Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 4-6 November 2004 — A regular meeting of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development of Central Asia (ICSD) was held in Ashgabat, bringing together representatives of the countries of the region, international organizations, and partner institutions to discuss key issues of regional environmental cooperation and the implementation of the Regional Environmental Action Plan (REAP).
During the meeting, the chairmanship of the ICSD was transferred from the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan, marking a new phase in the development of regional cooperation.
Objectives of the ICSD Meeting
On 4 November, the Regional Meeting of REAP Focal Points (FPs) was held to strengthen regional cooperation in the environmental and sustainable‑development field. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mahkamkuli Akmuradov, REAP FP of Turkmenistan, with co‑chairmanship of Mr. Surendra Shresta, Director of UNEP’s Asia and the Pacific Regional Office. The participants discussed the four core objectives of the REAP implementation concept, focusing on strengthening the political and institutional basis for cooperation, enhancing decision‑making capacity, involving civil society, and mobilising resources for implementation. Key documents under consideration included a draft concept for a Sub‑regional Environmental Framework Convention for Central Asia, proposals to reinforce the institutional mechanism of regional cooperation, an agreement between the ICSD and UNEP, revised Terms of Reference for the Committee of the REAP FPs, as well as plans for a support Network for REAP FPs and a Work Plan for 2004-2006. The meeting also addressed the strengthening of the decision‑support system, the role of the Information and Monitoring Centre, engagement of civil society through an advisory public council, project preparation under the five REAP priorities, and coordination with UN‑agency projects, including the ASBP-2 initiative. A notable outcome was the discussion of the initiative by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to establish the Central Asian Regional Mountain Centre as an international‑status institution, reflecting the region’s growing commitment to joint environmental governance and sustainable mountain development.
During the ICSD Meeting on November 6, particular attention was given to the development of a Subregional Environmental Convention for Central Asia. Participants broadly endorsed the draft Concept of the Convention, prepared with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and agreed to circulate it among the countries of the region for further review and refinement. Coordination of this process was entrusted to the REAP Focal Points.
In order to strengthen institutional support for REAP, the Statute of REAP Focal Points was approved, and a decision was taken to establish a network of assistants to Responsible Officials with the support of UNEP and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Work Plan of REAP FPs for 2004-2006 was also adopted as a basis.
Conclusions and Decisions
The meeting reaffirmed the important role of the Scientific-Information Centre of the ICSD (SIC ICSD) in advancing the regional Decision Support System (DSS). Participants approved the SIC ICSD work plan, endorsed the editorial board of the journal “Issues of Sustainable Development in Central Asia”, and supported the initiative to develop an Electronic Environmental Atlas of Central Asia with the assistance of UNEP.
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Cooperation between SIC ICSD and UNEP was endorsed for the preparation of a Subregional Integrated Environmental Assessment and a Subregional Sustainable Development Strategy.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the approval of the Statute of the Public Council under the ICSD, aimed at enhancing civil society participation in REAP implementation. Participants also reviewed and endorsed a number of project proposals under REAP priority areas and called upon international partners to support their financing.
Additional focus was placed on strengthening partnerships and integrating regional initiatives, including projects implemented by UN agencies, as well as cooperation with initiatives such as “Environment and Security” and the ECOnet project.
Signing of ICSD Decisions. Photocredit to SIC ICSD.
As a result of the meeting, the ICSD Work Plan for 2004-2006, the calendar of international events, and the schedule of ICSD meetings for 2004-2006 were approved, providing a foundation for the continued systematic development of regional cooperation.
The meeting concluded with the signing of several agreements, including a framework agreement between the Ministry of Ecology and Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic and UNEP, followed by a press conference for the media.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Central Asian countries to strengthening regional cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development and highlighted the key role of the ICSD as a platform for coordinating joint efforts in the region.
Agenda of REAP FPs Meeting (November 4, 2004)