Natural disasters annually cause enormous loss to our economies. With this regard, we propose to develop effective mechanisms of comprehensive support to countries suffering from natural disasters, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon noted at the fifth session of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Dushanbe on June 15.
Given its geographic location specifics, Tajikistan, 93% of which is covered by mountains, also remains vulnerable to devastating consequences of natural disasters, which annually result in enormous material loss and human casualties, Tajik leader said.
“During the last 40 years, more than 1000 glaciers vanished in our country, which in turn has negatively been affecting key segments of our national economy, including hydropower, agriculture, and industry.
“Continued process of accelerated melting of glaciers negatively affects the water resources of Central Asia, more than 60% of which are accumulated in the territory of Tajikistan. It has been creating additional obstacles towards implementation of sustainable development goals.
“Everybody is well aware that water resources are key component of socio-economic development and environmental recreation of Central Asian Region. With this regard, we can achieve sustainable development goals in the region only by ensuring judicious use of water resources, reducing their loss and preserving them for future generations.
“Tajikistan proactively promotes global water agenda. A tour initiative, the UN General Assembly from 2003 to present proclaimed the International Year of Fresh water, the International Decade for Action “Water for Life” (2005-2015) and the International Year of Water Cooperation (2013).
“Based on another initiative of Tajikistan, in December 2016 UN GA based on consensus adopted Resolution on International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, which was officially launched last year. Comprehensive practical measures within the new decade are called upon facilitating achievement of water related sustainable development goals. With this regard, we believe the participation of CICA member states in joint promotion and implementation of this decade is very important.”
