Tokayev proposes to create CA project office for environmental protection

Modern climate challenges, the growing demand for water and energy resources require the adoption of decisive measures to ensure the rational use of water resources of the Aral Sea basin.

The Head of State drew attention to the current problems, speaking at the IV Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, El.kz reports.

According to a report by the International Panel on Climate Change, temperatures in the region are rising much faster than the global average. The processes of climate change lead to a reduction in the area of glaciers - the main source of water for our region. Their volume in Central Asia over the past 50 years has decreased by 20-30%, which in the future will significantly reduce the flow of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers.

"All this entails serious risks for the food, energy and environmental security of the region, requiring the adoption of urgent joint measures. In this vein, we welcome Kyrgyzstan's initiative to declare 2022 the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development. In addition, we consider Tajikistan's proposal to declare 2025 the International Year of Glacier Conservation timely. I am deeply convinced that without consolidating our efforts, it is no longer possible to overcome the consequences of climate change in Central Asia.

Therefore, to coordinate joint actions, we propose to create a Project Office of the Central Asian countries on environmental protection and the implementation of a coordinated policy on climate change in the region," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The Head of State noted that Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to the implementation of joint hydropower projects for the mutually beneficial use of water resources of transboundary rivers.

"In this context, the project for the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 in Kyrgyzstan is being actively discussed. The hydroelectric power plant will strengthen the energy security of the countries of Central Asia, improve the conditions for expanding agricultural production. We also call for increased cooperation between countries within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. We note positively the participation of the Kyrgyz side in the regional Working Group on improving its organizational structure and legal framework. We hope for the resumption of full-fledged cooperation with the Kyrgyz side within the framework of this Fund," the President of Kazakhstan said.