A Memorandum of Agreement on Cooperation on Addressing Climate Change between the Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of India has been signedhere today by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests Shri Jairam Ramesh and Mr. XIE Zhenhua, Vice Chairman, Minister, National Development and Reform Commission, China. This Agreement would strengthen the cooperative activities between China and India on mitigation, programmes, projects, technology development and demonstration relating to greenhouse gas emission reduction including energy conservation efficiency, renewable energies, clean coal, methane recovery and utilization, afforestation and sustainable management of forests and ecosystems, transportation and sustainable habitat.
The following is the text of the Agreement :
The Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as “the Two Sides”),
Desirous of further promoting friendship between India and China,
Acknowledging that climate change and its adverse effects are the common concern of humankind, which need to be addressed through international co-operation,
Emphasising that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol are the most appropriate framework for addressing climate change,
Reaffirming the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, in particular that developed countries should take the lead in and continue to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and providing financial resources, technology transfer and capacity building support to developing countries,
Noting that India and China have announced their National Action Plans on Climate Change to achieve a sustainable development path which provides, inter alia, for international cooperation for research, development, sharing and transfer of technologies in relation to climate change,
Determined to enhance dialogue, communication and pragmatic bilateral cooperation between the Two Sides in addressing climate change,
Desirous of intensifying collaboration, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean energy technologies, sustainable agriculture and afforestation,
Have reached the following Agreement:
Article 1
The Two Sides agree to establish the India-China Partnership on Combating Climate Change to strengthen their bilateral dialogue and practical cooperation on climate change. In this connection, the Two Sides agree to hold ministerial consultations as mutually convenient between the two countries to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen coordination and enhance cooperation, and conduct regular exchange of views, including in the margins of various international occasions and meetings.
Article 2
The Two Sides agree to establish an India- China Working Group on Climate Change (hereinafter referred to as “the Working Group”). The Working Group will hold annual meetings alternately in China and India to exchange views on important issues concerning international negotiation on climate change, respective domestic policies and measures and the implementation of related cooperative projects.
Article 3
The Two Sides agree to strengthen their exchange of views and cooperation, inter alia, on mitigation policies, programmes, projects, technology development and demonstration relating to greenhouse gas emission reduction, including, but not limited to:
(a) Energy conservation and energy efficiency;
(b) Renewable energies;
(c) Clean coal;
(d) Methane recovery and utilization;
(e) Afforestation and sustainable management of forests and ecosystems;
(f) Transportation;
(g) Sustainable habitat.
Article 4
The Two Sides recognize the equal priority of adaptation and mitigation in tackling climate change and decide to enhance cooperation in the area of adaptation, particularly
(a) Evaluation of adverse impacts of climate change and vulnerability;
(b) Adaptation-related polices, measures and technologies;
(c) Adaptation-related capacity building activities.
Article 5
The Two Sides agree to strengthen their cooperation in basic capacity building, including observation and monitoring of climate change, public awareness-raising, academic exchange, education, training and personnel exchange, and undertake mutually cooperative activities and programmes as appropriate.
Such cooperative Activities under this Agreement may take the following forms:
(a) joint research and development activities, including commercially viable research and development;
(b) demonstrations of technologies and application development;
(c) organization of scientific seminars, symposia, conferences and workshops as well as participation of experts in those activities;
(d) Public Private Partnerships (PPP);
(e) Any other mode of activity jointly agreed in writing by The Two Sides.
Article 6
The Government of India designates the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Government of China designates the National Development and Reform Commission as the implementing authorities for this Agreement, responsible for carrying out activities under this Agreement.
Article 7
The Two Sides agree to settle any differences arising out of the interpretation and implementation on this Agreement through mutual consultation and negotiation.
Article 8
The Agreement will enter into force on the date of signature and be valid for a period of five (5) years. It shall be automatically renewed for a further period of five (5) years, unless one Side notifies the other of its intention to terminate the Agreement, with an advance notice of six (6) months. All activities arising from this Agreement which have started prior to the termination of this Agreement will, after the termination thereof, remain subject to the provisions of the Agreement until the completion of such activities.
National Development and Reform Commission, China and Ministry of Environment & Forests will be designated authority for implementation of this Agreement.
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