In the opening remarks, key speakers underscored the importance of regional cooperation in tackling the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, resource management, and climate change. They also highlighted the critical role that cross-border initiatives like the PFI can play in building confidence and promoting peace and sustainable development for the future.

“Central Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Changes in temperature increase ecosystem stresses, aridity, which leads to degradation of soil cover of agricultural land vegetation, threatening food security and the livelihood of the region’s population. Therefore, the Peace Forest initiative draws increased attention to addressing the problems of mountainous countries, including Kyrgyzstan,” said Samat Nasirdinov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture.

The workshop resulted in a conceptual framework including identified pilot sites of regional importance, a preliminary work plan for building cross-border dialogue and social cohesion, and a strategy for mobilizing financial resources.

UNDP has been actively supporting Kyrgyzstan in the sustainable management of the country’s resources, providing support over the past decade in expanding protected areas, strengthening the sectoral legal framework, and mainstreaming environmental norms and standards into the country’s policies and the daily lives of its people.

“The Peace Forest Initiative represents a unique opportunity for Central Asian countries to come together and address shared environmental challenges in a way that promotes peace and stability. The outcomes of this workshop will lay the groundwork for concrete actions that can make a real difference in the lives of the people in this region. At UNDP, we are committed to supporting climate action, sustainable land and water management, ecosystem conservation and combating land degradation in Kyrgyzstan and across Central Asia,” said Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.