The series of activities in the G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) have concluded the results of agreement summary. This result is the materials for a meeting of ministers from G20 member countries in the Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting (RIMM) to be held at the Ritz Carlton Jakarta, Friday (28/10). One of these is to agree on establishing research and innovation collaboration to conserve and protect the world's biodiversity.
Jakarta, 28 October 2022. Chair of RIIG Indonesia, Agus Haryono explained several issues that had been agreed upon at the RIIG meeting. "We agree that the materials discussed during Indonesia's presidency will be continued by India as the G20 presidency in 2023, including re-organization of RIIG meetings in India in 2023," said Agus.
Agus explained, at the meeting the G20 members also agreed to have more intense discussions regarding the implementation of research and innovation collaborations to protect and conserve biodiversity in the world, and at the same time, use it sustainably to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
"We, the G20 countries, are committed to implementing international agreements in the environmental field, especially protecting the environment from the threat of biodiversity loss, damage to land and oceans, exploitation of flora and fauna, climate change, pollution and species invasion. We also continue the programs agreed upon in Italy's G20 Presidency in 2021 particularly focus on actions to protect biodiversity," explained Agus.
In addition, Agus mentioned that there are four points related to collaborative research and innovation, namely (i) Protection, conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity and related ecosystem services; (ii) innovation, testing, adoption and safe implementation of new technologies and innovations for sustainable development in general and the green and blue economy in particular including bio-based products and services; (iii) development of biotechnology; and (iv) utilization of new and renewable energy to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, modern and clean energy for all.
"We recognize the importance of collaboration among G20 members and international organizations in terms of conservation and use of biodiversity by sharing initiatives, providing equal access to facilitation and infrastructure as well as funding to promote a sustainable green and blue economy," said Agus.
Head of the Italian Delegation, Nicola Todaro Marescotti supported the implementation of the summary results of RIIG meeting under Indonesian Presidency. This strengthens and continues the results of the agreement made in the RIIG during the Italy's G20 presidency in 2021. He hopes that with the results of the RIIG meeting in Indonesia, the member countries can continue the sharing and cooperation in conserving and utilizing biodiversity in a sustainable manner. "This is a strong reference in carrying out cooperation between and among G20 member countries. We hope this can be followed up again in India's G20 presidency in 2023, with the hope of getting positive results achieved together in the spirit of research and innovation cooperation," he said.
Head of the Indian Delegation, Sanjeev Kumar said India sees efforts to maintain and conserve biodiversity as part of its future targets, so it is necessary to find solutions, especially to encourage science in utilizing biodiversity in a sustainable manner. "Science is the solution and this can be a common resolution in preserving the world's biodiversity," he concluded.
