India-Canada statement on environmental cooperation

Plain language summary

The India-Canada Forum for Environmental Cooperation was created in response to a 2005 declaration between the Prime Ministers of India and Canada to deepen environmental cooperation, including the promotion of clean technologies.

Under the Forum, Canada and India alternate in hosting annual meetings and discuss energy and the environment, competiveness and clean technologies, climate change, air pollution, toxic chemical reduction strategies and any other topics deemed relevant by both parties.

Objective

To create a mechanism for cooperation on environmental management, sustainable development and green technologies.

Key elements

The Forum seeks ways to enhance collaboration in areas with demonstrated Canadian technological strength and Indian capacity-building requirements, facilitate public-private partnerships, encourage environmental cooperation broadly and promote the exchange of information consistent with the provisions of the Agreement for Scientific and Technical Cooperation (November 18, 2005).

Expected results

The Forum is planned and managed by a committee consisting of representatives from relevant ministries of both countries. Where the activities for the Forum fall within an area decided pursuant to Article 4 of the Agreement for Scientific and Technical Cooperation, the Forum will liaise on those activities with the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee.

Canada’s involvement

The Forum has served as Canada’s primary mechanism for bilateral engagement with India on environmental issues.

Results / progress

Activities

The Forum provides a space for the private sector, academia, nongovernment organizations, and other orders of government to engage with India to identify opportunities for exchange of technologies and best practices in the following areas: municipal waste, e-waste management and recycling; wastewater management; Canada’s Environmental Technology Verification program; and eco-sustainable cities.

Results

The Forum provides opportunities for Canadian and Indian interlocutors from government, the private sector and research institutions to make contacts with relevant counterparts, and have led to follow-up activities in India.