Himachal, UNDP sign MoU on waste management, green initiatives
An MoU to advance climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh was signed by the State Government and the United Nations Development Programme on Friday.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change secretary, a statement issued here said.
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, it said.
It 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.
The partnership will also promote gender-responsive and socially inclusive development by ensuring the participation of women, marginalised communities and informal workers in planning and implementation processes, the statement said.
Speaking on the occasion, Sukhu said 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).
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.
Sukhu also launched the Safai Mitra scheme, aimed to empower informal waste management workers across the State, and said sanitation and waste workers play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability through their invaluable services to society.
The dignity, safety and socio-economic empowerment of Safai Mitras are central to the State Government’s circular economy vision, and the scheme will ensure greater recognition, support and opportunities for those who contribute significantly to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, the chief minister said.
