The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has announced a substantial allocation of $26mn in grants aimed at strengthening collaboration between Central Asian countries in the realm of ecosystem restoration, the Ministry of Ecology reported. The decision was disclosed following a meeting between Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, and Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of the GEF.
The meeting marked an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges in the region. Minister Abdukhakimov commended the GEF for its successful organization of the 66th meeting of the Global Environment Facility Council held in Washington, USA, earlier this month. He also expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended in the development of regional projects, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Central Asian nations and the imperative of collaborative action in ecosystem restoration and climate change mitigation.
"The Central Asian ministers are ready for regional cooperation to restore ecosystems and prevent climate change. Our five countries are interconnected, and the Central Asian region is one ecosystem," stated Minister Abdukhakimov.
The $26mn allocation, sanctioned within the framework of the 66th GEF Council meeting, will finance five projects under the Regional Program "Interconnection of Water and Land Resources of Central Asia (CAWLN) for Ecosystem Restoration, Improved Management of Natural Resources, and Increased Sustainability." Notably, $18.6mn will be dedicated to projects involving Uzbekistan, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The projects encompass a range of initiatives, including land restoration in vulnerable ecosystems, integrated water resources management in key river basins, and comprehensive natural resource management to enhance ecosystem conservation and biodiversity.
Carlos Rodriguez lauded Uzbekistan's hosting of the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Animals, underscoring the event's role in fostering regional cooperation and decision-making. He hailed the strong political commitment demonstrated by Central Asian ministers in advancing collaborative endeavors to protect the region's vulnerable ecosystems.
"I want to express my appreciation to the Minister for their strong political commitment in paving the way for the country to embark on a new era of collaboration aimed at protecting and conserving the vulnerable ecosystems of the region with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility," remarked Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO of the GEF.
During the discussions, the parties delved into various topics, including the International Agreement on the High Seas and cooperation with the Central Asian University Green University, highlighting the multifaceted approach required to address the complex environmental challenges facing the region.
About GEF
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) comprises various funds aimed at tackling challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and pressures on land and ocean health. Through grants, blended financing, and policy assistance, the GEF assists developing nations in addressing their most pressing environmental concerns and meeting international environmental agreements. In the last thirty years, the GEF has allocated over $24bn and leveraged $138bn in co-financing for approximately 5,700 projects at national and regional levels.
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