Uzbekistan has announced plans to develop a national strategy for the protection of wetlands, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan reported. This decision comes following a meeting between the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, and the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Musonda Mumba, during the CMS COP14 international conference held in Samarkand.
The minister expressed gratitude to Musonda Mumba for her participation in the conference and acknowledged the growing importance of Samarkand as a hub for global environmental dialogues. He highlighted Uzbekistan's commitment to environmental protection, citing the recent participation of the country's president in the COP28 climate summit and emphasizing the government's focus on stricter environmental regulations, adoption of alternative energy sources, and enhancement of environmental education.
“Environmental protection has become a priority area for the government of Uzbekistan. Confirmation of our commitment is the participation of the President of the country in the COP28 climate summit, which was held in Dubai. The head of our state pays great attention to the stricter application of environmental protection mechanisms, the transition to alternative energy sources, and the strengthening of environmental education. We support the unification of the Central Asian region to prevent global climate problems and promote common prosperity", Aziz Abdukhakimov voiced.
During the meeting, the minister also expressed appreciation for the cooperation with the Ramsar Convention, particularly noting the inclusion of Lake Zhyltyrbas in the list of wetlands of international importance. Currently, Uzbekistan boasts five sites listed under the Ramsar Convention, including Lake Dengizkul, the Aidar-Arnasai Lake System, reservoirs Tudakol and Kuimozor, Lake Sudochie, and the recently added Lake Zhyltyrbas.
The inclusion of Lake Zhyltyrbas in the Ramsar Convention's list not only provides a legal basis for heightened environmental protection measures but also opens up opportunities for the development of ecotourism in the region, as emphasized by Minister Abdukhakimov.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the GIZ organization, Uzbekistan plans to formulate a comprehensive national strategy for the management of the Sudochie Lakes and the protection of wetlands. This strategy aims to encompass Ramsar Convention sites and will serve as a framework for bolstering the conservation efforts for wetlands and reservoirs across the country.
As a token of appreciation for her contributions to environmental protection, Musonda Mumba was awarded the badge "Tabiat himoyachisi" ("Defender of Nature") during the meeting. Minister Abdukhakimov expressed gratitude to the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention for her dedication to safeguarding the environment.
The "Tabiat himoyachisi" badge is conferred in line with the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution dated August 10, 2022, aimed at facilitating the execution of the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan titled "Measures to expedite greening efforts and enhance the efficient organization of tree protection across the nation." Annually, this badge is granted to individuals in recognition of notable accomplishments in ecology, environmental conservation, preservation of natural habitats, prudent utilization of natural resources, adoption of scientific innovations, enlargement of green areas, and proficient utilization of contemporary technologies.
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