The countries of the Andean Community (CAN) signed an Environmental Charter on Tuesday to promote the sustainable development and well-being of the inhabitants of the region, Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Claudia Blum reported.
“The Environmental Charter defines among its objectives to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the conventions on climate change and biodiversity, and the Paris Agreement, among other international instruments,” Blum said.
The document was approved during the XXV Ordinary Meeting of the Andean Council of Foreign Ministers (CAMRE) by the Governments of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. According to Blum, it will be “a framework for action for environmental protection, sustainable development and for the well-being of current and future generations of inhabitants” in the region.
“It seeks to promote cooperation, link the private sector and civil society in environmental solutions; emphasizes the importance of environmental education for the advancement of our countries in this area, and raises among its objectives contribute to a post-Covid-19 economic recovery that is green, inclusive and resilient,” she added.
By the Environmental Charter, countries also decided to include issues such as comprehensive water resource management among their work axes; conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; disaster prevention and care; the fight against illegal mining; promoting the circular economy, and the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
Bolivia’s foreign ministers Rogelio Mayta also participated in the meeting; Ecuador, Luis Gallegos, and Peru, Elizabeth Astete, and can’s Secretary General Jorge Hernando Pedraza.
