Lok Sabha Question No. 161 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-04
Subject: MoU for Cooperation in the field of Environment
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 161

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2023

## MoU for Cooperation in the field of Environment

## 161. SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has signed any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with many countries of the World for cooperation in the field of environment;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  said  treaty  will  help  to  introduce  or  transfer  green  technology  in  the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) to (d): Yes, Sir.  The details of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with countries  of the  world  for cooperation  in the field  of  Environment and related  areas are at Annexure .

Memorandum  of  Understanding (MoU), inter alia, relate to promoting cooperation, collaboration, exchanges of ideas and best practices, etc. in the field of  environment and related areas  including  in  green  technology.  The  details  of  areas  of  cooperation  in  the  signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) are at Annexure.

***

ANNEXURE  REFERRED  TO  REPLY  IN  PART  (a)  to  (d)  OF  LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 161 DUE FOR 01.12.2023 REGARDING 'MOU FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ENVIRONMENT'  RAISED BY SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS

## List of Memorandum of Understanding

|   Sl. No. | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                                                                                    | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|       1   | Australia Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Environment, Climate &Wildlife. 2017                                     | i. Environmental Information Systems ii. Wastewater management, treatment and re-use of treated effluents iii. Coastal and marine ecosystems iv. Marine wildlife ecosystems, with a particular focus on dugongs, sharks, turtles and cetaceans that occur in the Indian Ocean v. Management of UNESCO world heritage sites vi. Addressing illegal trade in fauna and flora, including cooperation to support well- managed, legal and sustainable trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) vii. Conservation and recovery of threatened species viii. Climate change ix. Ecosystem conservation and sustainable use x. Control of air and water pollution xi. Clean Coal Technology, including both pre- mining and post-mining technologies; and xii. Other areas related to the protection of the |
|       2   | Austria MoU between MoEF, Govt. of Republic of India and Federal Ministry of Environment, Youth and Family Affairs, Republic of Austria. 1994 | i. Air Pollution ii. Waste Management, technical and financial aspects iii. Vehicle Exhaust Emissions iv. Nature protection, particularly in mountain areas, v. Any other area                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
|       3.1 | Bangladesh MoU on Conservation of Sundarbans. 2011                                                                                            | Identified the following areas of cooperation for exploiting the potential of the Sundarban for development and alleviation of poverty: i. joint management and joint monitoring of resources: ii. mangrove regeneration habitat restoration and rehabilitation programs, which would                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |

| Sl. No.   | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                    | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
|-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           |                                                                               | eventually increase the potential for carbon sequestration. iii. the long-term strategy for creating ecotourism opportunities. iv. map and delineate human settlements on respective sides for a better understanding of the relationship between human settlements and the ecosystems                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| 3.2       | Bangladesh Protocol on Conservation of Royal Bengal Tigers of Sundarbans 2011 | Bilateral initiatives for ensuring the survival and conservation of the tiger in the unique ecosystem of Sunderban                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| 4.        | Bhutan MoU on cooperation in the areas of Environment. 2021                   | i. Air ii. Waste iii. Chemical Management iv. Climate Change v. Any other areas jointly decided upon                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 5.        | Brazil MoUoncooperation in the field of Environment. 2014                     | i. Climate Change ii. Biological diversity iii. Afforestation in drylands iv. Water conservation and protection of wetlands v. Waste management including agricultural waste and electronic waste vi. Waste water management and re-use of treated effluents vii. Use of bio-fuels viii. Use of Non-Timber Forest Products and medicinal plant products ix. Air and water quality management x. Environmental information systems xi. Sustainable Management of forests & REDD & REDD+ matter xii. Wildlife Management; and Forest Fire Control |
| 6.        | Canada India-Canada MoU on Climate Change and Environment. 2022               | i. Climate change, including increasing renewable energy capacity and the Decarbonization of Heavy Industries ii. Clean Technology iii. Plastics Pollution and Circular Economy iv. Air Pollution v. Sustainable development and management of Water Resources vi. Sustainable Consumption                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |

|   Sl. No. | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                                                                            | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|       7   | Cambodia Cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife management recovey strategy of tiger and its habitat. 2022 | decide upon Cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife management recovey strategy of tiger and its habitat                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|       8.1 | China Agreement on Climate Change. 2009                                                                                               | i. Energy Conservation ii. Renewable energies iii. Clean Coal iv. Methane recovery and utilization v. Transportation vi. Sustainable habitat                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
|       8.2 | China Agreement on Forestry Cooperation. 2006                                                                                         | i. Prevention and management of desertification Development and utilization of forestry resources Supporting technological cooperation between research organizations, forestry institutions, and other units ii. prevention of plant diseases, insects and pests, and intrusion by external organisms. iii. Prevention and control of forest fire. iv. Co-operation on the wood-based industry, sustainable forestry enterprise, trade and Policies' v. Enhancing livelihood opportunities of local communities through NTFP |
|       8.3 | China Bilateral Protocol on Tiger Conservation. 1995                                                                                  | Crackdown on illegal activities of poaching tiger, smuggling and selling tiger, tiger bones and other parts of tiger as well as its derivatives                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
|       9   | Cyprus Memorandum of Understanding between India and Cyprus on Cooperation in the Areas of Environment. 2018                          | i. Water pollution control; ii. Air pollution control; iii. Waste Management; iv. Biodiversity conservation including; v. (i)Bio-safety vi. (ii)Survey of Bio-resources vii. (iii)Wetland management viii. Harmful chemicals management; ix. Clean technologies including :                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |

| Sl. No.   | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                            | Area of Cooperation               | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           |                                                                       | x. xi.                            | (ii) waste handling technologies; (iii) environmental monitoring technologies; (iv) Technologies to support the substitution of harmful chemicals in processes and products. Climate Change Any other areas jointly decided upon.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| 10.1      | Denmark MoU on Clean Development Mechanism. 2008                      | i. ii. iii.                       | To facilitate the transfer of technology and knowhow to meet the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol To facilitate the procurement by the Danis Government and or private Danish companies of certified emission reductions (CERs) from energy efficiency, renewable energy and waste management projects in India. To facilitate the support for sustainable development in India through CDM project development based transfer of technology and capacity building |
| 10.2      | Denmark MoU on cooperation in the areas of Environment. 2009          | i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.            | Water Pollution Control Air Pollution Control Waste Management Biodiversity Conservation including; biosafety, survey of bio-resources, wetland management Harmful chemicals management Clean technologies including clean water and air technology, waste handling technology, environmental monitoring technologies, and technologies to support the substitution of harmful chemicals in processes and products.                                                |
| 11.       | Egypt MoU on Cooperation in the field of Environment Protection. 2012 | i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. | Waste Management including agricultural waste &electronic waste; Tackling the impact of climate change; The use of biofuels; Marine environment protection and integrated coastal zone management; Air quality &water quality; The protection of wetlands & water conservation; Biological diversity and nature conservation; Environmental information systems;                                                                                                   |

| Sl. No.   | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                      | Area of                               | Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           |                                                                                 | ix. x.                                | Wastewater management & reuse of treated effluents; Afforestation in arid areas.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| 12.       | Finland MoU on Environmental Cooperation. 2020                                  | i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii.     | Air and water pollution prevention and purification, remediation of contaminated soils; Waste management including hazardous wastes, and waste-to-energy technologies; Promotion of circular economy, low-carbon solutions, and sustainable management of natural resources including forests.; Climate change ; Environmental and Forest monitoring and data management; Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources; Integrated water management of Oceanic/Sea Islands; and Any other areas jointly decided upon. |
| 13.       | France MoUoncooperation in the field of Environment. 2018                       | i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. | climate change including technologies related to climate change; air quality integrated water resources management including water quality and river management chemical and waste management and circular economy forests and biodiversity Protection resource and energy efficiency conservation of marine and coastal Resources control of illegal trade in wildlife and products made therefrom; wildlife forensics                                                                                               |
| 14.       | Israel Agreement on cooperation in the field of protection of Environment. 2003 | i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.           | Afforestation in arid areas Combating desertification Pollution problems of mutual concern, their identification and an assessment of relevant control technologies Water conservation Recycling of wastewater management and reuse of treated affluents Wildlife preservation and maintenance of diversity of species Low-cost and environmentally sound technologies for pollution control                                                                                                                          |

| Sl. No.   | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                                               | Area of Cooperation               | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           |                                                                                                          | viii. ix. x. xi. xii. xiii. xiv.  | Collaboration between academic and research institutions Environment awareness Environmental impact assessment Environmental monitoring methods and surveillance including the use of environmental information systems Environmental problems in their relation to other policy areas and the relationship between environment and development Exchange of information and data on research and development Promoting international cooperation in the field of the environment and cooperation on international environmental matters.                      |
| 15.       | Japan Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Japan in the field of Environmental Cooperation. 2018  | i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. | Pollution Control (Air, Soil and Water); Chemical and Waste Management including integrated Solid Waste Management (including Environmentally Sustainable Cities) and Hazardous Substance Management; Coastal and marine ecosystems; Environmental Technology; Climate change; Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity including Natural Parks and other nature conservation areas; Wastewater management; and Other areas related to the protection of the                                                                                          |
| 16.       | Mauritius MoU between India and Mauritius on Cooperation in field of Protection of the Environment. 2005 | i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.       | Prevention of coastal erosion, lagoon pollution, loss of biodiversity and damage to the reef system Pollution problems of mutual concern, their identification and assessment of relevant control technologies Exchange of information on legislation related to sustainable development and environmental protection, including law enforcement, Treatment of wastewater from industries and sugar mills, Recycling of water, Low-cost and environmentally sound technologies for pollution control Collaboration between academic and research institutions |

| Sl. No.   | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                                                       | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           |                                                                                                                  | viii. Environmental awareness ix. Environmental impact assessment x. Environmental monitoring methods xi. Conservation, management and development of forest xii. Other areas of the environment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| 17.       | Morocco Agreement on Environmental Cooperation 2014                                                              | i. Management and protection of ecologically sensitive areas; wetlands, nature reserves, mountainous eco-systems and coastal areas; ii. Management of municipal wastes; recycle, disposal and reduction of industrial and hazardous wastes; iii. Assessment of urban noise and air pollution; iv. Other areas of cooperation related to environmental protection and improvement are mutually agreed upon.                            |
| 18.       | Myanmar MoU for Cooperation on Combating Timber Trafficking and Conservation of Tigers and other Wildlife. 2020  | Combating timber trafficking and promoting wildlife conservation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| 19.       | Namibia MoU facilitate biodiversity conservation with specific focus on servation and restoration of cheetah2022 | Facilitate biodiversity conservation with specific focus on conservation and restoration of cheetah in their former range areas from which they went extinct.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| 20.       | Netherlands MoU between India and Netherlands on Environmental Cooperation. 1988                                 | i. Environmental management, ii. Hygiene iii. Technology and iv. Conservation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| 21.       | Russia MoU on Cooperation in the field of Protection of Environment and Natural Resources 1994                   | i. Global environmental problems including climate change, protection of the stratospheric ozone layer and conservation of biological diversity ii. Protection and management of water resources including rivers and lakes and development of water storage and purifying technologies iii. Protection of the atmosphere iv. Environment pollution control, including the exchange of information on cleaner production technologies |

| Sl. No.   | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                                                                    | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
|-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           |                                                                                                                               | v. Management and rational use of natural resources and cultural heritage in the context of their inter-linkage with the environment vi. Environment education and promotion of public awareness on environmental issues; vii. Protection of flora and fauna, including the protection of tigers, Siberian cranes, devoting special attention to the prevention of trade in endangered species and setting up of special protection zones, and national parks and natural sanctuaries; viii. Legal and administrative measures related to the protection of the environment ix. Management of sea, coastal zones and marine resources; x. Protection of the environment in cities and other habitats xi. Emergency response to ecological disasters xii. Environment impact assessment procedures and experiences xiii. Any other area of cooperation as mutually agreed. |
| 22.       | South Africa MoU to facilitate biodiversity conservation with specific focus on conservation and restoration of cheetah. 2023 | Facilitate biodiversity conservation with specific focus on conservation and restoration of cheetah in their former range areas from which they went extinct.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| 23.       | Sweden MoU on Cooperation in the field of Environment. 2009                                                                   | i. Global Environmental issues, including Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) for their effective implementation. ii. Exchange of knowledge, institutional cooperation including capacity building and commercial relations, regarding, inter alia:  Environmental governance in the areas of environmental legislation, regulation, monitoring, enforcement and planning.  Sustainable urban development  Integrated solid waste management  Air and water quality management  Cooperation in new and renewable energy  Clean production and technology  Environmental Health  Other areas mutually agreed upon                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |

| Sl. No.   | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                                     | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           |                                                                                                | iii. Climate change, including CDM, research and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| 24.       | Switzerland MoU on Cooperation in the field of Environment 2019                                | development i. Capacity building on Climate Change and Sustainable Water Management; ii. Sustainable Forest Management; iii. Sustainable development of mountainous regions; iv. Environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development; v. Air, land and water pollution; vi. Clean and renewable energy; vii. Climate change risk management.                                                                                                                           |
| 25.       | Turkmenistan MoU for Cooperation in Environmental Protection and Forestry 1997                 | i. Industrial and non-industrial pollution ii. Protection of water quality from industrial and agricultural pollution iii. Conservation of biological diversity iv. Energy efficiency and new and renewable energy tech. v. National legislation and intl. Agreements to prevent the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes vi. Afforestation and creation of green belt vii. Environment management systems viii. Environment impact assessment ix. Research and training |
| 26.1      | USA MoUtoenhance cooperation on Wildlife Conservation and Combating Wildlife Trafficking. 2016 | x. Forestry, etc. i. Wildlife forensics and conservation genetics ii. Natural World Heritage Conservation iii. Natural Interpretation and Conservation Awareness                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| 26.2      | USA MoUtoenhance cooperation on Energy Security, Clean Energy and Climate Change. 2016         | i. Promoting sustainable growth ii. Clean energy technologies iii. Curb rise in Greenhouse gas emissions iv. Enhance resilience to the impact of Climate Change                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| 27.       | UAE MoU between Indian and UAE in Climate Action. 2022                                         | i. Rapid deployment of renewable energy power generation, including through cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency and International Solar Alliance;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |

| Sl. No.   | Name of Country and Year of Signing of MoU                                            | Area of Cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           |                                                                                       | ii. Agricultural innovation and food and water security, including through the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate; iii. Green Hydrogen production and utilization for decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors; iv. Decarbonisation of heavy industry; v. Adaptation and resilience; vi. Nature-based solutions; vii. Sustainable finance; viii. Carbon markets; ix. Empowering women and youth in climate action; x. Science and research collaborations; and xi. Any other areas of cooperation as jointly decided by the Participants. |
| 28.       | Vietnam MoU between India and Vietnam on Cooperation in Environment and Forestry 1997 | i. Conservation and management of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for plants and animals ii. Management, protection and development of forests iii. Environmental protection and pollution control of rivers, lakes, water bodies, and waste management iv. Environment audit, law, regulation v. Trade and environmental issues vi. Sustainable utilization of water resources vii. Environmental awareness and education viii. Sharing of information in regard to the Framework Convention on Climate Change and related issues.       |