Bregu: The climate crisis is not slowing down, a major challenge that requires increased ambition and investment

2024-10-08 20:02:00, Aktualitet CNA

Bregu: The climate crisis is not slowing down, a major challenge that requires

Representatives of the Six Western Balkans adopted the Hamburg Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB), renewing their commitment to the GAWB at the meeting organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development Germany, and supported by the European Commission, in Hamburg today.

"Our hearts are heavy with the devastating images coming out of Bosnia and Herzegovina – precious lives lost and badly damaged infrastructure – recalling the tragedy of the severe floods of 2014. Tragedies of this kind can bring us despair but also mobilisation. with even greater determination to protect our people and our homes. The main environmental problems for our citizens are: air pollution 57%, water pollution 43%, soil pollution 38% and poor waste management in 37%. The Western Balkans Green Agenda, adopted 3 years ago, can really contribute to reducing pollution, reducing carbon emissions and achieving our common climate neutral objectives. The climate crisis is not slowing down, and it is a major challenge that requires increased ambition and increased investment. We need to be better prepared for climate change, to protect and recover our biodiversity, and to decarbonize and industrialize in parallel. Sustainable and inclusive growth that prioritizes people, nature and climate must be the reference point of all our actions," said RCC General Secretary Majlinda Bregu during the meeting.

In addition to establishing the Ministerial Meeting on GAWB as an annual event from now on, the Hamburg Declaration on GAWB highlights several key initiatives, including the launch of the Review of the GAWB Action Plan, the completion of the "Regional Pollution Prevention Action Plan from Plastics, including marine litter," and the Climate Adaptation Action Plan for WB6, the development of the Western Balkans Biodiversity Strategy Plan 2030 and the establishment of a system for monitoring, reporting, verification and accreditation (MRVA) of emissions. The statement will be included in the Chairs' Conclusions of the Berlin Process 2024 Summit, which will take place on October 14 in Berlin.

The German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, emphasized that the sustainable development of Europe depends on a strong regional cooperation and the current political moment of the Berlin Process, appreciating the Western Balkans for the commitment and progress towards common goals for sustainability .

Bregu: The climate crisis is not slowing down, a major challenge that requires

The main purpose of this First Annual Ministerial Meeting on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) was to review the progress made in implementing the GAWB Action Plan for all seven components, and to provide strategic guidance for future efforts. Through interactive discussions and exchanges, participants identified areas of success, challenges and opportunities, and agreed on measures to accelerate progress towards shared environmental goals.

The European Commission Adviser for the Western Balkans in the Directorate General for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, Wojciech Kowalski, emphasized the mutual dependence between the EU and the Western Balkans for the green transition, stressing the essential role of the private sector in achieving the goals of the Agenda of Green, thanking the RCC and all regional partners for their commitment to make sustainable development a common priority.

The Ministerial Meeting on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB), held for the first time this year within the Berlin Process, is a key platform for advancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience in the region. In line with the Sofia Declaration, this meeting brings together stakeholders to review progress, address challenges and define future actions./ CNA