The Secretary of State for Environment, Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, and the Mexican Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Juan Elvira Quesado, have signed an agreement on sustainable development and climate change. The ministers discussed progress under the previous sustainable development partnership programme between Mexico and UK, which began in 2006, and outlined future priorities under new programme which will last until 2010.
There are currently 13 sustainable development projects already in progress as a result of the 2006 programme.
The ministers met on April 1, 2009 and as part of a state visit by the Mexican President to the UK on April 2, 2009.
The ministers agreed there had been good progress on climate change and reducing emissions, sustainable consumption and production, and natural resource management but they agreed for need to step up their efforts to ensure forge a sustainable future and avoid damaging climate change.
One project has been reducing the emissions from Mexico City’s transport. This has led to the development of a zero emissions corridor” along one of Mexico’s busiest roads. The UK has also shared best practice and helped Mexico carry out its own Stern Report to look at the economic impacts of climate change.
Mexico will be hosting World Environment Day in June 2009 and has committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2050. It expects to build on the partnership with the UK so far. Priorities for the future of the programme include feeding sustainable objectives into UK and Mexican policy-making.
Hilary Benn said: “Working with another country to share what each of us has learned about sustainability is very important in the global fight against climate change and in combating the depletion of the world’s resources.
“I am very pleased that we can sign this memorandum today and that we are making great steps towards a more sustainable future. This will benefit everyone in all countries through a healthier planet.”
Ed Miliband said: “The UK and Mexico have a shared ambition to tackle climate change by cutting carbon emissions. The signing of the memorandum is a signal that our two countries will be working hard to secure a meaningful global deal at Copenhagen at the end of the year. All countries will feel the impact of dangerous climate change and I am very pleased the UK is contributing to the important work Mexico is doing.”
Minster Quesado said: “Cooperation with the UK has really helped to push Mexico’s sustainable development and climate change policy forward.
“We will continue strengthening this cooperation for the benefit of both parties and will transfer our experience to other regions.”
The other projects developed between UK and Mexico are:
Developing a Mexican Standard on Environmental Requirements and Specifications for the selection of the site, design, building and operation of tourism building developments;
In the state of Nuevo Leon, a project to support the closure of municipal dumps. To date, 14 dumps out of the 22 originally identified have been closed. The impact has reduced methane emissions by 25,000 tonnes of carbon equivalent, which will increase to 34,000 tonnes of carbon equivalent when all 22 are finally closed.
Improved resource efficiency through the Industrial Symbiosis Project, which has already diverted 1,260 tons/year from landfill, removed of 21,000 tonnes/year of carbon dioxide, given economic benefits of over £50,00 and created 39 new jobs;
UK and Mexico have collaborated on sustainable chemical management regime to improve industrial decision making and regulation. Other Latin American countries interested in using this model.
The UK has helped Mexico’s National Forestry Commission to develop a regional conservation and restoration plan for mangroves which will preserve and restore natural habitats for biodiversity and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on them.