ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan, Avazbek Atakhanov, announced on Wednesday the establishment of a Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) aimed at protecting the ecosystems of mountainous regions.
He emphasized that this initiative will serve the common cause of countries with mountainous geographies, including Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Kyrgyz Embassy to mark International Mountain Day, Ambassador Atakhanov highlighted the shared environmental challenges faced by 10 mountainous countries, including the two nations.
“Comprehensive planning and joint efforts are essential to safeguard these fragile ecosystems,” he said, adding, “Pakistan is a beautiful country, and protecting nature is our shared responsibility for survival.”
During the event, the ambassador also read out a message from Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who extended his greetings on International Mountain Day. President Japarov emphasized the significance of mountain ecosystems, noting their vulnerability to climate change and environmental degradation.
“For the Kyrgyz people, mountains are not only a natural treasure bestowed upon us by the Almighty but also a source of life and a sacred homeland that has supported our ancestors for generations,” President Japarov said.
He highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s rich natural heritage, including majestic mountains, sparkling glaciers, and abundant rivers, which are vital not only for Kyrgyzstan but for the entire Central Asian region. However, he warned of the increasing threats to these ecosystems, such as excessive human activity, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of natural resources.
President Japarov also pointed to Kyrgyzstan’s leadership on the global stage in advocating for mountain conservation. At the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Kyrgyzstan successfully promoted the adoption of a resolution on Sustainable Mountain Development, declaring 2023-2027 as the Five Years of Action for Mountain Development.
“This initiative underscores the urgent need to address issues such as melting glaciers, pollution of mountain ecosystems, water scarcity, and desertification,” he stated.
Additionally, Kyrgyzstan hosted a series of events this year to raise awareness of mountain-related issues. These included an expert dialogue on mountains and climate change at the UN Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA) and the establishment of a National Pavilion titled ‘Sustainable Mountain Development’ at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
Kyrgyzstan also led efforts to adopt the Declaration on Climate Change, Mountains, and Glaciers, garnering the support of 16 states. “By uniting global efforts, we can preserve mountain ecosystems for future generations,” President Japarov stated.
President Japarov also reiterated Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to protecting mountain biodiversity, particularly the endangered snow leopard, which is native to the region. “We are actively working with other countries to advance initiatives for the conservation of this iconic species,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Kyrgyz President called on citizens to take individual responsibility for preserving nature. “Let our actions aim to protect the grandeur of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains, their unique biodiversity, and priceless glaciers, which are treasures for all mankind,” he urged.
The International Mountain Day event served as a reminder of the critical need for collaboration among nations to safeguard mountain ecosystems in the face of growing global challenges.
