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The
Bonn Climate Change Conference SB60 has
concluded, with CAN EECCA reflecting on its
active participation in negotiations as the
region prepares for COP29 in Azerbaijan. Nugzar
Kokhreidze, CAN EECCA's Board Member,
highlighted concerns about Azerbaijan's
governance issues and restrictions on civil
society, emphasizing the importance of
international support for NGOs in ensuring
climate justice. Despite challenges,
opportunities exist for COP29 to foster
financial ambition and regional cooperation,
positioning Azerbaijan as a potential recipient
of climate funds while advancing renewable
energy initiatives.
The
Ani district in Tashir town, Armenia, has been
promoted as a model of energy efficiency through
a project funded by various organizations.
However, despite significant investments, many
planned measures, such as basement insulation
and solar systems, remain uncompleted, and the
results fall short of expectations. Residents
and local officials acknowledge some
improvements, but the project has been
criticized for prioritizing publicity over
effective implementation and tangible
outcomes.
In
Tashkent, the problem of street pollution is
related to the lack of garbage garbage cans and
the lack of environmental culture among the
population, which leads to scattered garbage
along roads and in drains. Experts believe that
solving the problem requires a comprehensive
approach, including the installation of trash
cans and education in environmental
responsibility. Despite the existing norms on
installation of urns, their number is
insufficient, which aggravates the pollution
problem and negatively affects the urban
environment and infrastructure.
In May
2022, 35 marals from Altai were brought into the
Besh-Tash Nature Reserve in Talas Oblast, which
generated a positive reaction among the people,
but scientists fear it could lead to the
extinction of the local Tien-Shan maral due to
interspecies mixing and new diseases. The nature
park, which is considered suitable for the new
inhabitants, has faced a risk to the local
ecosystem as the Altai marals could displace the
Tien Shan marals. Scientists are pushing to
isolate or shoot the Altai red deer to protect
the local subspecies, which is listed in the Red
Book, and prevent an ecological
disaster.
When
Kyrgyzstan's authorities seized a large sand
quarry near Bishkek, residents initially felt
relief from the dust pollution. However,
increased mining activities and the construction
of new production facilities at the site have
worsened air pollution, despite the government's
initial environmental protection claims. Critics
argue that the quarry's resources are being
diverted to state projects, raising concerns
about transparency and environmental compliance
under President Sadyr Japarov's
administration.
The
eighth edition of Sun Dă-i Fest 2024, dedicated
to promoting energy efficiency and raising
awareness of environmental issues, took place on
16 June in Chișinău. The event provided
participants with the opportunity to learn more
about renewable energy, energy efficiency, and
other aspects related to reducing climate
impact. Over 70 environmental organisations and
companies presented their technological
innovations and sold handmade products: from
photovoltaic panels and heat pumps to models of
houses designed with minimal energy loss. One of
the event’s highlights was a bicycle that
generated electricity used to light up a model
map of the Republic of Moldova.
Kazakhstan’s
government is seeking input from
non-governmental stakeholders for its 2024-28
water resources management plan, which includes
constructing new reservoirs, renovating existing
facilities, and automating water-management
systems. The draft plan, posted for expert and
organizational input, aims to introduce
water-saving technology, modernize drainage
networks, and improve nationwide water-usage
efficiency through over 5,000 specific projects.
The initiative follows a government decree
acknowledging unsustainable water-usage
patterns, highlighting the need for radical
improvements and modernization of the water
infrastructure.
Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev is positioning Azerbaijan
as a supporter of small island developing
states, in the lead-up to hosting COP29 in
November. During Baku Energy Week, Aliyev
announced plans to create a fund to aid these
states, aligning his efforts with broader
de-colonization advocacy. This move has sparked
both local criticism, given Azerbaijan's
internal issues, and controversy over the COP29
organizing committee's initial lack of female
representation.
The
natural gas supply landscape in Eurasia is
undergoing significant changes, with Russia
shifting its focus to Central Asia following a
drastic reduction in exports to Europe due to
the Ukraine war. Concurrently, Azerbaijan is
advancing efforts to replace Russian gas in
meeting European Union demands, including
doubling its gas exports to the EU by 2027 and
securing new transit and supply agreements with
Turkmenistan and several European
countries.
China
and the five Central Asian states have signed a
cooperation agreement to improve natural
disaster responses, forming a working group to
mitigate risks and develop efficient response
plans. This new mechanism aims to deepen
practical cooperation and enhance emergency
management communication, potentially including
joint exercises for pipeline-related incidents.
Tajikistan's disaster-management chief praised
the agreement for fostering integration and
cooperation, crucial in a region highly
vulnerable to natural hazards like floods and
earthquakes, which affect millions and cause
significant economic losses annually.
Don't
miss the upcoming training sessions led by
Vladislav Kaim, focusing on the UNFCCC's
requirements and guidance for Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs). Scheduled for
June 29 and July 6 at 9:30 am CET, these
sessions will cover essential topics such as
meeting UNFCCC standards, understanding NDC
development, and fostering inclusivity and
accountability at the national level.
Participants will have the chance to apply for a
fellowship, with one fellowship available per
Eastern Partnership country, to engage in
discussions and contribute to a statement or
paper on youth inclusion in national NDCs,
presented at COP29 in Baku,
Azerbaijan.
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