The 14th meeting of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) concluded in Samarkand with significant strides towards protecting migratory species worldwide, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan reported.
Representatives from 133 member states convened to address pressing issues surrounding the conservation of migratory species. Among the pivotal decisions was the inclusion of 14 migratory species, such as the Eurasian lynx and the manul cat, under the Convention's umbrella. The adoption of the Samarkand Resolution and coordinated actions on over 100 topics underscored a global commitment to wildlife preservation.
Chaired by Uzbekistan, the final session of the week-long meeting saw Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, expressing gratitude to participants for their dedication to transforming wildlife conservation approaches towards sustainable development.
"COP14 demonstrated the commitment of many parties to concrete plans and actions for the conservation and sustainable management of migratory species and their habitats," said Abdukhakimov.
He highlighted Uzbekistan's alignment with the conference outcomes, echoing President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's emphasis on protecting migratory species and restoring natural ecosystems.
The restoration of extinct species, such as the Asiatic cheetahs once native to the Ustyurt plateau, remains a priority for Uzbekistan. Abdukhakimov emphasized the importance of addressing threats such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts. Uzbekistan aims to increase the coverage of protected natural areas to 20% within the next five years.
A notable breakthrough came with the agreement on the Central Asian flyway after two decades of negotiations, covering 30 migratory bird habitats. This initiative includes establishing a coordination unit in India to streamline regional efforts.
Emphasizing regional cooperation, Abdukhakimov highlighted partnerships with neighboring Central Asian countries to conserve snow leopards and migratory birds of prey. Collaborations with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, along with a memorandum of cooperation with Tajikistan, underscore Uzbekistan's commitment to preserving shared natural heritage.
Addressing climate change emerged as a strategic priority, with the establishment of the Climate Council and the National Climate Center tasked with developing science-based climate policies.
In conclusion, Abdukhakimov reiterated Uzbekistan's dedication to mitigating climate change and safeguarding migratory species. The outcomes of COP14 signal a collective effort towards sustainable wildlife management, setting a precedent for global conservation initiatives.
The primary outcomes of COP14 include:
- Enhancing solutions for climate change and endorsing the Climate Change Report on Migratory Wildlife.
- Strengthening measures to combat illegal hunting of migratory species.
- Agreement on actions to foster ecological dependence.
- Introduction of new global guidelines on the effects of light pollution on migratory species.
- Recommendations to address issues related to linear infrastructure development and impact assessment.
- Approval of a new scientific report titled "Insect Declines and Threats to Migratory Carnivore Populations," urging the CMS Science Board to develop new recommendations.
- Adoption of a new resolution on wildlife health, emphasizing the dynamics of wildlife migration and disease in the context of one health.
- Establishment of a science-based Samarkand Migratory Species Strategic Plan for 2024–2032.
Furthermore, a new Global Partnership on the Environment (GPEC) was launched during the COP14 special event, The State of the World's Migratory Species, in response to key recommendations of the CMS flagship report. Additionally, the COP14 Migratory Species Champions Program recognized nine champions globally for their dedication, with Uzbekistan notably acknowledged for its contributions to environmental protection.
The meeting in Samarkand marked the first global environmental event held in Central Asia, a region crucial for numerous migratory species including saiga, snow leopards, and various migratory birds. It attracted approximately 2,000 participants from 130 countries, including 92 CMS parties, 16 UN agencies, and over 240 representatives from various environmental organizations. Moreover, over 2,000 messages in 40 different languages reached 6.5 bn people during the Conference.
Concluding COP14, the Government of Uzbekistan assumed the role of CMS COP Chairman for the next three years, committed to furthering the conference's efforts in conserving migratory species and their habitats globally, extending beyond Central Asia to all regions of the world.
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