Samarkand Declaration Signed to Protect Wildlife and Flora in Central Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have signed the Samarkand Declaration, committing to strengthen regional cooperation in combating illegal wildlife trade, according to official reports on 24 November.

The agreement, along with an accompanying 2026–2032 Action Plan, was signed during a High-Level Dialogue held on the sidelines of the 20th Conference of the Parties to CITES. Developed jointly with Traffic International, the documents reflect the countries’ shared commitment to addressing growing threats to biodiversity, including poaching, habitat loss, and climate change impacts.

The Action Plan outlines measures to enhance coordination among customs, environmental, law enforcement, and judicial authorities in all four countries. National operational groups will be established to combat wildlife crimes, and information-sharing mechanisms will be strengthened.

To further improve regional cooperation, the parties agreed to create a network for countering illegal trade, develop joint monitoring mechanisms, and conduct coordinated actions along border areas.

The regional strategy also includes ecosystem restoration, protection of endangered species, and support for sustainable economic initiatives, such as ecotourism and the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts.

Officials emphasized that signing the declaration underscores Central Asian states’ commitment to joint action in preserving the region’s unique natural heritage.