Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov met with UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Program (UNEP) Inger Andersen.

Samarkand has been noted as a center of global environmental dialogue, hosting various international events such as the International Conference on Food Security and the CRIC21 session. The First Samarkand Climate Forum is planned to be held in April, to which participants are invited.

Aziz Abdukhakimov emphasized the importance of regional and global cooperation in the field of nature conservation, especially for migratory animals. Initiatives to protect the environment were discussed, including the Yashil Makon project and the creation of forests at the bottom of the Aral Sea. The importance of using environmental protection mechanisms, switching to alternative energy sources, and strengthening environmental education was also noted.

The Minister supported the adoption of the CMS Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2024-2032 and expressed support for cooperation with UNEP in areas such as air quality monitoring, improving environmental standards, combating desertification and land degradation, preventing plastic and heavy pesticide pollution, environmental education and raise awareness.