The Central Asian International Environmental Forum 2018 starts

The Representatives of the Government of Uzbekistan, the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Ecology and Environmental Protection and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia opened the Central Asian International Environmental Forum 2018.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Nodir Otajonov stressed in his speech that the challenges faced by the countries of Central Asia are of a regional nature. Environmental pollution, climate change, water scarcity, desertification jeopardize sustainable development of the Central Asian region. Without the appropriate cooperation of efforts, knowledge and resources, according to Mr Otajonov, the countries of the region can’t work out answers to these challenges.

Mr Otajonov expressed confidence that thanks to the forum the countries will be able to continue the dialogue at a new level: "Active participation in today’s event of leading experts and representatives of the diplomatic corps of Central Asian states will significantly enrich our dialogue. We’ll look at the discussed issues from different points of view and bring together the negotiating positions. I would like to wish all the participants successful and fruitful work".

CAREC Executive Director Dr Iskandar Abdullaev in his speech drew attention to the fact that Central Asia has a very rich nature. According to a recent study of the Intergovernmental Science Strategic Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Europe and Central Asia, services related to the regulation of freshwater quality only are estimated at an average of US$1,965 per hectare per year. The ecosystem services for climate and air quality management are US$464 and US$289 per hectare per year, respectively.

Dr Abdullaev also stressed that it is necessary to properly approach the use of these opportunities: "Contempt for nature, attempts to master or appropriate it violently, ignoring the laws of nature, leads to catastrophic consequences. An example of this is the drying out of the Aral Sea - a huge and global catastrophe in its consequences. During the life of one generation, the sea, once occupying the fourth place in the world, has disappeared. "

The main task of CAIEF 2018 is formulated in the theme of the forum: "Strengthening Cooperation on Environment and Sustainable Development". On 5-8 June, the forum will work in the mode of presentations and discussions.