Countries participating in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program have committed to working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change.
“We endorse the Regional Climate Action: CAREC Vision to help countries meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement,” said a joint ministerial statement issued at the 22nd CAREC Ministerial Conference held in Tbilisi today.
The statement was supported by ministers and senior officials from Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Tajikistan was represented at this event by Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Farhod Vosidien and Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection Abdulkodir Mavlodod.
Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa expressed confidence that the shared vision will enhance the positive impact of the CAREC Program on the most pressing issue of climate change.
“I look forward to concrete progress on more climate projects, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water efficiency, economic diversification and strengthening supply chains to improve the region’s resilience and adaptation to climate change,” he said.
Let us remind you that ADB is the secretariat of the CAREC Program, within the framework of which participating countries work together for sustainable development, accelerating economic growth and reducing poverty.
According to the ADB press office, a review study published this year found that climate change is expected to have severe impacts in the CAREC region, including above-average temperatures, critical water shortages, desertification and melting glaciers.
“To address water challenges in the region, CAREC will support countries in improving knowledge, experience and capacity in transboundary water management, water productivity, and investing in efficient irrigation systems to improve agricultural productivity,” the report emphasizes.
It is noted that CAREC will also support efforts to decarbonize transport and continue to deepen regional connectivity through efficient transport technologies and infrastructure. Other priorities include developing green and smart cities with the introduction of public electric transport and increasing resilience to climate change and natural disasters through a regional risk management and financing initiative.
Source: Asia Plus TJ
