A delegation from Tajikistan is participating in the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17), which is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, through Aug. 28, Khovar, reported, citing the Committee for Environmental Protection of Tajikistan.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmin Fuad.

Bahodur Sheralizoda, chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection, addressed the session and highlighted the importance of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s global initiatives on glaciers, climate change and water resources.

Sheralizoda stressed the need to further strengthen international and regional cooperation to combat land degradation, desertification and drought. He also emphasized the links between these challenges and climate change, water resources and ecosystem resilience.

Particular attention was given to protecting glaciers as vital sources of fresh water, promoting the sustainable use of water resources, restoring degraded land and protecting mountain ecosystems.

For Tajikistan, a mountainous country and one of Central Asia’s major sources of water resources, glacier protection is of particular importance, Sheralizoda said.

Tajikistan’s participation in COP17 is focused on promoting national and regional initiatives, strengthening international cooperation and sharing experience in sustainable land management, drought resilience, climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration.

COP17 provides a platform for advancing international dialogue and developing practical solutions for land restoration, sustainable natural resource management, drought resilience and stronger links among land, water and climate.