In a collaboration aiming at tackling climate change and fostering sustainable development, the German embassy in Delhi hosted the second edition of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) Conversation Series. The event, titled ‘India’s Growing Strength in Sustainable Food Systems,’ took place in Karnataka’s Bengaluru on World Earth Day.
During the event, Achim Burkart, the Consul General of Germany in Karnataka and Kerala, emphasized the joint efforts of Bharat and Germany in combatting climate change.
He underscored the importance of addressing the challenges posed by climate change, which include new and extreme weather patterns, rising temperatures, and their adverse impacts on agriculture.
Bharat, being a significant agricultural hub, faces potential losses of over USD 7 billion by 2030 due to climate change’s effects on agriculture. Recent months in Bangalore and Karnataka have witnessed heatwaves, scarce rainfall, and dwindling water resources, highlighting the critical need for sustainable food systems.
The event featured diverse activities, including panel discussions and interactive sessions. Panelists discussed the evolving landscape of sustainable agriculture in Bharat, emphasizing its implications on nutritional security, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development.
The exhibition center showcased various elements such as a diversity fair, a photo exhibition highlighting farmers implementing agroecology principles, and a display of climate recipes. These exhibits aimed to provide insights into climate adaptation strategies and promote agricultural biodiversity.
Germany has been actively supporting agroecological transformation in Bharat through initiatives like the Indo-German Lighthouse on Agroecology and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources. This aligns with both countries’ commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The GSDP, initiated in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, provides a framework for cooperation between Bharat and Germany in alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. The GSDP Conversation Series serves as a platform for regular networking and idea sharing to advance sustainability and climate goals.
This year, the 7th Indo-German Cabinet Consultations will be held in New Delhi, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
With the involvement of various German institutions, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the GSDP aims to contribute significantly to sustainable development and climate resilience.
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