LocationsKyrgyzstan Strengthens Climate and Biodiversity Actions Post-COP-29 and COP-16
December 6, 2024
6 December, Bishkek – Kyrgyzstan is intensifying its efforts to advance national priorities for preserving mountain ecosystems within the global climate and biodiversity agendas. Following the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP-29) on Climate in Baku and the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP-16) on Biodiversity held in October in Colombia, the country is ramping up its commitment to nature and climate. This dedication was highlighted at a significant event organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Global Conferences of the Parties have reaffirmed the interconnectedness of the climate and biodiversity crises, emphasizing the urgent need for unified global actions. Kyrgyzstan has showcased leadership in promoting the mountain agenda by uniting mountainous countries and introducing innovative approaches to climate risk management, conservation of globally significant biodiversity, and mobilizing climate finance.
Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, stated: "The climate and biodiversity crises are two sides of the same coin. Kyrgyzstan is ready to champion solutions that protect mountain ecosystems and enhance global resilience."
Despite tensions and resistance from developed nations regarding new financial targets to combat climate change in developing countries, COP-29 in Baku focused on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage management, gender issues, and youth engagement in climate policy. Kyrgyzstan highlighted the need for equitable financing for developing nations, particularly for climate adaptation and loss and damage initiatives in mountainous regions.
Latif Gandilov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in the Kyrgyz Republic.
A special guest, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in the Kyrgyz Republic in his welcome speech highlighted the importance of holding such a high -level climate discussion in the region. He pointed out the wide representation of the delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic. Also, he noted that gender dimension was well elaborated during the CoP-29.
Meder Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision.
Meder Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, remarked: "There is no time to delay: reducing emissions by 45% by 2030, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and halting biodiversity loss are our shared responsibilities for the future!"
At COP-16 in Cali, the integration of climate and biodiversity agendas took center stage, underscoring the need to protect unique ecosystems, including mountainous ones, which are a key priority for Kyrgyzstan. During COP-16, Kyrgyzstan advocated for greater incorporation of biodiversity conservation into climate policies, emphasizing its ongoing initiative, "Five Years of Action for Mountain Region Development."
Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.
Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative, noted: "Climate change and biodiversity loss are not abstract concepts for Kyrgyzstan but pressing realities. Together, we are creating solutions that not only strengthen our ecosystems but also support sustainable development for future generations."
During the event, participants outlined a comprehensive vision for Kyrgyzstan’s sustainable future. They stressed the importance of scaling up renewable energy use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. Strengthening climate resilience was recognized as critical to protecting vulnerable communities from adverse climate impacts. Furthermore, promoting biodiversity conservation was identified as essential for sustaining livelihoods and ecosystems, recognizing the interdependence between human well-being and a healthy environment.
UNDP and other development partners are aligning Kyrgyzstan’s climate and biodiversity efforts with global frameworks. Key initiatives include expanding renewable energy use, attracting climate finance, enhancing climate resilience, and conserving biodiversity to secure a sustainable future. This partnership underscores the importance of integrating climate and biodiversity strategies to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all citizens of Kyrgyzstan.
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