The theme of the plenary session is Environmental Challenges: A Path towards Sustainable Development.
Statement by Mikhail Mishustin
Statement by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan
Statement by Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin
Remarks by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov
Remarks by Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda
Statement by Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov
Group photo session of the heads of delegations at the International Environmental Conference. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister – Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, and Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev
Heads of delegations at the International Environmental Conference
Statement by Mikhail Mishustin at the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
Participants of the International Environmental Conference
Statement by Mikhail Mishustin at the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
Mikhail Mishustin during the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
Statement by Mikhail Mishustin at the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
Statement by Mikhail Mishustin at the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
Statement by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
Statement by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov
Statement by Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda
Statement by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev
Statement by Prime Minister – Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev
Statement by Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin
Group photo session of the heads of delegations at the International Environmental Conference. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister – Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, and Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev
Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev’s remarks
The International Environmental Conference is being held on July 25 at the Manzherok Resort in the Altai Republic. It is attended by delegations from eight countries: the Russian Federation, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. All these countries are long-standing partners working together on environmental issues at the bilateral level and within the framework of international associations.
The conference will begin with a plenary session titled Environmental Challenges: A Path towards Sustainable Development, during which the prime ministers of Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will speak about their countries’ nature protection and environmental agendas.
Speakers at the expert session titled Keeping the Global Water Balance will be the ministers of natural resources, ecology and environment. They will discuss the influence of climate change on water resources and measures that must be taken immediately to minimise the consequences of climate change.
A themed session titled Ecotourism: The Calling Card of the Country will be devoted to regulating the anthropogenic effect on natural systems, the role of ecotourism in economic development, the creation and development of nature trails, the functioning of cross-border nature reserves and national parks, as well as joint projects.
The participants will also discuss the development of cross-border ecotourism, the conservation of specially protected natural areas, and the preservation of biodiversity, for example, the five countries’ joint efforts to restore the population of snow leopard, a rare feline that lives only in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Excerpts from the transcript:
Alexandra Suvorova (moderator, Rossiya 24 TV channel): Mr Mishustin will deliver a report, but first, I would like to take advantage of my position here and ask him a question. Considering all the environmental challenges humanity is facing today, do you believe any country can effectively address them alone?
Mikhail Mishustin: Absolutely not – it is impossible. This conference, with its high-level international participation, itself answers your question. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the heads of government from friendly counties, distinguished guests, and environmental experts who have gathered here in this magnificent setting – Manzherok in the Altai region. Together, we will now tackle the most pressing challenges in ecology and nature conservation
Alexandra Suvorova: Thank you.
Mikhail Mishustin: Friends, colleagues, good afternoon.
Mikhail Mishustin during the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
I would like to once again welcome everyone to the Altai Republic and the famous resort of Manzherok – a place of amazing and diverse natural beauty, as the local people rightly say. There are many equally stunning sites across other Russian regions. We actually discussed this over breakfast today. Someone asked me: “Is this some new style?” I replied: “No. This is our style, now extending to Altai.” Of course, all participating countries have their own remarkable and beautiful natural corners.
Eurasian countries are home to billions of people. Unfortunately, this has increased the burden on the environment in recent years. There is no doubt that if we want to preserve this natural wealth for future generations, we must work together to improve the environmental situation. This is crucial for people’s health and well-being.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin emphasised: “…nature conservation cannot be successfully addressed by any country alone. This must be taken up by all countries, without exaggeration, by all humankind.” This meeting provides an excellent opportunity to discuss a broad range of environmental issues. Equally important is outlining shared approaches to balance environmental protection with socioeconomic development.
The Russian Federation is deeply engaged in environmental initiatives across multiple bilateral and multilateral formats, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS, and others. Crucially, we must ensure that all agreements reached are implemented in practice as well as expanded to address other pressing challenges. Let me now highlight a few key priorities.
First, we must strengthen collaboration to improve environmental quality.
In Russia, we have launched the General Cleaning federal project, in response to Presidential instructions, to address accumulated ecological damage. Over the past six years, we have eliminated 185 unauthorised city landfills along with hazardous wells and abandoned industrial facilities. To date, we have also successfully raised and disposed of over 200 sunken vessels across the country.
Building on the President’s initiative, we are now establishing a circular economy framework. Currently, more than half of all municipal solid waste undergoes processing, supported by the construction of approximately 300 integrated waste management facilities nationwide. The reuse rate for recyclables across key sectors – agriculture, industry, construction, and housing utilities – has risen to 10 percent. Looking ahead, we are committed to increasing this figure to 25 percent within the next five years.
Of course, we are ready to share our best practices with our friends.
Lean water management is another important track for us. We must ensure that our people can access clean water at all times.
The Russian Federation has about 3 million rivers with a total length of almost 12.5 million kilometres. There are also over 2.5 million lakes. There are vast freshwater reserves.
In keeping with the President’s instructions, the Government also takes action to restore and reclaim rivers, water bodies, and to expand the network of hydrotechnical structures for ensuring flood and drought protection. We are building special water treatment systems for ruling out any water pollution with residential and industrial wastewater.
There are quite a few major and medium-size rivers in Russia flowing through neighbouring countries. We also work together on using lake resources. The total area of these cross-border water bodies is about 3 million square kilometres.
Of course, it is essential that we step up our cooperation for protecting them and to ensure that we monitor them and share data in real time, while also coordinating our flood control initiatives and ensuring that our research teams work together when carrying out their studies and surveys.
We have been keeping a close eye on the Caspian Sea’s shallowing – these matters require our attention and result from global climate change. In this regard, one of the main goals, as we have been telling our partners, is to devise an effective long-term model for forecasting changes in the water levels of this unique and beautiful water body. This model would serve as a foundation for planning our economic activity and minimising the possible negative consequences.
Statement by Mikhail Mishustin at the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is already working on this agenda. Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite our foreign colleagues to join these efforts. Millions of people depend on the Caspian Sea and its state. Preserving it and ensuring its sustainable use is our shared responsibility and our common objective.
The same goes for preserving forests. In Russia, they cover a territory of almost 1.2 billion hectares, which is a fifth of the global forest acreage.
The Government has taken action to prevent it from shrinking. For several years now, the area of recovered forest has exceeded the territories where the forests disappeared or where removed. This is a very important indicator. To give you an example, last year the former exceeded the latter by a factor of 1.5. Since 2019, we have restored about 8 million hectares of forests.
We are introducing advanced technologies. By using drones, we can get updates on the damaged and dead trees in real time, as well as identify any damage quicker. Satellite imagery enables us to monitor natural forest regeneration processes. In this regard too, we are ready to share all these solutions and technologies with our partners.
The next track is also very important – it deals with the endangered flora and fauna. We must step up our intergovernmental efforts in order to better protect rare species. This is instrumental for preserving biodiversity.
Russia attaches a lot of attention to this topic. Our country offers state protection status to over 400 animal species and almost 750 plants. This republic alone is home to the Altaisky and Katunsky state nature reserves which are designate as UNESCO natural heritage sites. Our country has a total of over 12,000 specially protected areas.
Selected areas are being made accessible to travellers, provided they exhibit a responsible and considerate attitude towards nature. Pursuant to the decision of the Head of State, we are establishing the necessary infrastructure that does not disrupt fragile ecosystems.
The number of visitors to federal national parks continues to grow. Last year alone, it increased by 150 percent. Over 17 million people have now had the opportunity to witness pristine nature.
I believe this form of tourism holds tremendous potential, and I propose we develop it together.
Colleagues,
To successfully address environmental challenges and mitigate the consequences of climate change, it is vital that we combine the efforts of scientists and innovators across our nations. We must employ the most advanced technologies to monitor the state of ecosystems, air, water, solar activity, radiation levels, and wind patterns.
Russian researchers obtain such data in real time thanks to the extensive observation network of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Rosgidromet) and our domestic orbital constellation of 18 satellites.
Statement by Mikhail Mishustin at the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
For the study of Arctic natural processes, we have constructed an ice-resistant self-propelled platform named “North Pole.” This is a unique vessel – the only one of its kind in the world. It has enabled scientists to access high-latitude Arctic regions previously deemed unreachable. The data collected is now instrumental in improving navigation along the Northern Sea Route, a critical transport artery and logistics corridor.
Research in Antarctica is also underway. Last year, we inaugurated a new wintering complex named “Vostok.” This modern facility, located at the heart of the continent, was built in less than five years. Spanning nearly 3,000 square metres, it houses scientific laboratories, residential and communal spaces, energy centres, and technical units.
The studies conducted there hold substantial scientific value, offering insights into the causes of climatic shifts. We must, of course, enhance conditions for collaboration among our scientists so that such projects – including joint initiatives – continue to multiply.
Friends,
Environmental improvement and nature conservation remain at the forefront of the Russian Government’s priorities. Our President, Vladimir Putin, has identified environmental well-being as one of the nation’s key development goals. We will do everything necessary to achieve this objective. However, as I have stated earlier, no country can tackle such challenges alone. I propose intensifying our collaborative efforts in this direction – for the benefit of present and future generations.
Thank you for your attention.
Nikol Pashinyan: Mr Mishustin, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen,
Statement by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the plenary session of the International Environmental Conference
First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to participate in this International Environmental Conference and to extend my appreciation to the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation for his hospitality and the high-level organisation of today’s event.
It is symbolic that this critically important discussion is taking place in Altai, a region renowned for its natural beauty.
Heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen,
Armenia is a mountainous country, with 80 percent of its territory comprised of highland regions. Our country is known for its diverse climatic zones – ranging from arid subtropical to alpine.
Armenia boasts numerous endemic flora species. Four national parks and three reserves occupy over 10 percent of the country’s territory. Among these is the Khosrov Reserve, founded upon an artificial forest established as early as the 4th century as a royal hunting ground. The jewel of Armenia – Lake Sevan – is the largest freshwater body in our region.
The mountain ecosystems of our country are acutely vulnerable to climate change. Droughts, floods, and flash floods are becoming increasingly frequent. Although Armenia’s carbon dioxide emissions are negligible on a global scale, our country is among those most severely affected by global warming.
The consequences of climate change manifest in accelerated glacial melt, reduced precipitation, landslides, soil erosion, and desertification. Water scarcity leads to diminished pasture and arable land productivity, as well as declining forest resources. In this context, we attach great importance to enhancing water resource efficiency, adopting innovative technologies, and implementing drip irrigation programmes.
It is for this reason that the Government of Armenia has approved the Climate Change Adaptation Programme for the Water Sector, covering the period 2022 to 2026. A new draft law on climate has also been developed in the Republic of Armenia.
The purpose of this draft law is to establish legal and institutional frameworks for formulating and implementing the country’s climate agenda. In response to national needs and international commitments, the Government approved the National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan and a corresponding set of measures for 2021–2026 in May 2021. Thus, we are defining the strategic parameters for adaptation and planning efforts on a permanent and ongoing basis.
Armenia welcomes cooperation among EAEU member states on the climate agenda. Eurasian low-carbon development programmes are equally vital.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Placing high importance on biodiversity conservation, Armenia is implementing programmes to restore populations of wild animals.
The programme to revive the Caucasian leopard population, carried out jointly with the World Wildlife Fund since 2002, has yielded tangible results. Permanent habitation of this species within Armenia’s borders – along with the birth of cubs – has already been recorded, signalling the establishment of a stable habitat and food supply for the Caucasian leopard.
In collaboration with the Fund, we are also executing a programme to restore the Caucasian red deer population in the Dilijan Reserve.
Armenia supports the agenda of mountainous countries within the UN framework. We actively participate in the Group of Friends of Mountainous Countries at the UN, an initiative launched by Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, we have joined the Kyrgyz side’s initiative, the Mountain Partnership Group, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties. We hope this group will become an active participant in the negotiation processes of climate conferences, and to this end, we stand ready to facilitate the development of a requisite agenda within the group.
Colleagues,
As you are aware, the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) on Biological Diversity will be held in Armenia in October 2026. We anticipate the participation of high-level delegations from your countries, as well as representatives from academic and expert communities, in COP17 proceedings.
As the chair and host nation, Armenia will spare no effort to foster productive dialogue, bridge differences among parties, and adopt balanced, substantive decisions that account for the interests and priorities of all stakeholders.
We are confident that together, we can make a substantial contribution to global efforts in preserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources – in the spirit of shared responsibility for our planet.
Thank you for your attention.
Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin: Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues,
Statement by Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin
First and foremost, allow me to extend my gratitude to the organisers of this conference and to the leadership of the Republic of Altai for their invitation and the opportunity to discuss environmental agenda issues in such a picturesque and symbolic location. The nature of Altai serves as a reminder of how fragile and beautiful is our planet is, and how crucial it is to unite our efforts in preserving it.
With each passing year, the international community devotes increasing attention to environmental protection and maintaining the planet’s ecological integrity. This is not merely a matter of following trends but rather a commitment to establishing a robust model of sustainable socio-economic development. In Belarus, environmental protection is a cornerstone of state policy and is approached in a comprehensive manner. It encompasses all natural components, ecosystems, as well as the economy, healthcare, science, education, and other spheres of state and human activity.
In accordance with the national security concept of the Republic of Belarus, the primary national interests within the environmental sphere include ecologically oriented socio-economic development of the state, preservation of a favourable environment, and adaptation to climate change.
Thus, we regard the conservation of natural resources and the minimisation of anthropogenic impact on climate change as strategic imperatives upon which the well-being of future generations depends. In our country, the principles of green and circular economies are enshrined in legislation through the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Belarus until 2040, as well as other long- and medium-term planning documents.
One of the key priorities in the environmental agenda for the near future is maximising the reintegration of waste into secondary circulation. Today, the republic achieves a waste utilisation rate of approximately 90 percent for industrial waste (excluding large-tonnage waste), while the rate for municipal solid waste stands at around 40 percent.
In May 2025, the President of our country set the task of establishing a comprehensive waste management system covering all types of waste, alongside the creation of an automated tracking system for waste volumes – from generation to reuse – at every stage. In the near future, Belarus will adopt a strategy for the management of industrial and consumer waste.
This strategy will serve as the foundational document, outlining in detail the objectives and long-term development of the waste management system, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that, by 2040, no less than 90 percent of industrial and consumer waste is utilised.
Water resources, as a natural asset, constitute a national treasure for all nations. Belarus is home to over 20,000 watercourses and more than 10,000 lakes.
National policy concerning water protection and usage is founded on principles aimed at improving the ecological state of surface water bodies while preventing pollution, depletion, and degradation. The assessment of rational water resource usage is conducted based on the integration of circulating and reused water supply systems into industrial processes.
The Republic of Belarus has successfully ensured economic growth while decreasing water consumption, achieving a 24 percent reduction in water extraction since 2000. Through timely modernisation and upgrade of municipal treatment facilities, discharges of insufficiently treated wastewater have decreased by a factor of 7.8 over the past 20 years, now representing less than 0.2 percent of total wastewater entering surface waters.
On air quality, the country maintains rigorous standards through an ever-expanding monitoring network covering all industrial cities, with continuous improvements to both coverage and technology.
Belarus has implemented an automated environmental monitoring system that aggregates real-time data from air quality stations and industrial emissions sensors. This system streams information directly to regional offices of the Ministry of Natural Resources, enabling immediate action against regulatory violations.
Our commitment to international climate obligations remains unwavering. Under the Paris Agreement, Belarus pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 to 40 percent by 2030 (against 1990 levels) – a target we have already surpassed. We are now advancing toward an even more ambitious goal: deeper emissions cuts by 2035.
Belarus has made significant strides in renewable energy adoption, with wind, hydro, solar, and biogas now contributing 7.3 percent of total heat and electricity generation.
The transition to electric transport is accelerating nationwide. In 2024 alone, the number of electric cars surged by a factor of 3,4. In Minsk, electric public transport already accounts for over 40 percent of the fleet, with its share climbing steadily.
Belarus’ network of specially protected natural areas forms a robust foundation for environmental conservation. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress in expanding these protected areas, achieving some tangible outcomes. Our system now encompasses 1,355 designated natural areas covering nearly 2 million hectares (representing 9.2 percent of the nation’s total territory) through sustained, systematic efforts.
In closing, Belarus’ systematic efforts have earned us 32nd place out of 180 countries on the Environmental Performance Index ranking – a notable achievement, but not a reason to pause our progress. We remain committed to advancing our environmental targets and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
We stand ready to actively shape the green agenda within the CIS and pursue joint projects with our partners in the CIS and across other integration associations.
Thank you. I wish all participants productive discussions and rewarding outcomes from this conference. Thank you.
Olzhas Bektenov: Mr Mikhail Mishustin, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Statement by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov
First and foremost, allow me to sincerely thank the Russian side for their warm welcome, traditional hospitality and the excellent organisation of today’s event.
We live in an era of rapid technological progress and global challenges. Alongside achievements in the economy and social development, environmental protection has become an increasingly pressing issue.
Environmental security is not just part of the international green agenda; it is a vital condition for the sustainable development of any country. The conservation of natural resources, ensuring access to clean air and water, as well as the frugal use of available resources, are top priorities that directly impact the wellbeing of current and future generations.
With this in mind, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has launched the Taza Kazakstan (Clean Kazakhstan) initiative, aimed at fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and care for nature and the land. As part of this initiative, large-scale clean-up efforts, tree-planting drives and other environmental campaigns are being held systematically across the country.
Importantly, Taza Kazakstan is not a one-time project. It is a continuous effort to transform public attitudes toward cleanliness, urban and rural aesthetics, and environmental stewardship. Today, the initiative has grown into a large-scale movement and an integral part of daily life for the people of Kazakhstan, influencing both individual values and the development of public spaces and the natural environment.
In parallel, the Government is undertaking efforts to modernise environmental legislation and introduce advanced nature conservation technologies. A real-time emission monitoring system is being introduced as part of the digitalisation of environmental oversight. This system enables the timely tracking of environmental impact and prompt responses to abnormal occurrences.
Kazakhstan is also actively participating in global efforts to preserve biodiversity. New protected natural areas are being created and existing ones expanded. Work is underway to establish a biodiversity conservation fund, with the primary goal of protecting and restoring wildlife populations, including the Caspian seal, the greater flamingo and many other species.
Special attention is being given to rare and endangered species, such as the Bukhara deer, kulan, argali sheep, and goitered gazelles. Kazakhstan is also working on the reintroduction of the Turan tiger and Przewalski’s horse. Thanks to the measures being implemented, we are seeing encouraging growth in populations of the snow leopard and the saiga antelope.
One of the most urgent issues facing Kazakhstan is the environmental and economic impact of changes to water bodies. Since the early 2000s, the Caspian Sea has experienced a steady decline in water levels. To study this and related issues, the Kazakh Research Institute of the Caspian Sea was established. Unfortunately, expert forecasts remain disturbing. Coordinated and decisive action by all Caspian littoral states is urgently needed to preserve this unique body of water. Kazakhstan is also taking steps to partially restore the Aral Sea and its surrounding ecosystems.
In this context, Kazakhstan is undertaking initiatives to fortify the Kok-Aral Dam, restore the Syr Darya Delta, support the region’s fishing industry, and embark on extensive afforestation of the Aral Sea bed. Last year, Kazakhstan assumed the leadership of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Under our nation’s chairmanship, a series of international events have been convened in the Aral region. These include the establishment of new monitoring centres, the launch of collaborative programmes to preserve the unique ecosystems of the Aral area, and expeditions involving leading international environmentalists and biodiversity specialists.
The initiatives being executed underscore the readiness of Central Asian states to engage in collaborative action to address environmental challenges. Within the global water agenda, one of the most urgent issues is the preservation of glaciers. According to expert forecasts, the volume of glaciers in Central Asia is projected to decline significantly by the year 2100.
In this regard, at the 2024 One Water Summit in Riyadh, the President of Kazakhstan proposed the Water Towers Partnership initiative. Its objective is to systematise support for glaciological science by uniting the efforts of global research centres to study glacier protection. It is important to acknowledge the contributions of the UNESCO-affiliated Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre, based in Almaty.
The centre has consolidated regional research and serves as a scientific platform for assessing the impact of global climate change on mountain ice masses. Kazakhstan has enacted institutional reforms in water management, now centrally coordinated by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. Key priorities are outlined in the Water Resource Management Development Concept and the new Water Code. These strategic documents are founded on principles of conservation and sustainable water use, the adoption of water-saving technologies, ecosystem protection, and climate change adaptation.
We stand ready to implement joint interstate hydraulic projects, ranging from regulated reservoirs and canals to monitoring stations and automated water accounting systems. Kazakhstan’s participation in developing the promenade around Lake Manzherok has been an excellent opportunity to contribute to the shared environmental agenda. Symbolically, Altai – the cradle of Turkic civilisation – was chosen as the venue for the inaugural session of this International Environmental Conference.
Preserving the natural heritage of this unique region is not merely an environmental imperative but also a vital component of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between our nations.
Colleagues,
Despite emerging natural and climatic challenges, Kazakhstan remains committed to resolving them through mutual understanding and good-neighbourly relations. We are prepared to share our experience and work in a spirit of partnership.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite you to the regional environmental summit, to be held in Kazakhstan in 2026.
I am confident it will serve as a logical continuation of our efforts and define new avenues for collaboration.
Once again, I thank the organisers of this event and extend my best wishes to all conference participants.
Adylbek Kasymaliev: Mr Mishustin,
Statement by Prime Minister – Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev
Colleagues,
Conference participants,
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, Mr Mishustin, for your traditional hospitality and proposal to hold this international conference.
The conference is dedicated to environmental problems which cause growing concern across almost the entire world.
It is deeply symbolic that we have gathered in the Altai Republic, a region renowned for its unique natural beauty, majestic mountains, pristine rivers, and rich cultural heritage. This land offers valuable experience in preserving biodiversity and caring for natural resources, an experience that matters not only for this region but for the entire planet.
Today, environmental issues such as climate change, eroding biodiversity and pollution, require urgent and coordinated action at the international level. Only by working together can we find fair and effective solutions that will preserve our ecosystems for future generations.
Esteemed conference participants,
Kyrgyzstan has a rich and diverse natural heritage. Its highlands, glaciers, pastures, and lakes form unique ecosystems. Our country is home to about 2 percent of all plant species and over 3 percent of animal species on the planet: more than 26,000 species, many of them endemic; with 209 of them listed in the Red Data Book of Kyrgyzstan.
Like mountainous areas in many parts of the world, Kyrgyzstan’s ecosystems are under severe pressure from climate change. Over the past seven decades, glaciers have shrunk by 16 percent, leading to an increase in natural disasters such as mudflows, landslides, and floods, and disrupting water and energy balances.
According to World Bank estimates, water shortages in the Central Asian region may reach 20–30 percent by 2050. In this regard, Kyrgyzstan prioritises joint efforts to strengthen climate resilience. We have established a system of glacier monitoring across the Northern, Central, and Inner Tien Shan, the Issyk-Kul Basin, and the Pamir-Alai, with key sites designated for continuous observation. Within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and despite our comparatively low greenhouse gas emissions, Kyrgyzstan has voluntarily committed to reducing emissions by 16 percent by 2030, and, with the support of international donors, by up to 44 percent.
We have also adopted a concept of carbon neutrality by 2050. In this context, it must be highlighted that the states responsible for 80 percent of emissions must help ensure climate justice, including providing financing and technologies to low-emission countries.
Esteemed participants,
Kyrgyzstan has been promoting the mountain agenda on the world arena for over 20 years. We have initiated a dialogue on mountains and climate change under the UN Framework Convention. We appreciate the countries’ support for our initiative, including from the Russian Federation.
At the Kyrgyz Republic’s initiative, the 77th session of the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution on Sustainable Mountain Development.
This past April Bishkek held the Global Mountain Dialogue conference attended by 50 countries from Europe, Asia, America and Africa, and 29 international organisations. Given the global climatic processes, we have been promoting the Declaration on Climate Change, Mountains and Glaciers, which has so far been supported by 21 states, including the Russian Federation.
We are going to hold the Second Mountain Summit Bishkek +25 in 2027. I will avail myself of this opportunity to invite you to take part in that event and support our global mountain dialogue.
In 2024, at the Kyrgyz Republic’s initiative, the United Nations proclaimed October 23 International Day of the Snow Leopard as a reminder of the importance to preserve its population. Given that the snow leopard is a symbol of mountain ecosystems’ health, we are undertaking some active measures. Thus, we have adopted a presidential decree on the snow leopard as a national symbol and worked out a government strategy for its protection. Just a month ago Cholpon Ata hosted the ninth meeting of the committee of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme involving 12 countries of its habitat, international partners and experts.
Thanks to the support measures, the current snow leopard population in Kyrgyzstan exceeds 500 animals. I want to underscore the fruitful cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Altai in preserving the snow leopard. In March 2025, the Snow Leopard centre in the Altai Republic received three snow leopards as an important step in reintroducing and improving the population. That was not just a symbolic act but a contribution to the sustainability of the Altai-Sayan region’s ecosystem.
In general, starting from 2019, we together with our international partners have implemented over 10 joint projects in protecting biodiversity, laying nature trails and mounting expeditions. Kyrgyzstan has made two ecological corridors. The first one is Chatkal and the second is Ak Ilbirs.
With a view to preserve the biodiversity in Central Asia, we suggest considering creation of transborder ecological corridors extending to adjacent countries. Transborder ecological corridors will not only help preserving the biodiversity but will also open new opportunities for sustainable development, including in the ecotourism.
At present, to maintain biodiversity in Kyrgyzstan, a network of 96 specially protected natural territories has been established and is operational, covering a total area of over 2 million hectares.
Kyrgyzstan also regards ecotourism as one of the priority areas for ecologically and economically balanced growth. Last year, the country welcomed 8.9 million tourists, of whom more than 20 percent specifically chose ecotourism routes. The most popular destinations include trekking, ethno-tourism, birdwatching, as well as horseback and cycling routes in mountainous regions.
At the same time, ecotourism cannot develop without proper protection of natural areas from pollution, primarily from plastic products. Plastic waste poses a serious threat to vulnerable ecosystems, including Issyk-Kul and the fragile mountainous regions of the Tien Shan. In this regard, restrictions were introduced in 2023 on the circulation of polymer film bags and certain plastic products in the Issyk-Kul resort area, and since January of last year – on specially protected natural and biosphere territories.
From 2027, a complete ban is planned on single-use plastic items that cannot be recycled. The Kyrgyz Republic is open to exchanging expertise in plastic waste management, adopting recycling technologies, developing infrastructure for waste collection and disposal, and establishing joint cross-border environmental standards.
Greening plays a crucial role in the ecological well-being of any region. Amid climate change and increasing air pollution, tree planting and the expansion of green zones have become priority tasks for environmental preservation and improving the quality of life for our citizens. Since 2022, under the initiative of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the Jashyl Muras campaign – meaning Green Legacy – has been implemented.
Over the past three years, more than 29 million saplings have been planted. In total, the campaign aims to plant over 70 million trees. These are millions of small dots of hope on the map of our country that, with careful nurturing, will grow into forests and orchards tomorrow.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that joining efforts to protect the environment and preserve natural resources is the foundation of sustainable development and the well-being of our peoples. We must act today to secure a future where humanity and nature coexist in harmony. The Kyrgyz Republic is open to cooperation and knowledge-sharing so that together, we may build a world where nature is valued, safeguarded, and restored.
I hope that our discussions and productive deliberations today on the hospitable Altai land will contribute to the global efforts in addressing the environmental challenges of our time. Thank you for your attention.
Statement by Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me first of all express my gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation and personally to Mr Mishustin, for inviting me to take part in this International Environmental Conference. I believe that this forum will help consolidate our collective efforts to counter growing environmental challenges. These problems are transnational by nature and require coordinated, multilateral actions to be effectively addressed.
Turning to national priorities, I would like to emphasise that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, fully aware of the importance of careful management of natural resources and their preservation for future generations, is making significant efforts to protect and expand them. This approach is a cornerstone for ensuring a sustainable economic and social development of our country.
In this context, it must be noted that Tajikistan has been actively promoting the water and climate agenda on the international stage for many years. The adoption of 14 relevant resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly, initiated by Tajikistan, has laid a solid foundation for achieving coordinated global water goals. These resolutions have also contributed significantly to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals included in the 2030 Agenda.
The close connection between energy and climate change cannot be denied. We believe that developing green energy is a constructive step toward preserving the global climate. Today, Tajikistan generates 98 percent of its electricity from hydropower, ranking sixth in the world in terms of the share of renewable green energy in its total energy production.
By 2032, Tajikistan plans to achieve a complete transition to renewable energy sources, and by 2037, to become, in essence, a fully green country.
Colleagues,
Considering these priorities, it is particularly relevant to underscore that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan pays special attention to climate change and environmental sustainability, as these issues have profound and multifaceted impacts on our natural resources: most notably, the melting of glaciers. Tajikistan’s glaciers are a key water source for the entire region, with 60 percent of Central Asia’s water resources coming from the territory of our country. At the initiative of Tajikistan, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 the International Year for the Conservation of Glaciers, and designated 21 March as World Glacier Day.
In continuation of the topic of international cooperation, it is noteworthy that in May Dushanbe hosted an International High-Level Conference on the Conservation of Glaciers organised on the basis of the UN resolution.
The conference’s key outcome documents were the Dushanbe Declaration on Glaciers and the Dushanbe Call to Action, which urge UN Member States and interested parties to take specific measures to strengthen international cooperation in promoting and coordinating the global agenda for the study and conservation of the cryosphere and glaciers. It is also important that last August, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring the Decade of Action in Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), an initiative jointly proposed by Tajikistan and France.
In order to further advance these initiatives, and recognising the importance of studying the impacts of climate change on regional glaciers, a regional glaciology coordination centre will be established in Dushanbe under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organisation in cooperation with other development partners. This will become yet another substantial contribution by Tajikistan to the global climate agenda.
Colleagues,
To underscore our commitment to the sustainable development principles, I would like to highlight that the political will of our country, outlined and supported in the annual messages of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, confirms our national dedication to preserving natural wealth as both a priceless heritage and the foundation for sustainable progress.
Tajikistan’s biodiversity is truly unique, comprising more than 6,500 plant species as well as a rich variety of wildlife, including rare and endemic species.
However, it is evident that climate change continues to affect the ecosystems of our region. Many species of wild animals and plants are now on the verge of extinction. One such species is the markhor, a rare wild goat species inhabiting several Central and South Asian countries. In order to safeguard and increase the population of this endangered animal, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in May 2024, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, declaring 24 May International Markhor Day.
Snow leopard is another emblematic species, unique for our region. To protect this majestic animal, the Government of Tajikistan has adopted the State Programme for the Conservation of the Snow Leopard for 2024–2028.
It is also noteworthy that the Snow Leopard Rehabilitation Centre has been established in the Murghab district of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. Tajikistan closely cooperates with the Russian Federation and other countries within the snow leopard’s natural habitat to exchange experience and coordinate efforts to preserve snow leopards.
For a truly comprehensive approach to environmental protection, it is crucial to not only take direct measures to preserve individual species but also to ensure sustainable management of natural resources. This includes fostering environmental education, creating new protected areas, and implementing restoration programmes.
As a result of these efforts, over the past 30 years the total area of protected territories in Tajikistan has increased from 3 percent of the country’s territory to 23 percent.
Tajikistan National Park, which is the largest protected territory in the country, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.
In conclusion, I would like to note that close cooperation and coordinated actions make it possible to address global environmental challenges more effectively, preserve the natural diversity of our countries, and ensure a sustainable future for our peoples.
I wish you all well-being, fruitful discussions, and success in your meaninful work. Thank you for your attention.
Abdulla Aripov: Mr Mishustin, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, allow me to express our gratitude for the traditionally warm welcome and brilliant organisation of the International Environmental Conference.
I would like to emphasise that all the necessary conditions have been created for fruitful work and exchange of views on the issues on our forum’s agenda.
Esteemed conference participants, all countries and the entire population of the Earth are now facing an environmental crisis causes by climate change, the loss of biodiversity, environmental pollution, and a growing number of natural disasters.
Taken together, this complicates the task of ensuring food and energy security and hinders access to water and natural resources. Climate issues are becoming a new obstacle to improving the living standards for the people and implementing national development strategies aimed at overcoming poverty.
Dear friends, we have been working at the initiative of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to implement large-scale reforms aimed at creating favourable environmental conditions for the people and the green transition.
Uzbekistan has declared 2025 the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy. We are working within a state programme to introduce green technologies and green economy principles. Our objective is to ensure a rational use of mineral resources, save energy and water, and improve public health. In addition, we are also implementing the Yashil Makon (Green Belt) national initiative proposed by the President of Uzbekistan.
Under it, we plant more than 200 million trees every year, aiming to increase the share of green areas in the republic to 30 percent by 2030. We are implementing one of the region’s largest revegetation programmes within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Since 2018, we have planted over 2 million hectares of the dry bed of the Aral Sea with drought and salt-tolerant plants.
This year alone, we plan to revegetate 250,000 hectares of land in the Aral Sea Region, including 115,000 hectares of the dry bed of the sea. In addition, we are implementing long-term strategic documents, including the Green Economy Transition and Green Growth Programme in Uzbekistan until 2030, and an energy saving concept in various industrial sectors.
Green energy is becoming a driver of economic growth in the country. We plan to increase its share to 54 percent by 2030, which will allow us to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by nearly 16 million tonnes.
We are working closely together with our partners within the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). The UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region, which has been established to support social and environmental projects in the Aral Sea Region, has become a reliable platform for implementing relevant initiatives in the region.
We cement irrigation networks to save water. We have created an industrial base for the production of water saving technologies, which have been installed on an area of nearly 2 million hectares, or approximately half of our irrigated land. These measures have helped us save about 8 billion cubic metres of water last year.
We have established the Central Asian University of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Studies (Green University), where the first regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the CIS (Eastern Europe and Central Asia) has opened a representative office.
We invite researchers and relevant professionals to take part in the work of the climate residence at the Green University to conduct joint climate studies. The first International Climate Forum was held under the UN umbrella in Samarkand in April 2025. Uzbekistan has also proposed several UN resolutions in this sphere, including a recent resolution on the Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation.
All this is graphic proof of Uzbekistan’s active role in advocating the climate agenda at the regional and global levels. Besides, we are paying special attention to the development of ecotourism, which combines recreation with care for the environment.
Uzbekistan has unique ecosystems, from deserts and mountains to biosphere reserves that are on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and on the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat.
In 2024, the village of Sentab in Uzbekistan was recognised as one of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), and Samarkand was promoted as a Tourism Capital.
We are actively implementing projects to create all-season and mountain ski resorts and also developing ecotourism. We invite everyone to discover the natural and cultural wealth of Uzbekistan.
Dear conference participants, Uzbekistan intends to increase its practical contribution to joint efforts to overcome the consequences of climate change. Our priority is to do everything in our power so the future generations live in a sustainable, safe and prosperous world. We firmly believe that the initiatives and proposals advanced during this conference will contribute to the cause of rallying the international community towards adopting effective decisions in the name of green and sustainable development.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Russian side once again for their hospitality and for organising this event. I wish all conference participants fruitful discussions and productive work. Thank you.
Statement by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev
Nokerguly Atagulyev: Mr Mishustin, heads and members of delegations, forum participants,
First, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation and the Altai Republic Government for the warm and cordial welcome extended to our delegation. Special thanks for your kind invitation. We are truly delighted to be hosted in this land of the flourishing Altai Territory.
The beauty of this untouched nature leaves an unforgettable impression. Today’s nature conservation forum is highly relevant given the growing environmental challenges and their impact on people’s lives and our planet as a whole. Environmental diplomacy and sustainable development remain undoubtedly effective tools for strengthening international cooperation and trust among states.
Turkmenistan has joined several key international environmental conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Furthermore, our country is actively engaged in implementing the Central Asian Subregional Programme of Action to Combat Desertification.
Turkmenistan is pursuing a robust environmental policy under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This policy is aimed at ensuring environmental safety, sustainable development, and the preservation of the country’s natural heritage.
The pillars of this policy include upholding constitutional rights, developing a national environmental security system, and enforcing liability for environmental damage – as enshrined in Turkmenistan’s Law on Environmental Safety.
To mitigate climate risks and strengthen the resilience of key economic sectors, the President resolved to adopt Turkmenistan’s National Climate Change Strategy. In 2022, Turkmenistan approved its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, outlining commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
As part of its environmental policy, Turkmenistan has planted over 162 million seedlings of diverse tree species nationwide over the past two decades. These afforestation initiatives are supported by international partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Turkmenistan is actively expanding its specially protected natural areas, which currently include nine nature reserves and 16 wildlife sanctuaries. These protected zones are vital for conserving the country’s unique nature. However, Turkmenistan faces growing threats from water scarcity, driven by climate change, rising agricultural demand, and upstream economic activities in neighbouring countries.
Our water supply mostly relies on transboundary rivers – the Amu Darya, Murghab, Tejen, and Atrek – with annual demand reaching 25 cubic kilometres, most of which originates abroad. To address this, Turkmenistan is prioritising water-saving technologies and strengthened legal frameworks for sustainable water management. Under a Presidential resolution, agricultural producers now receive 10-year preferential loans at 1-percent interest to purchase farm machinery and water-saving equipment.
Proactive measures are being taken to protect rare and endangered species. Turkmenistan collaborates closely with international conservation organisations, achieving notable successes – such as a leopard population recovery project, which has expanded their habitat beyond Turkmenistan into Kazakhstan’s neighbouring Mangystau Region.
The country also holds significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind power. A hybrid solar-wind power plant has been built in western Turkmenistan to supply clean energy to communities along Lake Altyn Asyr.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the development of a solar energy roadmap, incorporating innovative urban solutions like Arkadag – Turkmenistan’s first smart green city. The project envisions feasibility studies and a pilot urban solar plant, projected to generate over 4 GW annually thereby reducing national greenhouse gas emissions by over 3,000 tonnes.
Four distinctive desert ecosystems – Bereketli Garagum, Gaplaňgyr, Repetek, and Yeraji – are now included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Encouragingly, private sector representatives are playing an increasingly active role in addressing environmental challenges. Across Turkmenistan’s agriculture and industry, cutting-edge waste-free technologies are being introduced, dramatically reducing environmental impacts while boosting resource efficiency.
Colleagues, friends,
This year marks a historic milestone for Turkmenistan – the 30th anniversary of our Permanent Neutrality status. At the same time, we remain fully committed to active international cooperation in developing sustainable solutions.
Turkmenistan stands ready to champion joint initiatives focused on nature conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. In closing, I wish all participants productive discussions.
Thank you for your attention.
