Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) –– On 11–13 December 2019, in Geneva, a delegation of Uzbekistan led by Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection Uktam Utayev took part in events dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the signing of the European Economic Commission Convention (UNECE) UN on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (Air Convention).

According to the Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan in Geneva, the event was attended by delegations from more than 50 states that are parties to the Convention.

It should be noted that the Air Convention, signed in Geneva on 13 November 1979, aims to reduce emissions that cause significant damage to natural resources of vital environmental and economic importance.

The Uzbek delegation familiarized the forum participants with measures taken in our country to protect the environment and rational use of natural resources, as well as the development of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in economic and social sectors.

Particular emphasis is placed on programs implemented in Uzbekistan aimed at reducing emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of the Aral Sea disaster and creating favorable socio-environmental conditions in the Aral Sea zone.

As part of their stay in Geneva, the Uzbek delegation met with the Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Ivona Higuera and Head of the UNECE Environment Department Marko Kainer.

CITES management expressed interest in implementing technical assistance projects with the State Ecology and Ecology Commission on restoration of the ecosystem and biodiversity, protection of flora and fauna in Uzbekistan.

The representative of UNECE expressed the Commission’s readiness to assist the Uzbek side in improving national legislation in this area and providing technical assistance in matters of ratification of the Air Convention.