SCO environmental meeting participants plant trees in Ala-Archa Park

The Seventh Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Agencies of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states responsible for environmental protection concluded today, the press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan reported.

As part of the three-day program, delegation leaders participated in a tree-planting event at Ala-Archa State Nature Park, supporting Kyrgyzstan’s national campaign Zhasyl Muras.

«Today we plant these trees as a symbol of our shared commitment to environmental protection. In the 25th anniversary year of the SCO, we reaffirm that our cooperation goes beyond words — we act together,» Akyl Toktobaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, said.

He noted that Kyrgyzstan has laid the foundation for the SCO Green Belt initiative, aimed at preserving natural ecosystems, expanding forest and green zones, and strengthening climate adaptation measures.

During the meeting at State Residence No. 1, Akyl Toktobaev highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s responsibility as SCO chair in this anniversary year. Key national initiatives include:

• Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050;
• Implementing the Five Years of Action for Mountain Region Development and coordinating glacier protection;
• Adopting a Joint Statement on improving air quality.

Delegations from Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan participated, along with SCO Deputy Secretary-General Sohail Khan. The participants exchanged experiences in combating plastic pollution, preserving biodiversity, and promoting green technologies.

The meeting concluded with a ceremonial signing of the final Protocol, which will serve as a foundation for a new level of inter-agency cooperation and preparations for the SCO Heads of State anniversary summit.