The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has provided financial support in publication of the second edition of Tajikistan’s Red Book of flora and fauna, according to FAO Resident Office in Tajikistan.
The edition contains 267 of plants and 222 types of animals of Tajikistan.
This remarkable initiative was reportedly carried out upon request of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan. 2000 sets of the book has been printed and distributed among the Committee for Environmental Protection and other key partner organizations.
Biodiversity is a vital part of human existence. It supports healthy ecosystems, which are an important factor for the agricultural productivity.
The book contains various species of rare plants and animals, including those endangered with extinction. It elaborates on their character, habitat areas, and status of environmental conservation, as well as on the level of threat.
“The Red Book of flora and fauna has critical importance because it provides information that helps in compiling protection priorities at local and global levels. It enables genuine collaboration among organizations dealing with environment protection,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in Tajikistan.
The world is experiencing the loss of diversity of species at alarming rate. Unsustainable practices in crop production, fisheries and livestock negatively influence health of biodiversity and ecosystems. There is a notable fall in plant diversity used for agricultural production: for instance out of 200 plant species suitable for food production, nine produce 66 percent of our food.
“In general, education, in particular for rural population, who live close to areas rich in biodiversity, is incredibly crucial in preserving plant and animal life,” continued Guchgeldiyev. “We are planning to work more with the Government on conservation and promotion of national genetic resources, supporting their access to local farmers for sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation.”
“The Committee for Environmental Protection closely cooperates with FAO in projects on environmental protection, ecology, climate change adaptation, water management and others,” said Muzaffar Salimov, head of Department for International Relations of the Committee for Environmental Protection. “The main targets of the Red Book are educational institutions and other relevant organizations.”
Tajikistan represents one of the most fascinating and mountainous areas of Central Asia and it retains high diversity and endemism of flora and fauna. Insufficient knowledge and information can impede complex perception of conservation issues. In this regard, the Red Book of flora and fauna of Tajikistan will contribute to planning and successful implementation of activities for conservation of rare and threatened plants and animals.
The Red Book should support the survival of plant and animal species, and enable better livelihoods and wellbeing of communities. FAO has a long history of supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainability. In Tajikistan, FAO promotes soil conservation and resource-saving practices for sustainable agricultural production. It advocates for the diversification of production to protect the soil and enhance agro-biodiversity.
