ANTALYA, November 10. /Dunyo IA/.  Managing Director of the Management Board of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, commented to the Dunyo IA correspondent on the signing of the regional program “Climate-Resilient Landscapes in Central Asia” (CLiCA):

- We have heard from representatives of Central Asian countries that they are already experiencing severe consequences of climate change. This includes droughts, land degradation and acute water scarcity. All of this entails tangible economic repercussions, as local communities directly confront changes in the environment and familiar landscapes.

This is precisely why these countries have come to realize that it is impossible to tackle these challenges individually, acting solely within national frameworks. Natural landscapes and ecosystems are interconnected and are not confined by state borders. Consequently, an effective solution to the problem requires joint efforts. In my view, this is the primary uniqueness of this program.

First and foremost, the three countries have joined forces for the joint planning, development, and implementation of program activities, as well as for conducting common monitoring of the results achieved.

This is indeed a unique approach, as its implementation requires a certain political will and courage - a readiness to move away from an exclusively national approach and act collectively, together with partners. However, based on my experience working in other regions, I am convinced that such efforts will certainly yield results. The impact of a joint program will be significantly broader and more tangible than that of the implementation of separate national initiatives by each country.

We have established long-standing and solid partnerships with Uzbekistan in a wide variety of areas. At the same time, cooperation in the field of natural resource management and conservation traditionally occupies one of the key places in our interaction.

For us, it is critically important to work with reliable partners and reputable institutions, whether they are commissions, relevant line ministries, or other government bodies. We highly value the transparency of their activities, consistency in their work and commitment to common principles. It is essential that our values align with the goals and focus areas of the activities we intend to support. It is precisely this mutual understanding, trust and alignment of priorities that underpin our long-standing cooperation with Uzbekistan.