Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Odontuya Saldan, participated in the Samarkand Climate Forum on April 4-5. The event gathered Environment Ministers from Central Asian nations, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. They discussed pressing challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
During the forum, countries shared successful strategies from their climate policies. For instance, many highlighted advancements in fruit farming, planting drought-resistant vegetation, and increasing green spaces in cities. Mongolia showcased its initiative, the “Billions of Trees” movement, which engages the private sector in environmental efforts. The country also introduced the Nature Conservation Trust Fund to support sustainable financing for environmental projects and outlined actions to protect endangered species.
Climate change is deeply affecting Central Asia. Accelerating ice melt and dwindling water resources threaten food security and worsen land degradation. The drying of the Aral Sea, which has become a desert, exemplifies these environmental challenges.
The ministers emphasized the importance of collaboration. They discussed joint research projects and coordinated programs to enhance their collective response to these crises. Additionally, the officials talked about training specialists through Uzbekistan’s Green University, aiming to build expertise in climate resilience.
Recent statistics highlight a growing concern about climate impacts in Central Asia. A survey by the Central Asian Network on the Environment and Development found that over 70% of people in the region feel climate change is affecting their daily lives. This sense of urgency underscores the need for actionable strategies and strong cooperation among nations.
Overall, the Samarkand Climate Forum served as a pivotal platform for Central Asian leaders to unite against the environmental crises threatening their countries. Through shared knowledge and collaboration, they aim to tackle these challenges head-on.
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