From 3 to 6 February 2026, the Central Asian University for Environmental Studies and Climate Change (Green University) is hosting a subregional seminar focused on supporting countries in implementing Goal 3 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The event is organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and with support from the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change.
The seminar aims to assist five Central Asian countries, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and the Russian Federation, in strengthening national biodiversity actions. Participating countries identify national priority measures, assess existing gaps and opportunities, and enhance regional cooperation to accelerate progress through effectively managed protected and conserved areas.
Goal 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework targets the protection of at least 30 percent of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine areas by 2030, through protected areas, other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), and recognition of indigenous and community-conserved areas.
“Effective implementation of Goal 3 depends on aligning technical and scientific knowledge with national policies and legal frameworks,” said Marianela Araya, Programme Officer on Invasive Alien Species, Biodiversity, and Health at the CBD Secretariat. “This subregional exchange helps countries address implementation gaps, share experiences, and effectively use available tools to advance the Framework,” she added.
Protected areas are essential not only for wildlife and ecosystem protection, but also for human well-being. Healthy ecosystems provide access to clean water, support food systems, reduce disaster risks, contribute to climate regulation, and provide livelihoods for millions of people.
Delegates from Central Asian countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the Russian Federation are participating. The seminar focuses on mutual learning, cross-border cooperation, and regional coordination in achieving Goal 3.
“Advancing Goal 3 requires ambition, practical tools, knowledge, and collaboration to translate commitments into real action on the ground,” said Madhu Rao, Chair of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). “Effectively managed protected and conserved areas are essential for biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, human well-being, and resilience to global challenges,” she added.
The seminar is supported by IUCN as the official subregional Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC) center of the CBD for Central Asia, and financially supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (IKI), the Republic of Korea, the French Biodiversity Office, and the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.
📌 Source: National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change
