Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Cooperation between Central Asian countries in the field of conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable management of natural resources is gaining momentum. The Regional Dialogue on Transboundary Conservation in Central Asia, taking place 28–30 November 2023 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is a significant step in advancing this common agenda. The event is attended by representatives of the governments of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as numerous national and international organizations.

“The Government of Uzbekistan is honored to co-host this three-day knowledge-sharing event on the conservation of regional transboundary biodiversity. This is an opportunity for us to begin to form a joint vision that will allow us to use environmental and economic benefits in common cross-border corridors in Central Asia and will contribute to the development of nature tourism,” said the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov, in his message to participants.

The organizers of the Regional Dialogue are the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the World Bank and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Society for International Cooperation). The dialogue is part of activities supported by the World Bank’s Resilient Landscapes in Central Asia (RESILAND CA+) program and three regional programs implemented by GIZ, which encourage cooperation among Central Asian countries in relevant areas: Green Central Asia, Climate Integrated Land Management Central Asia (ILUCA) and Environmentally Oriented Regional Development of the Aral Sea Region (ECO ARAL).

It is worth noting that ecosystems separated by boundaries are often subject to different policies and governance structures. Transboundary conservation is a way to overcome these differences by promoting cooperation between relevant parties in the participating countries. Its benefits range from environmental ones, such as thriving wildlife and increased ecosystem services, to political cooperation, fostering friendly relations between border-sharing countries, economic cooperation and social development.

“The World Bank welcomes the efforts of Central Asian countries to take joint action in the field of transboundary biodiversity conservation. We will continue to support regional dialogue and concrete action in this area through our RESILAND CA+ Program. In particular, the Bank-financed project will help implement specific land restoration activities in six transboundary corridors on Uzbekistan’s borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan,” said Marco Mantovanelli, World Bank Country Manager for Uzbekistan.

Transboundary conservation promotes the long-term survival of migratory species by increasing the area managed for conservation purposes, reducing fragmentation, and improving landscape connectivity. This is of great importance for Central Asia, where the most important migration corridors are located, ensuring the movement of herds of wild gazelle, saigas, and other unique species of wild animals.

“Shared vision, political leadership and broad public participation are key to successful transboundary conservation. The inscription of the Turan Temperate Deserts on the World Heritage List as a transnational site this year is a clear sign of the increased potential for excellence in conservation in Central Asia. IUCN will continue to assist partners at all levels in promoting regional and cross-border initiatives in the region,” said Boris Erg, Director of the IUCN Regional Office for Europe. IUCN is currently supporting the completion of the Framework Plan for Transboundary Cooperation between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, which are committed to coordinated action in the Western Tien Shan mountain region.

To support officials involved in initiating, managing and regulating transboundary conservation programmes, the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) has developed a set of general principles and best practice recommendations. As part of the Regional Dialogue taking place these days in Tashkent, IUCN will conduct training on transboundary nature conservation for representatives of national authorities, regional experts and managers of specially protected natural areas (SPNA). During the training, the Diagnostic Tool for Transboundary Conservation Planning Practitioners, developed by the IUCN WCOT Transboundary Conservation Specialist Group, will be presented.

Using this tool, participants will learn how it is possible to assess the feasibility of establishing a cross-border initiative and develop strategies for working with stakeholders, reduce risks that may hinder the process, achieve consensus on common goals and management approaches, develop a shared vision and roadmap .

“On behalf of the German Government, GIZ supports and develops regional transboundary cooperation in protected areas in Central Asia through three regional programs aimed at building the capacity of protected area staff, enhancing environmental and economic development in border regions and supporting regional dialogue and cooperation,” – says Caroline Milou, Program Manager of the Green Central Asia project implemented by GIZ.

Other topics presented for discussion by regional and international experts in the Regional Dialogue include Peace Parks and ecological peacebuilding, the economic contribution and other benefits of nature-based tourism and opportunities for its development in Central Asia, and the role of local communities in the management and conservation of protected areas. natural areas in the region.