OSCE and partners organize Tajik-Afghan meeting in Dushanbe on ecological co-operation
(OSCE)The Tajik Minister of Environment Abduvohit Karimov (left) speaks with the Head of the Environmental Department of Afghanistan Mustapha Zaher, in Dushanbe, 14 July 2006. (OSCE) Photo details
DUSHANBE, 17 July 2006 - Designing a programme of joint action on environmental protection between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, was the aim of a meeting, initiated by the Environment and Security Initiative partners, held in Dushanbe on Friday.
The Environment and Security Initiative partners include the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme.
Participants at the meeting identified the main environmental concerns threatening the ecological security of the two countries. They also discussed ways to counter these threats and ensure stability through co-operative sustainable management of natural resources and closer co-operation on environmental issues.
"Co-operation in environmental protection can become a powerful tool for promoting good neighbourly relations, preventing conflicts, building mutual understanding and reducing negative human influence on the environment, which, unfortunately, does not recognize borders," said Ambassador Alain Couanon, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe. "This can become an effective model for co-operation, and in the future can be extended to other regions."
Abduvohit Karimov, Chairman of the Tajik State Committee on Environmental Protection and Forestry, added: "Environmental protection is a global issue and is crucial for the human life. I am convinced that the participation of officials from both countries, experts and representatives of various international organizations will help us to identify effective ways of managing environmental issues in the region."
The Tajik and Afghan sides agreed to continue a regular dialogue on ecological issues, elaborate a bilateral agreement between environmental protection agencies and to promote co-operation in such areas as forestry and reforestation, protection of common biological and water resources, preparation for natural disasters and mitigation of climate change effects.
The Environment and Security Initiative partners include the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme.
Participants at the meeting identified the main environmental concerns threatening the ecological security of the two countries. They also discussed ways to counter these threats and ensure stability through co-operative sustainable management of natural resources and closer co-operation on environmental issues.
"Co-operation in environmental protection can become a powerful tool for promoting good neighbourly relations, preventing conflicts, building mutual understanding and reducing negative human influence on the environment, which, unfortunately, does not recognize borders," said Ambassador Alain Couanon, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe. "This can become an effective model for co-operation, and in the future can be extended to other regions."
Abduvohit Karimov, Chairman of the Tajik State Committee on Environmental Protection and Forestry, added: "Environmental protection is a global issue and is crucial for the human life. I am convinced that the participation of officials from both countries, experts and representatives of various international organizations will help us to identify effective ways of managing environmental issues in the region."
The Tajik and Afghan sides agreed to continue a regular dialogue on ecological issues, elaborate a bilateral agreement between environmental protection agencies and to promote co-operation in such areas as forestry and reforestation, protection of common biological and water resources, preparation for natural disasters and mitigation of climate change effects.