The International Environmental Conference is taking place on July 25 in the Altai Republic on the territory of the Manzherok resort. Eight countries are participating in it: the Russian Federation, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. All states are long-standing partners and interact on environmental issues both bilaterally and within the framework of international associations.

The international conference will open with a plenary session entitled “Environmental Challenges: Towards Sustainable Development,” in which the prime ministers of Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will talk about the environmental and ecological agendas of their countries.

Ministers of natural resources, ecology and the environment will speak at the expert session “How to maintain the global water balance?”. The heads of departments will discuss how climate change affects water resources and what measures need to be taken now to minimize the consequences.

The thematic session “Ecological tourism: the calling card of the state” is devoted to issues of regulating anthropogenic load on natural complexes, the role of ecotourism in economic development, issues of developing and equipping ecological routes and the functioning of transboundary reserves and national parks, and joint projects.

The conference will also discuss the development of transboundary ecotourism, protection of specially protected natural areas and conservation of biodiversity. For example, the joint efforts of five countries to restore the snow leopard population: the rare cat lives only in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

From the transcript:

A. Suvorova (presenter of the TV channel “Russia 24”, moderator):  Mikhail Vladimirovich will give a report, but before that, traditionally using my official position, I would like to ask a question. We are now talking about all the challenges that we face in ecology. Do you think we can cope with them alone or not?

M. Mishustin:  No, it is impossible. And it seems to me that the answer to this question is today’s conference and such representative participation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the heads of government of our friendly countries, all the guests, the environmentalists who have gathered here in a wonderful place – Manzherok, in Altai. And now we will be working on solving the most pressing issues in the field of ecology and environmental protection.

A. Suvorova:  Thank you.

M. Mishustin:  Dear friends, respected colleagues, good afternoon!

I would like to welcome you once again here, in the Altai Republic, in the famous Manzherok, as the Altai people correctly say, where there are amazingly beautiful and diverse natural places. There are many of these in other regions of Russia. We talked about this in detail at breakfast today. They ask me: is this a new style? I say: “No. This is our style, which has also spread to Altai.” And of course, all the countries participating in the conference also have wonderful, beautiful places.

Billions of people live in the countries of Eurasia. Unfortunately, the burden on the environment has been growing lately. Of course, if we want to preserve the wealth of nature for future generations, we must work together to improve the environmental situation. We are talking about the health and well-being of people.

Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin emphasized: “…the tasks of nature conservation cannot be successfully solved by one single country. This is the business of all states. Without exaggeration, of all humanity.” Our meeting provides a good opportunity to discuss a wide range of such topics. And of course, what is very important is to determine common approaches in order to achieve a balance between environmental protection activities and socio-economic development.

The Russian Federation is very actively involved in environmental issues within the framework of bilateral and multilateral formats – including the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and others. It is important that all agreements reached are implemented in practice and supplemented with new areas. I will focus on those that we consider to be priorities.

First of all, it is a joint effort to improve the quality of the environment.

In Russia, in order to eliminate the damage to nature that has been accumulating for decades, we launched a special project, “General Cleaning,” on the instructions of our President. Over the past six years, 185 unauthorized municipal dumps, dangerous wells, and abandoned industrial enterprises have been eliminated. More than 200 sunken ships have already been raised from the seabed and disposed of.

On the instructions of the head of our state, we are forming a closed-loop economy. Now more than half of municipal solid waste is processed .  About 300 facilities for integrated waste management have been built. The total level of secondary raw material involvement in agriculture, industry, construction, housing and utilities has grown to 10%. We plan to increase this figure to 25% in five years.

Of course, we are ready to share best practices with friends.

Another very important area is the careful use of water resources. We need to work together to ensure that our citizens always have access to clean water.

In the Russian Federation there are approximately 3 million rivers with a length of almost 12.5 million km and over 2.5 million lakes. Huge reserves of fresh water.

Also, on the instructions of the President, we are taking measures to improve the health of rivers and reservoirs, expanding the network of hydraulic structures to protect against floods and droughts. We are building special purification systems to prevent pollution of reservoirs with domestic and industrial waste and waste.

Many large and medium-sized rivers of Russia also pass through the territory of other, adjacent states. And we also jointly use the resources of lakes. The total area of transboundary water basins is about 3 million sq. km.

Of course, it is very important to increase cooperation for their protection, establish monitoring and exchange of information in real time and coordinate flood control measures, and unite the efforts of teams of scientists to conduct scientific research.

We are closely watching – this requires our attention – the issues of shallowing of the Caspian Sea. They are caused by global climate change. And here one of the main tasks, and we are talking about this in detail with our partners, is to create an effective and long-term model for predicting fluctuations in the level of this unique, beautiful reservoir. On its basis, build economic activity and minimize possible negative consequences.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia is already working in this direction. I would like to take this opportunity to invite foreign colleagues to join us. The quality of life of millions of citizens depends on the state of the Caspian Sea. And its preservation and rational use is our common responsibility and our common task.

As well as the conservation of forests. In Russia, they occupy almost 1.2 billion hectares. This is a fifth of the world’s area.

We are taking measures to prevent its reduction. For several years in a row, more forests are being restored in our country than are dying or being cut down. This is a very important indicator. For example: last year – one and a half times. Since 2019, about 8 million hectares have been restored.

We are implementing advanced technologies. Using drones allows us to receive information about damaged and dead trees online, and to detect affected areas faster. Using space images, we can monitor how the forest naturally regenerates. We are also ready to share all technologies with our partners.

The next very important, significant direction is care for endangered representatives of flora and fauna. It is necessary to strengthen interstate cooperation to protect especially rare species. This is very important for preserving natural biodiversity.

We pay close attention to this topic. Over 400 species of animals and almost 750 species of plants are protected by our state. Protected areas are being created. Only here in the republic are the Altai and Katunsky state reserves, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In total, there are more than 12 thousand specially protected areas in our country.

We make certain places accessible to travelers. Of course, on condition of careful and responsible attitude to nature. By decision of the head of state, we form the necessary infrastructure that does not disturb fragile ecosystems.

The number of those who visited federal national parks is growing. Last year – 2.5 times. More than 17 million people were able to see pristine nature.

I believe that this type of tourism has great potential. And I propose to develop it together.

Dear colleagues!

To successfully solve environmental problems and overcome the consequences of climate change, it is very important to unite the efforts of scientists and innovators of our countries. To implement the most modern technologies to monitor the state of ecosystems, air, water, solar activity, radiation, and wind.

Russian researchers quickly obtain such data thanks to the wide network of Roshydromet observation points, as well as the domestic orbital group of 18 satellites.

An ice-resistant self-propelled platform has been built to study the natural processes of the Arctic. It is called the “North Pole”. This is a unique vessel, the only one in the world. Thanks to it, scientists were able to get to those areas of the high-latitude Arctic that were previously inaccessible. The information collected is now in demand to improve navigation along the Northern Sea Route – the most important transport artery, transport and logistics corridor.

Antarctica is also being explored. Last year, a new wintering complex was opened. It is called “Vostok”. The modern building in the center of the continent was built in less than five years. The area is almost 3 thousand square meters. These are scientific laboratories, residential and public spaces, energy centers and technical units.

The research that is being conducted there has significant scientific significance and can provide insight into the causes of climate change. Of course, we need to improve the conditions for cooperation between our scientists so that there are more such projects, including joint ones.

Friends!

The issues of improving the environment and preserving nature are always at the center of attention of the Russian Government. Our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has designated environmental well-being as one of the national development goals. And we will do everything necessary to achieve this goal. But as I have already said, no country is capable of coping with such challenges alone. I propose to intensify our work in this direction – for the benefit of the present and future generations.

Thank you for your attention.

 

O. Bektenov:  Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, let me thank the Russian side from the bottom of my heart for their cordiality, traditionally warm hospitality and the very high level of organization of today’s event. We live in an era of rapid technological progress and global challenges. Along with achievements in the economy and social sphere, the issue of environmental protection is becoming increasingly acute.

Environmental safety is not just part of the international green agenda, it is an important condition for the sustainable development of any country. Preservation of natural resources, provision of clean air and water, rational use of available resources are priority tasks on which the well-being of current and future generations depends.

Therefore, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev proposed the initiative “Taza Kazakhstan” (“Clean Kazakhstan”) to form an environmental culture and a careful attitude towards nature and native land. In the course of its implementation, large-scale environmental campaigns to clean up water bodies and plant trees are being carried out on a systematic basis throughout the country.

At the same time, “Taza Kazakhstan” is not a one-time action, but a continuous work to change the very approach to maintaining order, the external appearance of cities and villages. And now the initiative has become a large-scale movement and an integral part of the daily life of Kazakhstanis, influencing the internal culture of a person and, accordingly, the development of public spaces and environmental protection.

In turn, the Government is taking steps to modernize environmental legislation and introduce advanced environmental technologies. As part of the digitalization of environmental control, a system for monitoring emissions into the environment is being introduced. This allows online monitoring of the impact on the environment and promptly responding to abnormal phenomena.

Kazakhstan also participates in global efforts to preserve biodiversity. New specially protected natural areas are being created and existing ones are being expanded. Work is underway to create a fund for the protection of biological diversity, the main goal of which is to preserve and increase the fauna of Kazakhstan, in particular the Caspian seal, pink flamingo and other representatives.

Considerable attention is paid to the preservation of rare and endangered species of animals. These are tugai deer, kulan, argali, goitered gazelle. Work is being carried out to reproduce the Turan tiger and Przewalski’s horse. Thanks to the measures taken, an increase in the population of snow leopard and saiga is noted.

One of the pressing issues for Kazakhstan is the impact of the transformation of water bodies on the environment and economic activity. Since the early 2000s, there has been a tendency for the Caspian Sea level to decrease. The Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of the Caspian Sea was created to study this and other problems. Unfortunately, the scientists’ forecasts are disappointing. Decisive, coordinated actions by all Caspian states are needed to preserve this unique body of water. Work is underway to partially restore the Aral Sea and its coastal zones.

In this context, Kazakhstan is implementing projects to strengthen the Kokaral Dam, restore the Syr Darya delta, support the region’s fishing industry and carry out large-scale greening of the Aral Sea bed. Last year, Kazakhstan headed the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Under our country’s chairmanship, a number of international events were held in the Aral region. Among them are the opening of new monitoring centers and the launch of joint programs to preserve the unique nature of the Aral Sea region, the organization of expeditions with the participation of leading international ecologists and biodiversity specialists.

The initiatives being implemented confirm the readiness of the Central Asian states to take joint actions aimed at overcoming environmental challenges. One of the significant issues on the global water agenda is the issue of preserving glaciers. According to expert forecasts, by 2100 the volume of glaciers in Central Asia will decrease significantly.

In this regard, in 2024, as part of the One Water Summit in Riyadh, the President of Kazakhstan proposed the Water Towers Partnership initiative. Its goal is to systematize support for glaciological science by combining the efforts of global research centers to study glacier protection. It is important to note the contribution of the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Center under the auspices of UNESCO, located in Almaty.

The center has united the research of the countries of the region and has become a scientific platform for assessing the impact of global climate change on the state of the ice massifs of the mountains. Institutional reforms in the field of water management have been adopted in Kazakhstan, which are centrally coordinated by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. The tasks are defined by the concept of development of the water resources management system and the new Water Code. Strategic documents are based on the principles of conservation and rational use of water resources, implementation of water-saving technologies, protection of ecosystems, adaptation to climate change.

We are ready to implement joint interstate hydrotechnical projects, ranging from regulated reservoirs, canals to monitoring stations and automated water metering. Participation in the development of the promenade area around Lake Manzherok has become an excellent opportunity for Kazakhstan to contribute to the common environmental agenda. It is symbolic that the venue for the first meeting of the International Environmental Conference was Altai, the cradle of the Turkic civilization.

Preserving the nature of a unique region is not only a conservation task, but also a significant component of cultural and humanitarian interaction between our countries.

Dear colleagues, despite the emerging natural and climate issues, Kazakhstan strives to resolve them on the basis of mutual understanding and good neighborliness. We are ready to share experience and work in the spirit of partnership.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite you to the regional environmental summit, which will be held in 2026 in Kazakhstan.

I am confident that it will become a logical continuation of our work and will define new areas of cooperation.

Once again, I thank the organizers of the event and wish success to all conference participants.

 

A. Kasymaliev: Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich! Dear colleagues! Dear conference participants!

First of all, I would like to express to you, dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, my deep gratitude for the traditional hospitality and the initiative to hold this international conference.

The theme of the conference is devoted to environmental issues, which are causing increasing concern to countries on almost every continent of the world.

It is deeply symbolic that we have gathered in the Altai Republic, which is famous for its unique nature, majestic mountains, clean rivers and rich cultural heritage. This region is developing important experience in preserving biodiversity and caring for natural wealth, which is valuable for the entire world.

Today, environmental issues – climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution – require urgent and coordinated action at the international level. Only together can we find fair and effective solutions that will help preserve our ecosystems for future generations.

Dear conference participants! Kyrgyzstan has a rich natural heritage. Its highlands, glaciers, pastures and lakes create unique ecosystems. About 2% of all plant species and over 3% of animal species on the planet live on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. This is over 26 thousand species, many of which are endemic. At the same time, 209 species are listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan.

Like mountainous areas in many parts of the world, Kyrgyzstan’s ecosystem is under severe pressure from climate change. Glaciers have already shrunk by 16%, leading to an increase in natural disasters, mudflows, landslides, and floods, as well as disruptions to water and energy balances over the past seven decades.

According to World Bank estimates, water deficit in the Central Asian region could reach 20-30% by 2050. In this regard, Kyrgyzstan prioritizes joint work to strengthen climate resilience.

The country has organized a systemic monitoring of the glaciers of the Northern, Central, Inner Tien Shan, Issyk-Kul Basin and Pamir-Alai, with the allocation of key objects for continuous observations. Within the framework of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, despite the low volume of greenhouse gas emissions compared to developed countries, we voluntarily aim to reduce emissions by 16% by 2030, and with the support of international donors – by 44%.

The concept of carbon neutrality by 2050 has been adopted. In this regard, it is worth noting that countries responsible for 80% of emissions need to assist in ensuring climate justice, including financing and technologies for low-emission countries.

Dear participants! For over 20 years, Kyrgyzstan has been promoting the mountain agenda in the international arena. A dialogue on mountains and climate change has been initiated within the framework of the UN Framework Convention. We express our gratitude to the countries for supporting our initiative, including the Russian Federation.

At the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic, the resolution “Sustainable Mountain Development” was adopted.

In April of this year, the Global Mountain Dialogue conference was held in Bishkek, with representatives from 50 countries from Europe, Asia, America, Africa and 29 international organizations taking part. We are promoting the Declaration on Climate Change, Mountains and Glaciers within the framework of global climate processes, which has been supported by 21 states to date, including the Russian Federation.

In 2027, we plan to hold the second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek +25”. I take this opportunity to invite you to participate in this event and support our global mountain dialogue.

At the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic, in 2024, the UN declared October 23 as the International Snow Leopard Day – as a reminder of the importance of preserving its population. Based on the fact that the snow leopard is a symbol of the health of mountain ecosystems, we are taking active measures. Thus, a presidential decree on the snow leopard as a national symbol was adopted, and a state strategy for its protection was developed. Just a month ago, the ninth meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Conservation Program Committee was held in Cholpon-Ata with the participation of 12 range countries, international partners and experts.

Thanks to support measures, the snow leopard population in Kyrgyzstan today exceeds 500 individuals. I would like to note the fruitful cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the Altai Republic in the conservation of the snow leopard. In March 2025, three snow leopards were transferred to the Snow Leopard Center of the Altai Republic as an important step in reintroducing and strengthening the population. This is not just a symbolic action, but a contribution to the sustainability of the Altai-Sayan region ecosystem.

In total, since 2019, more than 10 joint projects have been implemented with international partners, covering biodiversity protection, creation of ecological trails and expeditions. Two ecological corridors have been created in Kyrgyzstan. The first is Chatkal, the second is Ak Ilbirs.

In order to preserve the biodiversity of Central Asia, we propose considering the possibility of creating transboundary ecological corridors covering the territories of neighboring countries. The creation of transboundary ecological corridors not only contributes to the preservation of biodiversity, but also opens up new opportunities for sustainable development, including in the field of ecotourism.

Dear conference participants! Currently, a network of 96 specially protected natural areas with a total area of over 2 million hectares has been established and is functioning in Kyrgyzstan to maintain biodiversity.

Kyrgyzstan also views ecotourism as a priority for ecologically and economically balanced growth. Last year, the country was visited by 8.9 million tourists, of whom more than 20% chose ecotourism routes. The most popular destinations are trekking, ethno-tours, bird watching, and horse and bicycle routes in mountainous regions.

At the same time, ecotourism cannot develop without proper protection of natural areas from pollution, primarily from plastic products. Plastic waste poses a serious threat to vulnerable ecosystems, including Issyk-Kul and the fragile mountainous regions of the Tien Shan. In this regard, in 2023, restrictions were introduced on the circulation of plastic film bags and some plastic products in the resort area of Issyk-Kul, and since January last year – in specially protected natural and biosphere territories.

A complete ban on single-use plastic products that cannot be recycled is planned from 2027. The Kyrgyz Republic is open to sharing experiences in the field of plastic waste management, implementation of recycling technologies, creation of infrastructure, collection and disposal, as well as development of joint cross-border environmental standards.

Greening plays an important role in the environmental well-being of any region. In the context of climate change and increasing air pollution, planting trees and developing green areas are becoming priority tasks for preserving the environment and improving the quality of life of the population. Since 2022, at the initiative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the respected Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov, the campaign “Zhashyl Muras”, which means “Green Heritage”, has been implemented.

Over 29 million seedlings have been planted in three years. In total, the campaign plans to plant over 70 million seedlings. These are millions of little dots of hope on the map of our country, which tomorrow, with careful care, will turn into forests and gardens.

Dear conference participants! In conclusion, I would like to note that combining efforts to protect the environment and preserve natural resources is the basis for sustainable development and well-being of our peoples. We must act today to ensure a future where man and nature live in harmony. The Kyrgyz Republic is open to cooperation and exchange of experience in order to build a world together in which nature will be valued, protected and restored.

I wish that our events today and productive discussions on the hospitable Altai land will contribute to global efforts in the fight against the environmental challenges of our time. Thank you for your attention.

K. Rasulzoda:  Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen! Let me first of all express my gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation, and to you personally, Mikhail Vladimirovich, for the invitation to take part in this International Environmental Conference. I am convinced that this forum will help consolidate efforts to counter growing environmental challenges, since these problems are transnational in nature and require coordinated actions for their effective resolution.

Moving on to the consideration of national priorities, I would like to emphasize that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, realizing the importance of careful treatment of natural resources, their preservation for future generations, makes significant efforts to protect and increase them. This is the cornerstone for ensuring sustainable economic and social development of the country.

In the context of these efforts, it should be noted that Tajikistan has been actively promoting the water and climate agenda in the international arena for many years. The adoption of 14 relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, initiated by Tajikistan, laid a solid foundation for achieving coordinated global water goals. These resolutions also formed the basis for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals included in the 2030 Agenda.

The close relationship between energy and climate change is undeniable. In our opinion, the development of green energy is a constructive step towards preserving the climate. Currently, Tajikistan generates 98% of its electricity from hydropower resources and ranks sixth in the world in terms of the share of green energy production from renewable sources.

By 2032, Tajikistan plans to make a complete transition to renewable energy sources, and by 2037, to become, in essence, a green country.

Dear colleagues, taking into account the above, it is especially relevant that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan pays priority attention to the issues of climate change and environmental sustainability, since they have a significant and multifaceted impact on the state of natural resources, including the melting of glaciers. Tajikistan’s glaciers are a key source of water resources in the region, 60% of which are formed on the territory of our country. At the initiative of Tajikistan, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 the International Year of Glacier Conservation, and March 21 – World Glacier Day.

Continuing with the topic of international cooperation, it is necessary to mention that in May of this year, in Dushanbe, on the basis of a UN resolution, an International High-Level Conference on the Conservation of Glaciers was held.

The main outcome documents of this conference were the adopted Dushanbe Declarations on Glaciers and the “Dushanbe Call to Action”, which calls on UN Member States and stakeholders to take the necessary measures to strengthen international cooperation to advance and coordinate the global agenda for the study and conservation of the cryosphere and glaciers. It is important to note that in August 2024, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring the Decade of Action in Cryospheric Sciences for 2025-2034, proposed by the Republic of Tajikistan jointly with the French Republic.

To further strengthen these initiatives, recognizing the importance of studying the impact of climate change on the glaciers of the region, a regional glaciology coordination center will be established in Dushanbe under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization in cooperation with other development partners. This will be another significant contribution of Tajikistan to the global climate agenda.

Dear colleagues! Emphasizing our commitment to the principles of sustainable development, I would like to note that the political will of the country, outlined and supported in the annual messages of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the esteemed Emomali Rahmon, is a confirmation of the national commitment to preserving natural wealth as a national asset and the basis for further sustainable development.

Tajikistan’s biodiversity is a unique combination of flora and fauna, including more than 6.5 thousand plant species and many representatives of the animal world, including rare and endemic species.

It is obvious that climate change has a negative impact on the state of the region’s ecosystem and many species of wild animals and plants are on the verge of extinction. One of these species is the markhor, which lives in a number of countries in Central and South Asia. In order to preserve and increase the population of this rare animal, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, a resolution of the UN General Assembly was adopted in May 2024 to declare May 24 as International Markhor Day.

Another unique species of wild animals in our country is the snow leopard, and to preserve it, the Government of the country has adopted a state program for the conservation of the snow leopard for 2024-2028.

It should also be noted that a Snow Leopard Rehabilitation Center has been established in the Murghab district of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. In order to exchange experience and coordinate efforts to preserve the snow leopard, Tajikistan closely cooperates with the Russian Federation and other countries in its range.

For a comprehensive approach to nature conservation, in addition to direct measures to conserve species to maintain sustainable management of natural resources, we believe it is essential to develop environmental education, create protected areas and implement restoration programs. Over the past 30 years, the total area of protected areas in Tajikistan has increased from 3 to 23% of the country’s territory.

The Tajik National Park, which is the largest protected area in the country, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2013.

Dear conference participants! In conclusion, I would like to note that close cooperation and coordination of our actions allow us to effectively cope with global environmental challenges, preserve the natural resources of our countries and create a sustainable future for our peoples.

I wish you all well-being and success in your work. Thank you for your attention.

A. Aripov:  Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, dear heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, let me express my gratitude for the traditionally warm welcome and high level of organization of the International Environmental Conference.

I would especially like to note that all conditions have been created for conference participants for fruitful work and an exchange of opinions on the issues on the forum’s agenda.

Dear conference participants, today all countries and the population of the Earth are faced with an environmental crisis caused by climate change, loss of biodiversity, environmental pollution and an increase in the frequency of natural emergencies.

As a result, the problem of ensuring food, energy security, access to water and resources is aggravated. Climate problems are becoming new obstacles to improving the quality of life of the population and implementing national development strategies to overcome poverty.

Dear friends, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the esteemed Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, large-scale reforms are being implemented to create favorable environmental conditions for the population and the transition to a green economy.

In our country, 2025 has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy. Within the framework of the adopted state program, green technologies and principles of green economy are being introduced. A course has been taken on the rational use of natural resources, moderate energy consumption and economical use of water, as well as strengthening the health of the population. In addition, the nationwide initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “Yashil Makon” – “Green Belt” is being implemented.

More than 200 million tree seedlings are planted annually. The goal is to increase the share of green areas in the country to 30% by 2030. One of the largest land rehabilitation programs in the region is being implemented as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Since 2018, more than 2 million hectares of the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea have been greened with drought- and salt-resistant plants.

This year alone, it is planned to green 250 thousand hectares of the Aral Sea region, including 115 thousand hectares of the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea. In addition, long-term strategic documents are being implemented, including the Program for the transition to a green economy and ensuring green growth until 2030, as well as the concept of ensuring energy conservation in industrial sectors.

At the moment, green energy is becoming one of the drivers of the country’s economy, and by 2030 it is planned to increase its share of total generation to 54%. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 16 million tons.

We actively cooperate with our partners within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. To support socio-ecological projects in the Aral Sea region, a multi-partner UN trust fund for human security was created, which has become a reliable platform for implementing initiatives in the region.

In order to save water resources, we are concrete irrigation networks, created an industrial base for the production of water-saving technologies, which have already been implemented on almost half of our irrigated lands, which is almost 2 million hectares. Thanks to such measures, last year we managed to save about 8 billion cubic meters of water.

The Central Asian University for the Study of the Environment and Climate Change (Green University) was established, in which the first regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in the CIS opened its representative office.

We invite researchers and specialists to participate in the activities of the climate residence operating at the Green University to conduct joint research on climate issues. In April of this year, the first International Climate Forum under the auspices of the UN was held in Samarkand. In addition, Uzbekistan initiated a number of resolutions adopted by the UN in this area. One of the latest is about the Decade of Afforestation and Reforestation.

All this is a clear confirmation of the active role of Uzbekistan in promoting climate agenda issues at the regional and global levels. In addition, special attention is paid to the development of ecotourism, which combines recreation with care for nature.

Uzbekistan has unique ecosystems from deserts and mountains to biosphere reserves included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and Ramsar Convention sites.

In 2024, the village of Sentob in the Navoi region was recognized as the best tourist village by UNWTO, the World Tourism Organization, and Samarkand was recognized as the world capital of cultural tourism.

We are actively implementing projects to create all-season resorts and ski resorts, and developing natural tourism. We invite you all to discover the natural and cultural wealth of Uzbekistan.

Dear participants of the conference, Uzbekistan intends to expand its practical contribution to jointly overcoming the consequences of global climate change. Our main task is to do everything so that future generations live in a sustainable, safe and prosperous world. We are convinced that the initiatives and proposals voiced within the framework of this conference will make a feasible contribution to the cause of uniting the efforts of the entire international community to make effective decisions in the name of green and sustainable development.

In conclusion, I would like to once again express my gratitude to the Russian side for its hospitality and organization of today’s event. I wish all conference participants fruitful discussions and productive work. Thank you.

 

N. Atagulyev:  Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, dear heads and members of delegations, dear participants of the forum. First of all, let me express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Altai Republic for the warm and cordial welcome extended to our delegation. Special thanks for the invitation. We are very pleased to be on the land of the flourishing Altai Territory.

The beauty and purity of nature here leave an unforgettable impression. The relevance of today’s forum on ecology is due to the growing attention to environmental issues and their impact on the lives of people and the planet as a whole. Environmental diplomacy and sustainable development are undoubtedly effective tools for strengthening international cooperation and trust between states.

Turkmenistan has acceded to a number of important international environmental conventions. Among them are the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

In addition, Turkmenistan actively participates in the implementation of the subregional action program of Central Asian countries to combat desertification.

Dear forum participants, the environmental policy of Turkmenistan under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov is aimed at ensuring environmental safety, sustainable development and preserving the country’s natural heritage.

The main principles of this policy are the supremacy of constitutional rights and the creation of a national system of environmental safety, as well as responsibility for causing environmental damage. This is determined by the Law of Turkmenistan on Environmental Safety.

In order to reduce climate risks and strengthen the resilience of key sectors of the economy, the National Strategy of Turkmenistan on Climate Change was adopted by the Presidential Resolution. In 2022, Turkmenistan’s nationally determined contribution to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was approved, in which our country outlined its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

As part of the environmental policy, over 162 million seedlings of various tree species have been planted throughout the country over the past 20 years. Projects to expand forest areas are supported by international organizations such as FAO.

Turkmenistan is taking steps to expand its specially protected natural areas. There are currently 9 nature reserves and 16 wildlife sanctuaries. These specially protected areas play an important role in protecting Turkmenistan’s unique nature. Climate change, increased water consumption in agriculture, and economic activity in neighboring countries may reduce Turkmenistan’s water supply.

Our water supply largely depends on transboundary rivers such as the Amu Darya, Murghab, Tejen and Atrek.

The annual water demand is 25 cubic kilometers, most of which is generated outside the country. The introduction of new water-saving technologies and improvement of legal regulation are key measures to rationalize the use of water resources. By the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, rural producers are given a preferential loan for the purchase of agricultural machinery, water-saving equipment for a period of 10 years with an annual rate of 1%.

Turkmenistan is taking active steps to preserve rare and endangered species of animals. Our country actively cooperates with international organizations in the field of nature conservation. For example, thanks to such cooperation, the number of leopards is increasing, and it is already found not only in Turkmenistan, but also in the neighboring Mangistau region of Kazakhstan.

Our country has significant potential for the development of renewable energy sources, in particular solar and wind energy. A solar and wind power plant has been built in the west of the country. It provides electricity to settlements along Lake Altyn Asyr.

One of the key aspects of the project will be the development of a roadmap for the implementation of solar energy, including the creation of innovative solutions for cities, such as the smart and green city of Arkadag. The project includes conducting feasibility studies and launching a pilot urban solar power plant. According to forecasts, the plant will produce more than 4 GW of energy annually. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3 thousand tons.

The unique desert ecosystems of Turkmenistan “Bereketli Garagum”, “Gaplangyr”, “Repetek” and “Eraji” are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. As a positive moment, I would like to note that representatives of private business are actively involved in solving environmental problems. Innovative and waste-free technologies are being actively introduced in the agro-industrial and industrial sectors. This allows us to significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment and increase the efficiency of resource use.

Dear colleagues, dear friends, this year Turkmenistan celebrates a significant event – the 30th anniversary of acquiring the status of permanent neutrality. At the same time, Turkmenistan confirms its readiness for active cooperation in the formation of sustainable solutions.

We are ready to support joint initiatives aimed at protecting nature, adapting to climate change and achieving the power of sustainable development. In conclusion, I would like to wish all participants of the forum fruitful work.

Thank you for your attention.

http://government.ru/news/55753/