Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Biodiversity Conservation in Central Asia
On 23 April 2026, representatives of governments, international organizations, and regional partners gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan for the Regional Ecological Summit (RES-2026). CAMCA partners participated in a side event titled, “Connected by Nature: Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation in Central Asia”.
The event brought together representatives from all five Central Asian countries and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and climate-related challenges across shared landscapes. International organizations participating in the discussion included UNEP, GIZ, UNESCO, IUCN, CMS, and other regional partners.
During the discussion, the Chairman of the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Daniyar Turgambayev, emphasized the importance of coordinated regional efforts for the conservation of Central Asia’s unique natural heritage.
UNEP contributed to the event by presenting practical approaches developed through regional initiatives, including the CAMCA project, aimed at strengthening climate-smart biodiversity conservation at the landscape level. Particular attention was given to:
- ecological connectivity and corridor-based approaches;
- integration of biodiversity conservation into land-use planning;
- climate-informed ecosystem management;
- practical tools linking policy development with implementation on the ground.
The discussion reflected a broader regional shift from dialogue toward implementation-oriented cooperation. Participants emphasized the need for stronger institutional coordination, joint ecosystem management, and long-term financing mechanisms to support biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across transboundary landscapes.
The event also built upon recent regional policy developments, including the Regional Declaration “Harmony with Nature for Sustainable Development”, signed on 22 April 2026, which reinforces commitments to coordinated environmental action in Central Asia.
The CAMCA project continues to support countries in the region through practical and scalable approaches that strengthen ecological connectivity, promote integrated land-use planning, and help bridge biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management in the face of climate change.
