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Today, the Central Asian Conference on Climate Change, organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan jointly with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), began its work at the capital's «Yyldyz» Hotel.
The event is attended by scientists, experts and specialists from Central Asian countries, as well as representatives of the UN and its specialised structures to discuss one of the pressing issues of our time - climate change.
The forum was preceded by an exhibition introducing delegates to the unique endemic flora and fauna of the country, as well as a video «Turkmenistan: Climate Change and Green Transition».
Speakers at the opening of the conference focused on the need for an integrated approach to solving climate problems. As emphasised, the fight against climate change cannot be considered in isolation from sustainable development issues. The integration of climate proposals into national development plans, strategies in agriculture, energy and water management was recognised as a key factor for success.
At the plenary session «Regional and National Climate Change Policy: Achievements and Plans», CAREC regional climate change specialist V. Grebnev noted that dialogue between stakeholders with different views and concepts is the key to establishing long-term and productive cooperation in a strategically important area.
The conference continued its work in two thematic sessions - «Climate Finance for Central Asia: Regional and National Perspectives» and «Regional Cooperation on Climate: Priorities and Climate Justice». The issues discussed included addressing climate issues through financing, climate risk management in Central Asia, the efforts and initiatives of the European Union in this area, a transboundary early warning system to prevent hydrological disasters, etc.
As noted, Turkmenistan successfully addresses environmental issues at the state level, including the creation of forests, land reclamation and the fight against desertification, and measures to save the Aral Sea. The country's «Green Belt» is replenished annually with millions of new seedlings.
Visual confirmation of Turkmenistan's responsible approach to solving vital problems of our time is its accession to the Global Methane Commitment. Speaking about the primary importance of issues of financing measures to combat climate change, the speakers noted the common concern and desire to consolidate efforts to attract «green» investments.
As emphasised, attempts are being made at the regional level to create common financing mechanisms. In this regard, the possibilities of joint funds, initiatives to attract international climate financing and issues of stimulating private investment in transboundary «green» projects were brought up for discussion.
It should be noted that the UN environmental conventions ratified by our country, including on biological diversity, to combat desertification, on climate change, on the protection of the ozone layer, on the protection and use of transboundary watercourses and international lakes, are clear evidence of Turkmenistan's active position in solving global environmental problems.
In addition, dozens of programs and projects in this area are being implemented at the national and regional levels jointly with authoritative international structures such as the United Nations Development Program, the United Nations Environment Program, the Global Environment Facility, etc.
The successfully implemented national strategy in this area is in harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals of the Community of Nations and the priority tasks of protecting the planet's ecosystems.
The accumulated experience in implementing target programs and projects on the designated topic was analysed in their speeches by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan Stephen Conlon, the Head of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan Johannes Baur, and others.
It was especially emphasised that since gaining independence, the Central Asian countries have achieved progress in many areas, but active cooperation in the field of environmental protection remains crucial for the sustainable development of the region. Modern environmental challenges are becoming increasingly complex, and the search for solutions and answers is beyond the capabilities of one country or organisation.
The forum included parallel sessions - «Innovative Tools for Developing Climate Financing Strategies in Central Asia», «The Green Bridge Initiative: Innovative Technologies to Accelerate and Strengthen the Implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)», «Climate Actions of Civil Society and Youth in Central Asia» and «Regional Coordination Meeting of Central Asia (RESILAND CA+)». Panel discussions were also held on issues of ensuring environmental well-being, strengthening dialogue and developing joint actions to address climate issues relevant to all of humanity as a key factor in sustainable development.
The participants exchanged views on the possibilities of regional and international cooperation in the field of environmental protection, joint water resources management, and adaptation to global climate change. Reviews of national environmental strategies closely linked to state socio-economic programs were presented. Particular emphasis was placed on the results achieved and plans for further work in this direction.
As noted, Central Asia needs innovative approaches to financing climate projects, the implementation of which will attract additional capital and accelerate the region's transition to sustainable development.
Conference participants focused on key challenges facing the region, including water shortages, land degradation and the growth of extreme weather events. The importance of developing and implementing effective adaptation measures that can increase the viability of natural ecosystems was emphasised.
An important topic of discussion was the relationship between the climate agenda and sustainable development. The need to integrate climate change issues into all areas of socio-economic planning was noted. Sustainable growth in the region is impossible without taking into account climate risks and the transition to more environmentally friendly development models.
Speaking about regional cooperation, speakers noted that climate change does not recognise state borders, and many of its consequences require coordinated efforts of all Central Asian countries. Strengthening dialogue and sharing experiences were called important steps towards solving common problems.
In the context of regional efforts, the speech of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the international forum «Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity», held on the 4th of April this year in Samarkand, is of particular importance.
The call of the head of the Turkmen state to consolidate efforts in the fight against global climate problems and specific proposals to strengthen regional cooperation found a response among the participants of the current forum. Turkmenistan's commitment to an active role in addressing climate issues is an important factor for the success of common endeavors.
The Central Asian Conference on Climate Change includes bilateral meetings to consider issues and develop specific measures and practical steps aimed at building a more sustainable and prosperous future for the entire region.
Tomorrow, the international conference will continue its work in the sections «Transboundary Restoration of Landscapes in Central Asia», «Promoting the Regional Agenda in the Field of Climate Change and Preparation for the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change», as well as in parallel sections and panel discussions.
