Akiko Fuji, the UNDP Representative in Uzbekistan, met with Jusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, to discuss cooperation in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.
The parties confirmed their intention to continue joint work in these areas. A key issue was the further development of joint projects for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration following the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), which took place in Armenia.
The discussion covered initiatives related to the wetlands of the Aral Sea region and the ECOLAND projects, as well as cooperation in implementing Uzbekistan's National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity.
Particular attention was paid to the Aral Sea region, as protecting vulnerable wetlands, restoring degraded ecosystems, and sustainably managing land and water resources are of great importance for biodiversity conservation and enhancing the resilience of local communities.
Participants also discussed preparations for the COP31 climate conference, which will be held in Turkey, as well as opportunities to strengthen joint initiatives in climate action. Both sides expressed readiness to continue cooperation to achieve long-term results in environmental protection and improve the welfare of the population.
