The statement emphasized the importance of reducing dependence on high-carbon technologies for economic growth, and that promotion of climate resilience will promote both development and poverty eradication in a sustainable manner.[break]
Climate Change was the main agenda of the summit in the face of vulnerability faced by member states due to global warming.
Expressing deep concern over the adverse effects of climate change, the declaration called for the commissioning of a SAARC Inter-governmental Climate-related Disasters Initiative, on the integration of Climate Change Adaptation with Disaster Risk Reduction.
The statement said the member states face the dual challenge of addressing the negative impacts of climate change and pursuing socio-economic development.
It noted that South Asia is especially prone to the ill-effects of climate change and related disasters, making the need for a regional response to meet the challenge more urgent and compelling.
It also said South Asia could benefit from cooperative regional initiatives and exchange of knowledge, as well as transfer of technologies to address the challenges.
The Thimpu Statement on Climate Change also agreed to review the implementation of the Dhaka Declaration and SAARC Action Plan on Climate Change, with a view to ensuring its timely implementation.
The leaders agreed to establish an Inter-governmental Expert Group on Climate Change to develop clear policy directions for regional cooperation as envisaged in the Plan of Action on Climate Change.
The leaders directed the SAARC secretary general to commission a study aimed at accreditation of SAARC with the Kyoto Protocol´s Adaptation Fund as a regional entity for undertaking adaptation projects in South Asia.
The statement said 10 million trees will be planted over the next five years (2010-15) as part of a regional forestation and reforestation campaign in the member states.
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