The COP17 conference motto, “Taking Action for Nature,” is particularly relevant at a time when climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss are intensifying. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov made the remarks on October 16 during the Leaders' Summit on Biodiversity held as part of COP17.

Japarov emphasized that climate change and biodiversity loss transcended national borders and that addressing these global challenges required stronger international cooperation and coordinated efforts by all countries. In this context, Kyrgyzstan attached particular importance to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and continued to take concrete steps toward its implementation.

He reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s support for Armenia’s initiative to establish the Yerevan Platform on Biodiversity, Mountain and Freshwater Ecosystems and expressed his country’s readiness to participate actively in the initiative.

According to Japarov, global warming was causing glaciers in Central Asia to melt, posing a serious threat to mountain ecosystems and biodiversity conservation.

To address this pressing challenge, Kyrgyzstan proposed that the international community consider four key initiatives. The first was to establish a dedicated mountain program within the Global Environment Facility to make it easier for mountain countries to access international grants and environmentally friendly technologies.

The second proposal was to establish a Global Center for Mountain Resilience in Bishkek. The center would help develop climate finance projects for mountain regions, collect data and conduct scientific research. Particular attention would be paid to studying glaciers, which provide water for half the world’s population.

The third proposal was to introduce mechanisms for debt-for-nature swaps, under which external debt obligations would be exchanged for commitments to protect nature.