Green Economy / Impact of the outcome of Rio+20 the development agenda of India

Green Economy

There is no one agreed definition of Green Economy. India has viewed the concept to Green Economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; which was one of the themes of Rio+20 Green Economy is one of the means to achieve sustainable development. The concept should not lead to any form of green protectionism, imposition of conditionality or any intrusion in the domestic policy space. The document affirms that there are different approached, visions, models and tools available to each country, in accordance with its national circumstances and priorities to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions which is the overarching goal. Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication is one of the important tools available for achieving sustainable development and that it could provide options for policy making but should not be a right set of rules. The outcome of summit firmly rejects the unilateral measures and trade barriers as well as unwarranted conditionalities on ODA and finance under the guise of Green Economy.

Impact of the outcome of Rio+20 the development agenda of India

One of the key priorities of India in the negotiations was to protect the domestic policy space for our development. The outcome document has done so by reaffirming the Rio principles including CBDR and equity and avoiding a prescriptive outcome with unilateral norms and targets. Thus, we could follow our own policies on sustainable development and poverty eradication. We would keenly follow up on the four process/ mechanisms proposed in the outcome document on finalizing strategy , technology transfer, SDGs and high level political forum with a view to protecting our interests.