Within the framework of CMS COP14, an event dedicated to the launch of a new Global Partnership for Ecological Connectivity (GPEC) project was held in Samarkand.

The event was attended by Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov, CMS Executive Secretary, Amy Fraenkel, Chairman of the IUCN World Commission for Protected Areas, Madhu Rao, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC) and Chair of IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas’ Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group, Gary Tabor, Head of the Wildlife Connect initiative, Rafael Antelo, President of the Climate Chance Association,  Ronan Dantek, Director of Biodiversity, Nature, and Health (ICLEI Africa) Ingrid Kutzi, and others.

“Uzbekistan is pleased to be a key contributor to this new Partnership and to be offering the long-term commitment that is integral to its success.  The establishment of this new Global Partnership marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts. This Partnership provides a platform for collaboration among diverse stakeholders, facilitating the development and implementation of strategies to maintain, enhance, and restore ecological connectivity worldwide”, said Aziz Abdukhakimov.

During the session, Amy Fraenkel presented the project and talked about its significance.

It was noted at the event that the implementation of the GPEC project will contribute to efforts to address key ecological communication priorities, identify and eliminate gaps, as well as expand policies and activities to preserve and restore interconnectedness at the national, transboundary, and international levels. The project will focus on four key aspects: research, data, and monitoring; environmental policy and legislation; implementation and implementation; and awareness-raising.