BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. The International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plans to expand cooperation
with Tajikistan in the field of glacier and water resource
monitoring, Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN, told
Trend in an
exclusive interview.
“Several opportunities are already on the horizon. We aim to
deepen collaboration with Tajikistan in areas such as glacier and
water resource monitoring, applying the IUCN Green List Standard to
strengthen the quality of protected areas, and mapping Other
Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs),” she said.
Aguilar noted that IUCN is also exploring ways to integrate
biodiversity conservation into broader land-use and development
planning, especially through Nature-based Solutions and inclusive
governance approaches. She said that community involvement, equity,
and local knowledge will remain central to all these efforts.
“Tajikistan’s landscapes are home to iconic species like the
Snow Leopard, Marco Polo Sheep, and Saker Falcon. We look forward
to expanding cooperation on wildlife monitoring through the
application of IUCN’s science-based approaches, including the Red
List of Threatened Species, Green List of Protected Areas, and
spatial planning tools,” she said
According to the director general, the union also hopes to
strengthen capacity at the local and institutional levels for data
collection, species management, and community-based conservation.
These efforts will not only support national biodiversity targets
but also contribute to transboundary conservation across the Pamirs
and other shared ecosystems.
Aguilar emphasized that Tajikistan’s accession to the IUCN,
which was announced on May 31, 2025, marks a powerful commitment to
environmental leadership, not only within Central Asia but also on
the global stage.
“By joining IUCN, Tajikistan becomes part of the world’s largest
and most diverse environmental network, bringing together over
1,400 government, civil society, and Indigenous peoples’
organizations and 17,000 experts, offering a platform for knowledge
exchange, science-based tools, and impactful partnerships,” she
said.
The director general pointed out that IUCN is proud and honored
to have Tajikistan as a State Member, and that this partnership
will translate into tangible action on the ground, working
hand-in-hand with the government and people of Tajikistan to
conserve nature as a source of prosperity, health, fertile soil,
clean water, well-managed protected areas, species conservation,
and much more.
“We look forward to listening to the voice of Tajikistan at the
IUCN World Conservation Congress, where the country will help shape
global nature policy and set the agenda for decades to come. At
IUCN, we are convinced of Tajikistan’s strong voice in
international environmental decision-making and look forward to
building new opportunities to showcase and scale its conservation
achievements,” she said.
Aguilar further noted that Tajikistan is demonstrating strong
leadership in glacier protection. According to her, the
International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, held from May
29 to 31, 2025, in Dushanbe, is a clear signal of the country’s
commitment to making glacier conservation and water resource
management at the heart of regional and global cooperation.
“Tajikistan is also an active voice in initiatives such as Blue
Peace Central Asia, and the country recognises that protecting
glaciers and responsible water management are fundamental to food
security, energy production, and community resilience in this
region. The efforts made so far, from policy engagement to public
awareness, are setting a strong foundation for the work ahead,” she
said.
According to her, accelerated glacier melting due to climate
change leads to risks of floods, landslides, and water shortages
not only in Tajikistan but also in many other countries. Aguilar
emphasized that a key challenge is ensuring these impacts are
monitored effectively and that adaptation strategies are
science-informed and inclusive.
“This is where IUCN can offer real value. Through our global
network, we will support Tajikistan with technical expertise, tools
like the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, the Green List of protected
Areas, water management tools, and Nature-based Solutions for
adaptation. Most importantly, we can help build partnerships across
borders and sectors — to ensure that glacier conservation is
integrated into national development plans in a sustainable,
equitable way,” Aguilar said.
She noted that membership in IUCN gives Tajikistan access to a
vast ecosystem of knowledge, from best practices in protected area
management to data platforms, policy frameworks, and collaborative
research opportunities.
“It also opens doors to strategic partnerships with other
governments, NGOs, and academic institutions working on shared
environmental goals. This will empower Tajikistan to strengthen its
role in regional dialogues and global platforms, including the
implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country’s rich natural
heritage deserves to be protected with the best tools available —
and IUCN is proud to help make those tools more accessible,”
Aguilar added.
She pointed out that Tajikistan is a partner in the One Health
in Nature Conservation initiative supported by the German
International Climate Initiative (ICI), and the country plays a key
role in the Blue Peace Central Asia programme.
“As a Member of IUCN, Tajikistan gains access to a global
platform that strengthens its eligibility for international funding
and opens new doors to collaborate on high-impact conservation
projects,” Aguilar said.
Grethel Aguilar added that IUCN is an official implementing
agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and an Accredited
Entity of the Green Climate Fund, enabling it to help governments
design, manage, and execute large-scale initiatives aligned with
national priorities.
According to her, Tajikistan can now more effectively mobilize
resources for projects in protected areas, water governance,
ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation, benefiting from
IUCN’s expertise, networks, and direct access to major financing
instruments like GEF and GBFF
“Tajikistan is now a full partner in IUCN’s mission, and we are
excited to co-develop new initiatives that reflect the country’s
unique strengths and environmental vision. We extend our sincere
appreciation to the Government of Tajikistan for its trust,
leadership, and commitment to advancing nature conservation at
national, regional, and global levels,” Aguilar concluded.
Tajikistan has joined the IUCN as its 88th State Member,
becoming the second country from Central Asia to do so after
Uzbekistan joined in 2021. The IUCN is a unique union that includes
both government bodies and civil society organizations among its
members. The Union is a global authority on the state of the
natural world and the measures needed for its conservation.
