Kyrgyz Delegation Advocates for Mountain Ecosystem Conservation at COP-16 in Colombia

Cali, The Gulf Observer: Dinara Kemelova, Special Representative of the Kyrgyz President for the implementation of the Five-Year Action Plan for the Development of Mountain Regions, led Kyrgyzstan’s official delegation at the 16th Conference of the Parties on Biodiversity (COP-16), held under the theme “Peace with Nature,” News Hub Consultants reports.

The Kyrgyz delegation actively participated in plenary sessions and engaged in five significant side-events focusing on topics such as climate change adaptation, wildlife conservation, protection of vulnerable mountain species in Central Asia, global mountain management, and the advancement of the global biodiversity framework. The delegation also contributed to discussions at the Women’s Forum and other key gatherings.

During these events, Kyrgyz representatives highlighted the nation’s efforts in preserving mountain ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly the snow leopard, a national symbol. They outlined the National Strategy and Action Plan, which aligns with the global goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CPB), and emphasized ongoing environmental projects. The delegation stressed the critical role of women in environmental conservation and addressed the impact of climate change on vulnerable mountain populations.

Dinara Kemelova underscored Kyrgyzstan’s international initiatives to safeguard mountain ecosystems within frameworks such as the United Nations, CPB, and the UN General Assembly (UNGA). She emphasized the implementation of the UNGA Resolution on Sustainable Mountain Development, which declared 2023-2027 as the Five-Year Action Plan for Mountain Development, and mentioned upcoming international events dedicated to this cause.

On the sidelines of COP-16, the Kyrgyz delegation held strategic meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Chairman of the Global Environment Facility Carlos Rodriguez, and heads of foreign delegations. These discussions focused on advancing the mountain agenda, exploring joint projects, and fostering multilateral cooperation for the protection of biodiversity and mountain ecosystems.