BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 23. On April 22,
leaders of Central Asian countries gathered in Kazakhstan’s Astana
city for the Regional Ecological Summit, where President of
Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon outlined the country’s key priorities in
the fields of climate policy, water resources, and the "green"
economy.
The Tajik leader’s speech came against the backdrop of
intensifying climate risks in the region - ranging from water
scarcity to ecosystem degradation and an increasing frequency of
dust storms. These factors are increasingly viewed not only as
environmental challenges but also as economic ones, directly
affecting growth sustainability and social stability.
A central element of Tajikistan’s position is the water agenda.
According to Dushanbe’s estimates, up to 60% of Central Asia’s
water resources are formed on Tajikistan’s territory, making the
country a key component of the regional hydrological system. In
this context, particular emphasis was placed on the role of
mountain ecosystems and the accelerating melting of glaciers, which
could disrupt the water balance and increase the risk of natural
disasters.
The promotion of the international water agenda remains one of
Tajikistan’s main diplomatic priorities. The speech reaffirmed the
country’s commitment to the Dushanbe Water Process, as well as to
the implementation of initiatives under the International Decade
for Action “Water for Sustainable Development". Additional emphasis
was placed on strengthening the scientific base, in particular
through the creation of a regional center for glacier and
cryosphere monitoring under the auspices of international
organizations.
At the same time, Dushanbe is strengthening the economic
dimension of its climate policy. Priorities include expanding the
use of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and
developing a low-carbon economy. In this context, hydropower is
considered a strategic sector capable of meeting domestic demand
while also providing export potential.
Special attention was given to financial instruments. The
authorities announced plans to introduce “green” financing
mechanisms, including the issuance of green bonds, aimed at
facilitating integration into global climate finance markets. It
was also proposed to consider the gradual formation of a regional
carbon market — an initiative that could reshape investment flows
in Central Asia.
The environmental agenda is further complemented by biodiversity
conservation and climate adaptation measures. The country is
implementing long-term programs on the protection of rare species
and afforestation through 2040. These measures are presented as
part of a broader sustainable development strategy, where
environmental, economic, and social policies are closely
interconnected.
Emomali Rahmon also noted that Tajikistan is actively
implementing state programs and projects aimed at preserving unique
and rare species of mountain fauna.
"These and other efforts are aimed at protecting natural
habitats and ensuring a responsible attitude toward nature," the
head of state stated.
On the sidelines of the summit, the importance of strengthening
institutional regional cooperation was also emphasized - from
aligning positions on the international stage to reinforcing
specialized structures, including centers for waste and water
resource management.
Given the announced initiatives, the further development of the
regional environmental agenda may follow several scenarios. In one
case, Central Asian countries could enhance coordination in the
water-energy sector and attract additional investment through
international financial institutions and climate funds. An
alternative scenario assumes partial implementation of initiatives
amid continuing disagreements over water distribution and the pace
of transition to a green economy. A third scenario involves
accelerated institutionalization of cooperation, including the
creation of regional carbon markets and digital resource management
systems, which could increase transparency and reduce project
costs. A more fragmented path is also possible, where individual
countries pursue national strategies without deep regional
integration.
Thus, the Astana summit not only outlined Tajikistan’s current
priorities but also highlighted a broader trajectory for
transforming the environmental agenda of Central Asia - from a set
of separate initiatives toward a more interconnected regional
development model.
