G20 declaration ignores critical issues of animal agriculture sector, argue environmental rights organisations

Samayu and the coalition of organisations anticipate a prompt response and commitment from the ministry to address these crucial concerns. 

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SAMAYU, alongside a coalition of 17 organisations, have issued an urgent open letter to the ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, demanding immediate action on the critical issues engulfing the animal agriculture sector.

The critical issues are related to environmental and public health, gender equality and inclusion, economic resilience and sustainability, transparent and sustainable supply chains, and conflicts and vulnerabilities.

The open letter was issued in response to the G20 declaration issued at the conclusion of the G20 Summit this year.

According to the open letter, finding solutions to these issues will be instrumental in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

However, the declaration has 'egregiously' missed responding to these challenges, the open letter laments.

The letter notes: "The declaration does not discuss the role of sustainable practices in economic stability and environmental sustainability, nor does it focus on financing sustainable agriculture and livestock-related projects within reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)."

"This lack of specificity is not aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)," the letter reads.

However, the call to action in the declaration underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity for immediate and comprehensive measures to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the animal agriculture industry, the letter states.

The letter also includes a comprehensive set of recommendations for each concern.

The letter emphasises the urgent need for policies and incentives that encourage sustainable farming, address gender disparities, support economic stability, promote supply chain transparency and acknowledge the vulnerability of agricultural workers.

"Implementing these recommendations will contribute to creating a more sustainable, equitable and resilient agricultural landscape, ultimately benefiting both people and the planet," the organisations declare in the letter.

About Samayu

Samayu is a non-profit organisation working for net positive outcomes for people, planet and animals. The organisation is committed to building a sustainable, equitable and environment-friendly world that recognises the role of animals and nature as being integral to these objectives.