Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have signed two joint declarations of intent on sustainable landscape management and forest fire prevention, the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan said.
The documents were signed on the sidelines of the COP31 climate conference following a high-level event titled "Regional Cooperation for Enhancing Landscape Resilience". Representatives of Central Asian countries, international organisations and development partners attended the event.
The first declaration provides for nature-based solutions to support sustainable landscape management and strengthen ecosystem resilience. The second aims to establish a regional forest fire alert system.
Participants highlighted the cross-border nature of environmental challenges in Central Asia. Key threats included land degradation, forest fires, the spread of invasive species and declining biodiversity.
They also discussed growing pressure on specially protected natural areas. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated approaches, joint monitoring and cooperation among countries in the region, participants said.
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic are expected to sign two additional joint declarations of intent.
The event also featured a presentation of the regional RESILAND CA+ programme, implemented with support from the World Bank.
The programme aims to restore landscapes, promote sustainable natural resource management and strengthen climate resilience across Central Asian countries.
The regional component is coordinated by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).
The organisation supports cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange and the adoption of coordinated environmental protection approaches.
Participants said the agreements provide a basis for joint practical projects involving international partners and financial institutions.
