12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting: MoEFCC unveils four BRICS knowledge compendiums

What happened: MoEFCC unveiled four BRICS environmental knowledge compendiums

India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) unveiled four BRICS Environment Working Group knowledge compendiums at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting took place under India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship, and the compendiums were presented alongside Heads of Delegations of BRICS member countries.

The MoEFCC described the compendiums as collaborative knowledge products that compile leading practices, knowledge systems, and innovations across BRICS member countries. The four compendiums are meant for peer learning and multilateral cooperation, using national experiences and case studies.

Four compendiums and what each one covers

1) Compendium on National Experiences, Leading Practices & Success Stories on Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles It compiles case studies from BRICS member countries including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, South Africa, and the UAE. It presents how BRICS countries translate “sustainable lifestyles” into practical action through: - policy innovation - behavioural change initiatives - environmental education - community participation - sustainable consumption and production - circular economy approaches - ecosystem restoration - clean energy transitions - green development programmes India’s contributions mentioned in the compendium include Mission LiFE, an Environment Education Programme, and the SAMBHAV Campaign. The compendium emphasises citizen ownership, context-driven solutions, and digital integration as elements for systemic transformation.

2) Compendium on Best Practices and Innovative Approaches for Integrated Fire Management The MoEFCC links the need for integrated wildfire management to climate-related drivers such as changing climate conditions, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures. The compendium covers community-led prevention and indigenous knowledge, along with early warning systems, technology, preparedness, and coordinated response. It describes wildfire management as a cycle from prevention to preparedness, early warning to early action, and response to recovery.