The need to strengthen regional co-operation in the conservation of mountain ecosystems was emphasized
2024-12-13 12:00:00 / News
The event, organized by the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Uzbekistan jointly with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the "Green University", was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and the University, students, professors, teachers, experts, and representatives of the media.
Speaking at the event, the head of the International Cooperation Department of the National Center for Climate Change under the Ministry of Ecology, Sayora Abdullaeva, noted that Uzbekistan supports initiatives aimed at protecting mountainous territories.
"The mountains of Central Asia are not only an important natural wealth but also a link between peoples and countries. Two neighboring states, Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, located in the center of the mountainous part of the region, have close ties and common interests in the field of ecology and sustainable development of mountainous territories. Cooperation in the protection of mountain ecosystems, the rational use of water resources, and the protection of the unique natural resources of our countries is of strategic importance for both countries and for the entire region. Uzbekistan is ready to continue joint efforts to promote topical issues of the green agenda and manage climate change processes", she said.
In turn, Adviser to the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Uzbekistan Bakyt Asangul noted that climate change affects mountain ecosystems and people, including food security, agriculture, etc.
"Glaciers are melting in Central Asia, providing water to millions of people. This is a regional and global problem. Water scarcity will increase, creating the potential for conflict, instability, and poverty. In the 21st century, mountainous countries may face many challenges. To avoid this, we must act together. By combining the efforts of mountain countries, we will be able to stop the degradation of mountain areas in the face of climate change", the ambassador said.
During the event, it was noted that the Kyrgyz Republic is implementing a "Five-year action plan for the development of mountain territories for 2023-2027". In addition, within the framework of the COP29 conference in Baku, it was announced the state support of 15 countries for the "Declaration on Climate Change, Mountains and Glaciers", as well as the holding of the Second "Bishkek + 25" Global Mountain Summit in 2027 in Bishkek.
During the event, a video clip was presented on the measures taken in the program "Mountain Agenda of the Kyrgyz Republic" and "Five-year action Plan for the development of mountain territories for the period from 2023 to 2027". In addition, during the event, Uzbek artists presented paintings painted as part of the international plein air in the Naryn district of the Kyrgyz Republic, which depict the majestic mountains of the neighboring republic.
It is worth noting that the Kyrgyz Republic has taken the initiative to create a "Mountain Cooperation Group", which Uzbekistan has joined. This group held its first meeting at COP29, focusing on joining efforts in developing strategies and measures to mitigate the effects of climate change in mountainous areas and protect mountainous territories.
"International Mountain Day" was set up by the United Nations in 1992. Due to the increased attention to the role of mountains, the UN declared 2002 the "International Year of Mountains". In 2003, the "International Mountain Day" was celebrated for the first time. The theme of the 2024 day is dedicated to the potential and needs of mountain communities and highlights that innovation is necessary to solve complex problems affecting mountainous areas, climate change affects mountains, and adaptation is important to increase resilience and youth participation.