Uzbekistan has been bestowed with the esteemed title of "Champion" for its contributions to the development of the Global Partnership on Environmental Connectivity, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan reported. The announcement came during the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) held in Samarkand.
The agreement to honor Uzbekistan as a "Champion" was sealed during a meeting between Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, and Amy Fraenkel, the Executive Secretary of the CMS Convention. This accolade recognizes Uzbekistan's efforts in fostering global cooperation to protect migratory species and enhance environmental connectivity.
Uzbekistan's commitment to environmental stewardship stems from its firsthand experience with the catastrophic consequences of the Aral Sea's depletion on both ecosystems and communities in Central Asia and beyond. By actively engaging in the CMS Global Partnership on Environmental Connectivity, Uzbekistan underscores its belief in the unifying power of nature and the collective responsibility to safeguard it.
The Champions of Migratory Species Protection Program, under which Uzbekistan has been honored, encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at addressing specific species, groups of species, or overarching environmental challenges. These initiatives rely on sustained financial commitments from governments, companies, organizations, and individuals for a minimum of three years to drive meaningful conservation outcomes.
Speaking on Uzbekistan's recognition, Minister Abdukhakimov emphasized the imperative of international collaboration in protecting migratory species.
“Nature knows no borders. Uzbekistan is well aware of this fact due to the devastating effects of the depletion of the Aral Sea on people and wildlife in Central Asia and beyond," Aziz Abdukhakimov noted.
This sentiment resonates strongly with the global imperative to prioritize environmental connectivity as a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation and climate resilience efforts.
The environmental connectivity agenda lies at the heart of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighting its pivotal role in ensuring the survival of migratory species and advancing broader goals of ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. Uzbekistan's elevation as a "Champion" reinforces its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote international cooperation and yield tangible conservation outcomes.
Acknowledging the importance of this recognition, it was noted during the meeting that special donor events within the CMS Family decision-making bodies will be organized to honor existing champions. This recognition not only serves to commend Uzbekistan's commitment but also provides a platform for champions to showcase their dedication to migratory species conservation on both national and international stages.
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