SAMARKAND, June 3. /Dunyo IA/. Today, the Sixth Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Ministerial Meeting on Environment was held in Samarkand, reports Dunyo IA correspondent from the scene.

The event took place within the framework of the international exhibition "Eco Expo Central Asia 2026" and brought together heads of environmental protection agencies, representatives of international organizations and experts from ECO member states.

The meeting was attended by delegations from ECO member countries, the leadership of the Economic Cooperation Organization Secretariat, as well as representatives of international partner organizations.

Opening the meeting, the Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, emphasized the special significance of the current meeting, noting that for the first time in 12 years, the environment ministers of the ECO member states gathered to develop coordinated approaches to addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

It was noted that strengthening practical cooperation among the countries of the region is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in promoting joint environmental initiatives, exchanging knowledge, and sharing best practices. According to the head of the National Committee, the ECO Framework Programme for Environmental Cooperation for 2026–2030, the work programmes on climate and biodiversity, as well as the Samarkand Declaration presented for consideration, will form the foundation for a new stage of regional environmental partnership.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the national priorities of the ECO member states in the fields of environmental protection, climate change, sustainable nature management, and land degradation prevention. Particular attention was paid to combating desertification, developing scientific and technical cooperation, sustainable forest management, and preventing sand and dust storms.

The Uzbek side presented a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening regional environmental interaction. It was emphasized that under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country consistently promotes the principles of mutual trust, regional cooperation, and the joint resolution of shared environmental problems.

Special attention was given to Uzbekistan's initiatives in combating land degradation and desertification. In particular, the activities of the Research Institute for Combating Desertification and Desert Economy under the Central Asian Green University were highlighted, along with the readiness to expand cooperation with ECO countries in scientific re

Furthermore, an initiative was presented to the participants regarding the development of a transboundary "Green Programme" for the ECO member states for 2026–2030, aimed at promoting afforestation in desert territories. It was also proposed to develop a regional early warning system for sand and dust storms within the framework of the ECO High-Level Platform on Environmental Cooperation.

Following the meeting, the participants approved the ECO Framework Programme for Environmental Cooperation for 2026–2030 and its thematic annexes, including work programmes on climate change and biodiversity. The Samarkand Declaration on Regional Environmental Cooperation was also adopted.