Ministry of Ecology, environmental protection and climate change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The discussion was attended by the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan Charygeldi Babaniyazov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan Erlan Nyssanbayev,  Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Bakhodur Sheralizoda, the Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic Meder Mashiev, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia Saldan Odontuyaa, and Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Viorel Gutu.

In his speech, Aziz Abdukhakimov noted that the Central Asian is facing severe environmental challenges, and Uzbekistan is taking a number of effective steps in this direction.

"Uzbekistan, being an active participant in environmental conventions and agreements, demonstrates a firm commitment to issues of environmental protection at all levels - from local to global. The Samarkand Climate Forum was an important step in bringing together leading international experts and government representatives, attracting global attention to Central Asia and strengthening regional cooperation in the field of protecting migratory species," the minister emphasized.

Abdukhakimov also highlighted that one of the key areas of cooperation is combating desertification and restoring degraded lands to preserve the ecosystems of Central Asia's desert and semi-desert regions.

During the session, issues related to mitigating the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, preserving endangered species and their habitats, preventing the negative effects of air, water, and soil pollution on the environment, sustainable natural resource management, and strengthening regional cooperation in the creation of protected natural areas and the implementation of international agreements were discussed.

For reference: Central Asia is home to unique ecosystems that are threatened by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The melting of glaciers, vital for water supply, threatens agriculture and energy production. On international and regional platforms such as CMS COP14 and CITES COP20 in Samarkand, the summit on glacier conservation in Dushanbe, the climate conference in Ashgabat, and other events, the growing environmental issues in the region and the need for coordinated responses at the national and international levels are emphasized.

Information about upcoming events was also provided: the CITES COP20 conference, scheduled for November-December this year in Samarkand, the "Eco-Expo Central Asia" exhibition in Tashkent, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Donor Assembly scheduled for 2026. These events are of great importance for protecting the biological heritage of our region and the planet, ensuring environmental safety, and promoting sustainable development.

The main strategy for overcoming the triple planetary crisis is the creation of transboundary protected areas and the implementation of regional programs for nature conservation. Strengthening cooperation in biodiversity conservation, combating pollution, and adapting to climate change will ensure the long-term resilience of ecosystems, preserve vital resources, and enhance economic stability throughout the region.