Environment - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 67 - 72 of 293

Central Asia: Working Together on Border Landscapes

Talk of closer cooperation among Central Asian countries has ebbed and flowed as far back as the period after independence from Soviet rule in the early 1990s. The goal of a more unified region is a work in progress, though one promising area of collaboration is a plan to restore and protect damaged ecosystems in border regions. The first regional meeting on the topic, held this month in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, brought together government officials from the host nation as well as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The portfolios of the delegates were nature preservation, protected areas, emergencies, agriculture, and forestry. They talked about coordinating on wildfire alert systems in cross-border areas, erosion control, tree-planting and nature-oriented tourism in protected areas and other sites shared by Central Asia countries, according to the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia, a non-profit group based in Almaty, Kazakhstan that promotes regional dialogue on the environment. The group, which organized the Tashkent meeting, was created in 2001 by the five Central Asian states as well as the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme. The initiative is supported by a $256 million World Bank program to restore degraded landscapes in the region. The World Bank has noted big progress toward poverty alleviation and economic growth by Central Asian countries in the last decades. However, it has cautioned that oil and gas extraction in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan have taken a heavy environmental toll, while soil erosion and water scarcity have accompanied land development in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Arid conditions exacerbated by climate change and inefficient management threaten transboundary water resources, a problem that is becoming increasingly severe. “A key example of tragic impacts on livelihoods and health of communities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and across the region are massive sand and salt storms originating from the land areas once covered by the Aral Sea,” the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia said. It cited an international disaster database as saying more than 10 million people in Central Asia have “suffered from land degradation-related disasters” since 1990, inflicting damages estimated at around $2.5 billion. Central Asian countries also seek to collaborate on early warning systems and other emergency precautions as they face a variety of natural hazards, including floods, landslides and droughts. Supported by United Nations agencies, the heads of the national emergency departments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan convened in August at a lakeside resort town in northern Kyrgyzstan. There, they shared information and experiences.

Central Asia Environment Kyrgyzstan Environment Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture International Affairs Local Politics Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan International Affairs Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Cooperate on Snow Leopard Conservation

As reported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, a memorandum of understanding on snow leopard conservation was signed on October 17 between Kazakhstan's and Kyrgyzstan's protected nature reserves. Initiated by UNDP in Kazakhstan with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the five-year agreement aims to conserve the snow leopard and its habitats in the northern Tien Shan Mountains within four of the countries' Specially Protected Nature Areas: the Kolsay Kolderi State National Park, the Almaty State Nature Reserve, the Ile-Alatau State National Park in Kazakhstan, and the Chon Kemin State Nature Park in Kyrgyzstan. The two countries will coordinate joint measures and share experiences in researching and strengthening snow leopard protection. Over the next five years, the parties will also develop and implement several initiatives to monitor the snow leopard, its habitats and food supply, promote transboundary and international cooperation, and increase public awareness and participation through snow leopard conservation programs. Nurken Sharbiyev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, citing the fact that the country's snow leopard population has increased by over 20% since 2019, to between 152 and 189 animals, stated, “This memorandum will strengthen the links between our countries to conserve this globally important species." Mirslav Amankulov, Vice Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan, said that Kyrgyzstan currently has over 400 snow leopards but noted: “As it is a migratory species, its habitat is not limited to the territory of the country. To study and preserve the snow leopard and its habitat, prevent the impact of serious threats such as illegal hunting and reduction of food supply and habitats due to human activities, interaction between stakeholders is needed, which will be facilitated by the implementation of measures under the signed memorandum between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic." The snow leopard is recognized as a rare or endangered species in 12 countries and its population is indicative of the stability and health of the mountain ecosystem, which occupies a third of the globe. At the first International Forum on Snow Leopard Conservation in Bishkek in 2013, with the support of representatives of 12 snow leopard range countries and the international community, the Bishkek Declaration on the Protection of the Snow Leopard was unanimously adopted, and the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Program was approved. Later, in December 2023, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov signed a Decree “On recognizing the snow leopard as a national symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic.”

Central Asia Environment Tajikistan Local Politics Tajikistan Tajikistan Business Economy Local Politics Business & Economy Tajikistan Environment

Tajikistan to Strengthen Protection of Mulberry Trees

In a move to strengthen its silk industry, Tajikistan's parliament has approved amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences, increasing fines for damaging mulberry trees. Bakhodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, who forwarded initiative, emphasized that the new measures will help protect the environment and restore mulberry plantations, which are vital for silkworms. Under the new rules, individuals damaging mulberry or other crops will face a fine of three to five calculation indexes. In comparison, officials can be fined seven to ten indexes (for 2024, 1 calculation index is 84 somoni, equivalent to $7.50). The final amounts will be approved following the adoption of amendments to the Code. Because the leaves of the trees are the main food base for mulberry silk worms, their preservation is critical for the restoration of an industry which has suffered a sharp decline over the last 30 years. In 1991, the country produced 4,528 tons of silk cocoons but by 2024, this figure had fallen to 361 tons. According to experts, the reason for the decline is a reduction of mulberry plantations, especially on private land on which trees have been felled and sold as firewood. Back in 2021, in an address to parliament , Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, called for special attention to be paid to the development of silk farming, emphasizing its importance in creating jobs, especially for women and girls. To encourage cocoon processing, he also waived land tax for a period of ten years on areas where mulberry trees are grown. Despite such measures, the situation barely improved. In response and to achieve its aim of increasing silk production to 1,867 tons by 2027, the Tajik government has introduced a program to plant over 4.3 million mulberry trees across the country. The total area covered by mulberry trees in Tajikistan is currently about 5,500 hectares. In addition to their economic importance, mulberries play an essential role in environmental conservation. Mulberry trees prevent soil erosion and the spread of dust storms. Also of note, is that rich in vitamins C, K, iron, and potassium, the berries provide an important food source and are widely used in traditional medicines. Additional measures to protect mulberry trees include strengthening local authorities' control over land allocation for new plantations and preventing the felling of existing trees. A comprehensive approach, including economic incentives and administrative measures, is expected to help Tajikistan bring silk production back to its previous level and make it one of the country's leading agricultural sectors.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Environment Environment Uzbekistan International Affairs Local Politics Uzbekistan International Affairs Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan’s Heritage Trees Added to International Monumental Trees List

The Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan reports that it has participated in the compilation of data on the country's aged and relict trees for inclusion in the international list of MonumentalTrees.com. MonumentalTrees.com is an electronic record of perennial, rare, and unique tree species of international importance located throughout the world, aimed to protect and promote national natural heritage sites. Species found in Uzbekistan currently listed on MonumentalTrees.com. include: Eastern Biota (1500 years' old) in the Forish district of Jizzakh ; Sycamore ( over 1160 years' old) in the Urgut district of the Samarkand; Juniper ( over 1000 years' old), Hazel ( over 800 years' old) and Sycamore (around 600 years' old) in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent , as well as Sycamore (some 900 years' old) in the village of Sayrob in the Boysun district of Surkhandarya; Sycamore (over 750 years' old) in the territory of the Dorus-Saodat Memorial Complex in the city of Shakhrisabz in Kashkadarya , and a Boboyongok Hazel tree (about 700 years' old) in the Zomin national nature park in Jizzakh . Uzbekistan is the first Central Asian country and the third among the CIS republics to register its natural heritage species in this international list. Perennial trees located in Russia and Azerbaijan are also included.

Central Asia Environment Kyrgyzstan Environment Local Politics Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Local Politics Business & Economy Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy Features Kyrgyzstan Features

Kyrgyz Government Adopts Strategic Task to Construct Eco-City

On October 14, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov signed a Decree to construct the eco-city "Asman" near the village of Toru-Aigyr on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, the country's main region for tourism and recreation. Spanning 4,000 hectares, some 200km southeast of the capital Bishkek and dubbed a "smart city", Asman aims to become the country’s new economic and tourist hub and home to modern business, recreational and sports facilities, hi-tech parks, and financial institutions. It will also provide homes for around 500,000 residents. From a bird's eye view, Asman (the Kyrgyz word for "sky") will resemble a komuz, a traditional Kyrgyz string musical instrument and one of Kyrgyzstan's national symbols. According to Kyrgyz officials, the new city financed by foreign investors, will be built over the next 7-10 years but although the capsule-laying ceremony took place in June 2023, construction has yet to begin. Speaking at the ceremony, President Japarov remarked that “the city of Asman will become a financial hub connecting East and West, North and South.” As reported by the presidential press service, the construction of the eco-city is a “strategic task” for the country’s Cabinet of Ministers and local authorities of the Issyk-Kul region, with a key objective to protect the biosphere territory adjacent to the lake. According to the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers should develop and approve a concept for the construction of Asman by March 1, 2025, ensuring the preservation and protection of the environment during the city’s construction. It has also been recommended that a ban be placed in the city on hydrocarbon-fueled (gasoline, diesel, gas) transport in preference for electric transport and bicycles. For this purpose, the decree orders the creation of electric transport infrastructure and charging stations, as well as necessary conditions for the use of bicycles to ensure mobility of the city's population. In addition, the decree orders the use of energy-saving solutions and smart home technologies in the construction of buildings, and compliance with the World Health Organization's environmental standards for greening cities and introducing an environmentally safe waste management system. The realization of such a mega project has inevitably raised questions regarding finance, with construction costs currently estimated at around $20 billion. The Asman project shares similarities to the city of Arkadag in Turkmenistan. Unveiled in June 2023, the “smart” city of Arkadag was built from scratch 30 km south of Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat. Designed to accommodate a population of 70,000, it cost billions of dollars to construct.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Environment Environment Uzbekistan Life & Culture Uzbekistan Home Local Politics Uzbekistan Local Politics

Thousands of Red-listed Birds Released in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan's Karakalpakstan, 2,680 Wigglers (Chlamydotis macqueenii), have been released in the wild. The rare birds, on the verge of extinction and listed in the Red Data Book of Uzbekistan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, were released on October 11 on the Ustyurt Plain in the Kungrad District. Authorities are now planning the annual release of 2,000 and 3,000 birds to support the population and promote the recovery of one of the rarest bird species in Central Asia. The Wiggler, a member of the bustard family, is so-called on account of the way it darts from side to side. Males grow to a length of 65-75 cm and weigh between 1.8 and 3.2 kg, while females are slightly smaller at 55-65 cm and 1.2-1.7 kg, respectively. Their upper plumage is sand-coloured, and white below, with a distinctive gray crest and elongated white feathers with black tips on the sides. During the mating season, the bird shows off its decorative feathers by raising its collar and making an “hrrrr” sound.