DUSHANBE, 31.05.2025 (NIAT Khovar) – Long-standing cooperation between Tajikistan and China, which began in 2016 with the establishment of the Center for Agroecology and Environmental Studies in Central Asia, continues to strengthen bilateral ties, Professor Li Yaomin, botanist at the Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and head of the China-Tajikistan Joint Center for Ecology and Environmental Studies in Central Asia located in Dushanbe.

According to Professor Li, in 2018, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Tajik National Academy of Sciences launched a joint initiative titled “Water and Science.” Over the years, numerous projects have been implemented focused on glacier preservation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable water resource management, and environmental protection.

«Global warming has increasingly impacted Central Asia in recent years. Glacier retreat is already a palpable reality not only for Tajikistan but for the entire region, including China and the world at large. This trend poses a significant water crisis threat to the peoples of the region,» said the scientist.

«To address this challenge, scientists and experts have gathered in Dushanbe from across Central Asia, as well as Europe and the Americas. Protecting water resources, including glaciers, is a task that cannot be solved unilaterally. We must unite our efforts. Projections indicate that many small glaciers may disappear by mid-century, leading to severe consequences. Therefore, immediate, scientifically grounded, coordinated, and rational action is imperative. We cannot rely on ad hoc measures — what is needed are scientific approaches and clear strategies,» added he.

Professor Li emphasized that thanks to the initiative of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon proposed at the UN level, a vital platform for international dialogue has been established.