Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff Tuesday called for a renewal of the Kyoto Protocol, which is being discussed at the global climate talks in Durban, South Africa.

"We really would like COP17 to approve the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. That's Brazil's position. We consider this essential," Rousseff said.

The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 and took effect in 2005. Its first commitment period will end next year, and delegates in Durban are discussing the renewal of the pact.

Besides Brazil, the three members of the "BASIC countries" -- South Africa, India and China -- also advocated a renewal of the Kyoto Protocol at the conference.

Rousseff stressed the importance of reaching a consensus on the climate issue, saying that in 2009, Brazil committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 36 to 39 percent by 2020.