National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In his remarks, Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, emphasized that the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has set clear priorities in the field of biodiversity conservation. In particular, it was noted that the Head of State has proposed the joint development of a “Red Book of Central Asia,” envisioned not merely as a list of endangered species, but as an effective platform for coordinated regional action in this field.

It was also highlighted that Uzbekistan is implementing the nationwide "Bioheritage" project. Building on high-level agreements, joint measures with Kazakhstan have been launched to restore saiga populations in transboundary areas. At the same time, work is underway to develop an updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan through 2040, in line with the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

During the session, it was noted that substantial efforts are being undertaken, in cooperation between countries of the region, the United Nations, and other international environmental organizations, to address transboundary environmental challenges. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), подчеркнула that now more than ever it is essential to join forces to address pressing environmental issues.

Particular attention was given to the transboundary nature of environmental challenges. Participants underscored that the migratory routes of species such as the saiga antelope, snow leopard, goitered gazelle and kulan span multiple countries, requiring coordinated regional responses. Against the backdrop of intensifying climate change, land degradation and increasing anthropogenic pressure, joint, science-based action is becoming a key condition for preserving ecosystems.

During the session, the “Harmony with Nature for Regional Sustainability” initiative was officially launched. It is aimed at strengthening cooperation and consolidating resources among Central Asian countries and is grounded in national biodiversity strategies as well as international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of the Regional Declaration on Cooperation in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management. The session also marked the launch of work on a Regional Umbrella Programme and Action Plan, including mechanisms for mobilizing financial resources, as well as the establishment of a regional working group to coordinate joint initiatives.

Uzbekistan’s proactive role in advancing the regional environmental agenda was particularly highlighted. The country consistently promotes the principle that “Nature knows no borders,” serves as Chair of the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) through 2032, and continues to advance major international processes. These include hosting the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (COP14) in Samarkand, which resulted in the adoption of the Samarkand Strategic Plan, as well as the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20), where the Samarkand Declaration and a regional Action Plan to combat illegal wildlife trade were adopted.

An important next step will be the preparation of a joint regional programme under the new GEF-9 funding cycle, focused on the conservation of large predators and enhancing the resilience of mountain ecosystems.