The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through the Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD), participated in a multicountry study mission showcasing India’s practices, policies, and enabling mechanisms for climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental resilience, and sustainable development.
The multicountry observational study mission on the policy landscape for sustainable development was held from March 26 to 28, 2025, in New Delhi, India, and was hosted by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and the National Productivity Council of India (NPC-India). The study mission aimed to gain insights into key aspects of national strategies enabling climate change adaptation, observe the implications of policies aligned with overall economic growth, and understand the nuances of global programs for a collective approach to sustainability.
The first day covered the regulatory framework of waste management in India and challenges in its implementation. It also included a site visit to the Waste to Energy Plant at Okhla, New Delhi, where a thorough discussion was made regarding the challenges related to waste sourcing, plant efficiency, and regulatory compliance, as well as the environmental and social implications of such facilities.
The second day was intended for in-depth discussions on how India’s Energy Policy Framework/landscape transitions to a sustainable future in relation to national and international climate commitments. During the site visit, participants explored cutting-edge research and development in the fields of energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and carbon capture at the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) R&D Center at Greater Noida.
During the last day, the discussion focused on the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in corporate sustainability strategies. Circular economy was also highlighted through an immersion on the construction and demolition waste management, which included a site visit to an existing facility in Shashtri Park, New Delhi.
The study mission was participated by a total of 37 participants from 10 countries in Asia and the Pacific: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Aside from DOST-PCAARRD, four other Philippine participants were from the Department of Trade and Industry, Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines, and the Business for Sustainable Development.
The participants gained an in-depth understanding of the nexus of sustainability, climate change, and science-based policy to further improve the impacts of climate change and related programs/projects.