In a move aimed at bolstering regional conservation efforts, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) inaugurated its first office in Central Asia on February 10, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan reported. The opening ceremony, held at the Central Asian University of Environmental Studies and Climate Change, commonly known as the "Green University," in the Tashkent region, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between Uzbekistan and the global conservation community.
Distinguished attendees at the event included Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN, and Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Also present were ministers of ecology from Central Asian countries, representatives of international organizations, and media personnel.
The decision to establish the IUCN office in Uzbekistan emerged from discussions held during the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28). Minister Abdukhakimov's meeting with IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar during the conference paved the way for this significant development.
During the inauguration ceremony, both parties emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution.
"Today, our planet is facing three main challenges... All countries must work together to solve these problems," Aguilar underscored the necessity for collective action.
She further highlighted the significance of the IUCN office in Uzbekistan as a crucial step towards regional ecosystem protection.
Minister Abdukhakimov echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of cooperation in achieving environmental goals. He expressed confidence that the establishment of the IUCN office would facilitate closer ties among Central Asian countries, partners, and the expert community, leading to tangible improvements in the region's environmental landscape.
“Strengthening cooperation with the International Union for Conservation of Nature is of great importance. Together, we are implementing projects that will serve to protect the environment, restore land, improve ecosystems, and stabilize the climate. I believe that this will certainly serve to improve the environmental situation in the region. This office will allow us to establish closer ties with Central Asian countries, partners, and the expert community,” Minister Abdukhakimov noted.
The opening of the IUCN office in Uzbekistan is aligned with the country's commitment to environmental conservation. In 2021, Uzbekistan became a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, demonstrating its dedication to global conservation initiatives. The IUCN, recognized as the world's oldest and largest conservation organization, operates with the participation of government and civil society organizations worldwide, drawing on the expertise of over 15,000 experts and more than 1,400 member organizations.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with a tour of the newly established IUCN office, symbolizing the beginning of a collaborative journey towards sustainable environmental stewardship in Central Asia.
About IUCN
Established in 1948, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has evolved into the planet's most extensive and varied environmental alliance. This diversity and expertise position IUCN as the foremost authority on the condition of the natural world and the strategies essential for its preservation. The organization's broad membership enables it to nurture innovative concepts and serves as a trusted repository of best practices, tools, and international standards.
IUCN serves as a neutral platform where governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples’ organizations, and others collaborate to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. Through partnerships and support from various entities, IUCN executes a wide array of conservation projects worldwide. These initiatives integrate cutting-edge scientific research with the traditional wisdom of local communities, aiming to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems, and enhance human well-being.
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