Within the framework of the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals in Samarkand, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, met with the Executive Secretary of the CMS Convention, Amy Fraenkel.

During the meeting, the parties signed an agreement on awarding Uzbekistan the title of "Champion" for its contribution to the development of the "Global Partnership on Environmental Connectivity for the period 2024–2026".

For information: The Champions of Migratory Species Protection Program offers a portfolio of initiatives, each of which includes a set of activities that contribute to the implementation of a major program focused on a specific species, group of species, or cross-cutting issue. The champions can be governments, companies, organizations, and individuals who wish to make financial commitments for at least three years for one or more specific CMS initiatives.

"Nature knows no borders. Uzbekistan is well aware of this fact due to the devastating effects of the depletion of the Aral Sea on people and wildlife in Central Asia and beyond. By contributing to the CMS Global Partnership on Environmental Connectivity, Uzbekistan participates in worldwide efforts to protect migratory species. This cooperation underlines our belief that nature is capable of uniting people, and people should unite to protect nature", said Aziz Abdukhakimov.

The environmental connectivity agenda is a priority for governments and the international community. As a key component of many of the goals and objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, connectivity is essential for the survival of migratory species as well as for achieving restoration, conservation of biodiversity, and adaptation to climate change. This commitment will contribute to the creation of a new Global Partnership for Environmental Connectivity (GPEC), facilitating international cooperation for coordinated conservation efforts and achieving tangible results.

During the meeting, it was noted that special donor events are organized within the CMS Family decision-making bodies to recognize existing champions. The certificate and related advertising allow Champions to promote their commitment and support for the conservation of migratory species both nationally and internationally.