The adoption took place through the Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Air Quality and the Ministerial Declaration on Environmental Crime, marking unanimous recognition of their urgency and their cross-cutting impact on populations, ecosystems, and economies.

In this regard, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, Dion George, emphasized that this diplomatic achievement reflects the African nation’s leadership during its presidency of the G20 Working Group on Environmental and Climate Sustainability.

“These issues show the daily realities of our citizens: the air they breathe, the security of their natural heritage, and the rule of law that protects it. We have succeeded in placing these critical issues at the top of the global agenda, protecting our people and our environment, ensuring that justice and health go hand in hand,” he stated.

The Declaration on Environmental Crime calls for strengthened international cooperation to combat illegal wildlife trade, deforestation, illegal mining, and waste trafficking—transnational crimes that undermine environmental security, societies, and economic integrity.

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