this partnership delivers practical solutions! 🌄
A model for sustainable development in the Himalayas? Yes please! But let's not forget that climate finance often comes with conditions. Need to ensure local communities have the final say, not just international agencies. Still, a step in the right direction. 💚
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