The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is underway in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from February 11 to 17, 2024. Among the significant developments, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have inked a Memorandum of Cooperation in the realm of fauna conservation, particularly focusing on the Ustyurt Plateau region, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan reported.
The memorandum, signed amidst the COP14 deliberations, aims to foster cross-border collaboration between the two nations for the preservation of key species of mammals and migratory animals in the Ustyurt Plateau area. Notable species in focus include the goitered gazelle, Central Asian leopard, urial, and kulan, among others.
The gathering, hosting approximately 1,700,000 delegates from participating countries and international organizations, centers discussions and decision-making regarding obligations pertinent to the conservation of migratory wildlife. Since Kazakhstan's accession to the Convention in 2005, the nation has been actively engaged in COP meetings, with a national delegation led by Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Nurken Sharbiyev.
Facilitated by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Convention's Secretariat, COP14 serves as a platform for nations to share insights and strategies for the protection of migratory species.
On the sidelines of COP14, the Eighth Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Program (GSLEP) convened. Noteworthy contributions included Vice Minister Sharbiyev's report on Kazakhstan's advancements in studying and conserving snow leopards and their habitats. The report underscored the utilization of cutting-edge technologies by national scientific institutions for species monitoring.
A focal point of the high-level event was a panel session addressing cross-border cooperation among Central Asian countries for the conservation of migratory wildlife. Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, participated remotely, emphasizing Kazakhstan's commitment to bolstering measures for the study and conservation of migratory species. Nyssanbayev also expressed Kazakhstan's keenness to sustain cooperation with neighboring nations like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, focusing on species such as saiga and snow leopards.
Moreover, Vice Minister Sharbiyev contributed to a panel discussion focusing on transboundary cooperation among Central Asian nations. The dialogue delved into issues pertinent to facilitating the unhindered migration of wild mammals and collaborative efforts in establishing a network of transboundary protected areas.
Kazakhstan, alongside Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, formally joined the Memorandum of Understanding on the conservation of migratory birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia during the ministerial meeting. The memorandum, already effective within the Convention framework and endorsed by over 60 Eurasian and African countries, signifies a collective commitment to safeguarding avian species across continents.
Every year, countless animals embark on migratory voyages across land, seas, rivers, and skies, traversing borders and continents, with many covering vast distances to nourish and reproduce. These animals form essential components of balanced ecosystems, offering numerous advantages to humanity. They serve as vital food sources, contribute to economic prosperity through activities like tourism, and fulfill crucial roles such as pollination, nutrient transportation, pest control, and carbon sequestration.
Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, emphasized the nation's focus on regional cooperation and connectivity. Uzbekistan is actively engaging in discussions with neighboring countries and those in the Central Asian region to develop effective policies on connectivity, recognizing its importance for migratory species and its role in land restoration, climate change mitigation, and adaptation. He urged the global community to actively engage with Central Asia, affirming Uzbekistan's commitment to environmental diplomacy and a harmonious relationship with nature, following the traditions of previous generations.
“Uzbekistan is paying a special attention to regional cooperation and connectivity. There are ongoing multiple discussions with our neighbours, countries in the Central Asian region and beyond to devise effective policies on connectivity. Ecological connectivity is essential for migratory species, which rely on a specific network of important habitats throughout their lifecycles. It has also been recognized as playing a major role in addressing effective land restoration, climate change mitigation and adaptation. Taking this opportunity, we would like to urge global community to actively engage with the Central Asian region. Uzbekistan is committed to further fostering of environmental diplomacy and an approach of living in harmony with nature in the same way as our ancestors did for generations before us,” Minister Abdukhakimov shared.
The United Nations wildlife conservation conference represents a crucial global forum for biodiversity discussions, ranking among the most significant gatherings since the establishment of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) holds significant responsibility in driving forward the realization of the GBF objectives. The emblem of COP14 was created collaboratively with the Uzbekistani government and showcases a winged snow leopard embellished with the iconic lapis lazuli tile motif commonly seen in Central Asian landmarks. Revered as a keystone species in Uzbekistan, the snow leopard's habitat spans across 12 nations and holds symbolic significance for the city of Samarkand.
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