Dear friends, esteemed colleagues, and partners,
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).
Thanks to your comprehensive support and our joint efforts, over the past quarter-century, CAREC has established itself as a regional environmental organization integrating scientific knowledge, practical experience, and international expertise to advance environmental cooperation in Central Asia. With your support, CAREC has successfully established a system of platforms for intergovernmental and interagency dialogue, facilitating information exchange at the regional level and promoting public engagement in decision-making processes related to pressing environmental issues.
Today, CAREC’s activities span a wide range of areas: from developing methodological foundations for the sustainable use of natural resources to introducing innovative approaches to water resources management and climate change adaptation.
Yet at the heart of CAREC’s mission remains the principle of addressing all environmental protection and climate challenges through collective action, grounded in coordinated and unified approaches across the entire Central Asian region.
Today, special attention is given to advancing water diplomacy, restoring transboundary landscapes, and promoting the One Health approach — all of which hold strategic importance for the sustainable development of Central Asia.
These ambitious goals and the projects to address them have been made possible primarily through the active participation of our partners, stakeholders and the comprehensive support of donors.
I express my deep gratitude to the members of the CAREC Board of Governors for their thoughtful and far-sighted strategic guidance, and to our partners in all Central Asian countries and beyond for their contribution to implementing joint progressive initiatives.
Looking ahead, new challenges and opportunities await us — ones that require integrated approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthened international cooperation. These principles lie at the very core of CAREC’s mission.
Ultimately, the sustainable development of the Central Asian countries and the sound ecological balance for which we all strive can only be ensured through our collective efforts and a unified approach based on the principle: 5 countries – 1 region – 1 voice.
Once again, I thank you all for your cooperation and support aimed at ensuring the environmental well-being and prosperity of Central Asia.
Sincerely,
Batyr Mammedov
Executive Director,
The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)