Samarkand, the ancient city in Uzbekistan, is rapidly transforming into a hub for global environmental discourse, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan reported. The recent COP14 international conference which commenced in Samarkand on February 12, served as a pivotal moment, bringing together key stakeholders from around the world to discuss crucial environmental issues.
During the conference, Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen. Expressing gratitude for Andersen's presence at the event, Abdukhakimov underscored Samarkand's growing stature as a center for international environmental dialogue.
Highlighting Samarkand's recent hosting of significant environmental events such as the International Conference on Food Security (ICFS), FAO, and the CRIC21 session (UNCCD), Abdukhakimov announced plans for the inaugural Samarkand Climate Forum scheduled for April, extending an invitation for global participation.
The theme of COP14, "Nature knows no borders," resonated deeply with participants as it emphasized the need for collaborative efforts transcending geopolitical boundaries to protect migratory animals and their habitats. Minister Abdukhakimov emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in Central Asia, stressing that ecological balance and migration patterns necessitate joint action on both regional and global scales.
“This event brought together more than 1,800 participants from 130 countries. The theme of the conference is "Nature knows no borders," because there are no borders for migrating animals. That is why we advocate strengthening cross-border cooperation and joining efforts to protect nature. The development of regional cooperation in Central Asia is our priority since the ecological balance, ecosystem, and types of migration require regional and global cooperation,” Minister Abdukhakimov noted.
Central to the discussions were Uzbekistan's environmental initiatives, including the "Yashil Makon" project and the innovative endeavor to create vast forests on the seabed of the Aral Sea. However, Abdukhakimov stressed the need for stricter environmental protection measures, the adoption of alternative energy sources, and intensified environmental education efforts to address ongoing challenges effectively.
The minister voiced support for the adoption of the CMS Strategic Plan for Migratory Species for 2024–2032, signaling Uzbekistan's commitment to biodiversity conservation. Following the meeting with UNEP's Andersen, cooperation in critical areas such as air quality monitoring, environmental standards enhancement, desertification and land degradation mitigation, plastic and pesticide pollution prevention, and environmental education emerged as key priorities.
Earlier within the framework of COP14, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation regarding the conservation of fauna, with a specific emphasis on the Ustyurt Plateau region. This memorandum seeks to promote cooperation across borders between the two countries to protect important mammal and migratory animal species in the Ustyurt Plateau area. Key species targeted for conservation efforts include the goitered gazelle, Central Asian leopard, urial, and kulan, among others.
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