President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed establishing a branch office of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Almaty. He made the proposal in Yerevan, Armenia, at the COP17 Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity. The office would support Central Asian countries in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, facilitate scientific exchange and help launch joint conservation projects. In addition, the Head of State proposed using the International Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana as a platform for biodiversity data analysis, the development of early warning systems and specialist training. The President once again emphasized the importance of expanding international cooperation to preserve our shared natural heritage. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan’s achievements in this area.
«For the first time in our history, the Constitution explicitly enshrines the promotion of environmental culture as a fundamental principle of our statehood. Now citizens are obliged to preserve nature and treat its resources with due care. Constitution also envisages protection of healthy environment for all citizens is one of major functions of our state. We are convinced that the preservation of our natural heritage must go hand in hand with economic progress,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.
In addition, the Taza Qazaqstan environmental campaign is becoming a nationwide ideology. The Head of State also spoke about Kazakhstan’s success in restoring saiga antelope and snow leopard populations. The country has adopted a National Biodiversity program, which provides for the expansion of the network of specially protected natural areas. Kazakhstan is also establishing a National Bank of Genetic Biodiversity. With the support of Caspian littoral states, Kazakhstan is spearheading an Interstate Program for the Conservation of the Caspian Sea’s Water Resources. The Head of State called on international partners to join Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Fund for the Protection of Rare Species and Biodiversity.
«Last year Kazakhstan proposed to establish International Water Organization within the United Nations system. And we believe that this initiative may become a joint one representing Central Asian states with the door open for all countries to get in. Our aim is to strengthen water security and protect the ecosystems that depend on healthy rivers, lakes and wetlands,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev added.
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