Within the framework of the CMS COP14 international conference in Samarkand, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, met with the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Musonda Mumba.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the distinguished guest for her visit to Samarkand and participation in the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Animals.

It was noted at the meeting that the city of Uzbekistan–Samarkand is becoming the center of global environmental dialogues, as the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CRIC-21) was recently held here, and in April an International Climate Forum will be held in Samarkand.

"Environmental protection has become a priority area for the government of Uzbekistan. Confirmation of our commitment is the participation of the President of the country in the COP28 climate summit, which was held in Dubai. The head of our state pays great attention to the stricter application of environmental protection mechanisms, the transition to alternative energy sources, and the strengthening of environmental education", said Aziz Abdukhakimov. "We support the unification of the Central Asian region to prevent global climate problems and promote common prosperity", added the minister.

During the meeting, it was noted that effective cooperation with the Ramsar Convention has been established. The Minister expressed gratitude for the inclusion of Lake Zhyltyrbas in the list of wetlands of international importance.

For information, currently, 5 sites in Uzbekistan are included in the list of the Ramsar Convention: Lake Dengizkul (2001), Aidar-Arnasai Lake System (2008), reservoirs Tudakol and Kuimozor,Lake Sudochie (2023), and Zhyltyrbas (2024).

"The inclusion of Lake Zhyltyrbas in the list of wetlands of international importance serves as a legal basis for us to further strengthen environmental protection measures in this area. This also creates an opportunity for the development of ecotourism here", said Aziz Abdukhakimov.

It was noted at the meeting that, together with the GIZ organization, it is planned to develop a national strategy for the management of the Sudochie Lakes and the protection of wetlands. This strategy will cover the Ramsar Convention sites and provide a framework for strengthening the protection of wetlands and reservoirs.

During the meeting, Musonda Mumba was awarded the badge "Tabiat himoyachisi" ("Defender of Nature") for her merits in the field of ecology. Aziz Abdukhakimov thanked the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention for her contribution to environmental protection.