Cape Town: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Deputy Director-General for Climate Change and Air Quality, Maesela Kekana, shared insights on the recent G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting held virtually. The meeting, which saw participation from G20 countries, invited nations, and partners, focused on critical environmental and climate sustainability priorities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting began with discussions on the ECSWG Issue Note. The first day featured general comments and reflections, while subsequent days delved into specific priority areas such as Biodiversity and Conservation, Land Degradation, Desertification and Drought, Chemicals and Waste Management, and Oceans and Coast. The Climate Change and Air Quality Management priority area received special attention in separate discussions.
Kekana emphasized the significance of the deliberations, stating that the meeting provided substantial input into the issue note and identified priorities and expected deliverables. South Africa plans to incorporate all feedback into the meeting report, preparing for the next ECSWG meeting scheduled in Kruger National Park from 14-18 July 2025.
The virtual meeting, opened by DFFE Minister Dr. Dion George, allowed for the presentation of the ECSWG Issue Note, priorities, and proposed deliverables, with participants offering their inputs and views. Written comments on the priorities are expected by 5 April 2025. The Chair of ECSWG will engage with other relevant working groups’ chairs to enhance collaboration and avoid duplication.
In the interim, ongoing ECSWG and stakeholder engagements will include bilateral meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences. The review and revision of Technical Papers will continue, with discussions planned for the 2nd ECSWG Meeting at Kruger National Park. Final versions of the technical papers and the draft Outcome Document will be discussed at the 3rd ECSWG Meeting in Cape Town on 13-15 October 2025, followed by a Ministerial Meeting to adopt the Outcome Document and other deliverables.
Kekana expressed gratitude for the engagement during the meeting, highlighting the progress made and looking forward to continued collaboration.