Kyrgyzstan National Consultations in Preparation for the Eighth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference
National consultations to prepare the Kyrgyz Republic (KR) for the Eighth Environment for Europe (EfE) Ministerial Conference were held in Bishkek on April 8, 2016 within the framework of CAREC Day devoted to CAREC 15th Anniversary.
The consultations aimed to raise the awareness among the representatives of public, research, non-governmental and commercial organizations, to enhance their interactions within the EfE process as well as to foster better coordination of joint actions in preparation for the Ministerial Conference with the purpose of promoting the interests of the region, in general, and of Kyrgyzstan, in particular.
The consultations served as the platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas and knowledge in the course of elaborating a joint approach towards post-Batumi steps.
During the consultations, the participants were able to:
• get familiar with the EfE process and thematic priorities of the Eighth Ministerial Conference;
• review and discuss official Conference documents;
• participate in a survey on “green economy”;
• discuss actions to prepare for Batumi and coordinate post-Conference steps.
Extra time in the course of consultations was dedicated to discuss the national priorities of the KR within the EfE context and Conference scope. Participants’ statements in this respect are presented below.
1. Regarding mid-term (2016-2020) and long-term (2020-2030) national priorities:
- rational use of water resources, including rehabilitation of water infrastructure;
- preservation of forests and increasing forest cover, including in upper river courses;
- climate change;
- conservation of biodiversity.
2. Regarding mid-term priorities:
- rehabilitation of degraded and development of new irrigated land;
- implementation of international conventions;
- introduction of environmental standards.
3. Regarding long-term priorities:
- management of waste, including chemical and industrial;
- land recultivation.
To mainstream the country’s engagement in the EfE process, in particular, to “green” the national economy and improve air quality, the following needs were highlighted:
- technological support;
- international expertise;
- attraction of funding.
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Background
The “Environment for Europe” (EfE) Process is a partnership of 56 member states within the UNECE region, United Nations agencies operating in the region and other interstate organizations, regional environmental centers, NGO’s, and other key stakeholders. The partnership allows to discuss various issues related to sustainable development and application of integrated approaches to environmental policy.
Since 1991, Central Asian countries have been actively participating in the EfE process and Ministerial Conferences, specifically. The Eighth Pan-European Ministerial Conference is scheduled to take place in Batumi, Georgia, June 8-10, 2016 and will aim to advance the issues of “green economy” and improving the quality of atmospheric air.