Tajikistan
PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
136 EAST 67TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10021
Tel. (212) 744-2196, Fax (212) 472-7645
Please check against delivery
S T A T E M E N T
by
Mr. Abduvokhid KARIMOV,
Minister of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Tajikistan
at the 12th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
Mr. Chairman,
The delegation of Tajikistan believes that under your skillful guidance the 12th session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development has successfully focused its attention on the analysis of
the first practical results of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development in Johannesburg (WSSD) in the field of water, sanitation and human settlements.
Equally important, it took into account, in a balanced manner, the specificities of the countries and
groups of countries.
Our view is that the new long-term format of work of the Commission on Sustainable
Development has justified itself, and enabled us to get a deeper understanding of the obstacles we
encounter on the national and global levels while developing approaches towards the resolution of
the problems in the field of water, sanitation and human settlement outlined in Johannesburg. The
experience in dealing with problems in this field, which was gained and generously shared by the
participants of CSD-12, can be used as a foundation for elaborating effective policies to eliminate
existing obstacles, and will make it possible to synchronize the pace of the implementation of the
WSSD outcomes with due consideration of national and regional specificities.
The significant and diversified goals and targets to be met address a wide range of direct and
indirect factors. In Tajikistan that has recently lived through a civil conflict the achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals is not a simple task. However, we pay considerable attention to the
items on the agenda under discussion and note that they became part and parcel of the national
development strategy, which is being consistently implemented by the Government.
Access to water resources and their rational use have become the issues of crucial
importance in 21st century and were referred to in the relevant outcomes of WSSD. About 60 % of
all freshwater of Central Asia originate in Tajikistan, and the Tajik people highly value this lifesustaining
resource. However, only 53 % of the country?s population have access to freshwater
provided by water supply systems and much less, namely 23 %, have access to adequate sanitation
facilities. Water-related diseases are among the most common causes of child mortality. Given the
high rate of maternity problems caused by water-related diseases, the situation poses a real threat to
the genetic fund and future generations.
Population growth and economic development also considerably increase demand for
freshwater. There is a significant loss of freshwater because of inefficient management and outdated
technologies. The drought of recent years, which affected more than half of the Tajikistan?s
territory, also contributes to ?water stresses? experienced by human population especially in rural
areas.
Tajikistan is not capable of dealing with the above problems single-handedly. We appreciate
the assistance rendered to us by the UN DESA, UNDP, donor states and international organizations.
Each water project implemented in cooperation with the local authorities in Tajikistan is another
step towards the achievement of the goals agreed in Johannesburg. Our hope is that the cooperation
in the water field will be gaining momentum. Adequate resources for the implementation of the
water policy are urgent for such vulnerable subregions as Central Asia where Tajikistan takes a
special place.
We are convinced that water can become a valuable instrument for our economic and social
development. Water will help to eliminate poverty and malnutrition. Access to freshwater will be
helpful in education, especially in education of girls. Water will enhance women?s participation in
decision making at the local field. Providing access to freshwater will promote healthcare
improvement and environmental sustainability. Water like no other economic sector can influence
so many aspects of life of the Tajik society. We in Tajikistan associate water with prosperity and
the future of our children. In other words, water resources are playing and will continue to play a
key role in sustainable development of the country.
It is impossible to meet the internationally agreed goals in one country without partnerships
on the regional and global levels. Central Asia represents an example of the states that are striving to
jointly address the regional problems
Water in Central Asia is key to the development of agriculture and industry, and to
generating of hydro power. Inequitable distribution of freshwater resources in the region and
insufficiency of material resources required for the employment of water treatment and water
conservation technologies may bring about further degradation of water and land resources.
The urgent need to jointly address common problems led to the development of an agreed
?Central Asia Initiative for Sustainable Development?. The efforts by Central Asia to achieve the
Johannesburg priority goals were supported at the 5th Pan-European Conference of Ministers of
Environment that was held in Kiev, Ukraine, on 21-23 May, 2003. At the conference a
Memorandum of Understanding entitled ?On Partnership for Achieving the Goals of Sustainable
Development in Central Asia? was signed, and the water initiative entitled ?Environment, Water
and Security in Central Asia? was endorsed. The heads of the Central States approved the
?Program-2 for the Aral Sea Basin until 2010" as well as the Concept of the Regional Plan of
Actions in the Field of Environment that address the need to deal with priority issues of protecting
the human environment within the context of sustainable development of the region.
From times immemorial the nations of Central Asia have had a common history and
common water basin ecosystems. About 40 % of the whole population of the region reside along the
wide line of transboundary waters. Sustainable management and use of transboundary waters require
permanent attention on the part of the governments of all Central Asia states. A profound
understanding exists that without consolidated efforts we can hardly count on an effective solution
of such issues as use of water resources for economic needs and preservation of water resources
health.
The participants of CSD-12 provided examples of successful practices of the effective
implementation of the agreements on shared use of the international rivers basins. Such agreements,
based on water partnership, ensure equitable and sustainable use of transboundary freshwater
resources.
The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan has the intention to hold in April 2005 an
international conference on regional water cooperation and improvement of patterns of water
resources management in the lower and upper streams of the international rivers. We do hope that
this conference will be supported by the UN entities, donor states and international organizations.
It is known that the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rakhmonov, initiated
the declaration of the International Year of Freshwater, 2003. The Year was enthusiastically
welcomed everywhere in the world and inspired a whole range of various actions on water and
sanitation throughout our planet. Within the framework of the Year Tajikistan hosted the
International Forum of Freshwater in Dushanbe. The Forum summed up the results of its work in the
Dushanbe Water Appeal that was used as a basis for the UN General Assembly Resolution
?International Decade of Action ?Water for Life?, 2005-2015 (document A/RES/58/217).
The Resolution suggests that the CSD identify possible activities and programs for the
Decade within the framework of consideration of water, sanitation and human settlements issues at
its 12th and 13th sessions. The remarks made by a number of delegations regarding the necessity to
start working out a plan of action for the forthcoming Decade in advance are justified. From our
viewpoint this is an expedient approach. It would be helpful if the UN regional commissions
submitted their proposals in advance, prior to the beginning of CDS-13. It will enable the member
states to study the proposals and enr ich them with their own ideas and approaches.
The Decade coincides with the period envisaged for achieving the Millennium Development
Goals on water and sanitation. The lessons learned from the International Year of Freshwater, 2003,
established partnerships and contacts, and accumulated information can be used as a good starting
basis for the Decade ?Water for Life?.
The Decade calls for to the reinforcement of the institutional framework of international
cooperation for realization of specific measures that will contribute to the implementation of the
decisions made by the international community regarding water and sanitation. It provides another
good opportunity to get people involved in developing realistic long-term projects that will allow us
to approach closer to the achievement of internationally agreed goals and involve all social strata
into efficient protection of our water resources.
Let us act cooperatively in such a way that the Decade ?Water for Life? would indeed
become a decade of concrete actions.
Thank you for attention.
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
136 EAST 67TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10021
Tel. (212) 744-2196, Fax (212) 472-7645
Please check against delivery
S T A T E M E N T
by
Mr. Abduvokhid KARIMOV,
Minister of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Tajikistan
at the 12th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
Mr. Chairman,
The delegation of Tajikistan believes that under your skillful guidance the 12th session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development has successfully focused its attention on the analysis of
the first practical results of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development in Johannesburg (WSSD) in the field of water, sanitation and human settlements.
Equally important, it took into account, in a balanced manner, the specificities of the countries and
groups of countries.
Our view is that the new long-term format of work of the Commission on Sustainable
Development has justified itself, and enabled us to get a deeper understanding of the obstacles we
encounter on the national and global levels while developing approaches towards the resolution of
the problems in the field of water, sanitation and human settlement outlined in Johannesburg. The
experience in dealing with problems in this field, which was gained and generously shared by the
participants of CSD-12, can be used as a foundation for elaborating effective policies to eliminate
existing obstacles, and will make it possible to synchronize the pace of the implementation of the
WSSD outcomes with due consideration of national and regional specificities.
The significant and diversified goals and targets to be met address a wide range of direct and
indirect factors. In Tajikistan that has recently lived through a civil conflict the achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals is not a simple task. However, we pay considerable attention to the
items on the agenda under discussion and note that they became part and parcel of the national
development strategy, which is being consistently implemented by the Government.
Access to water resources and their rational use have become the issues of crucial
importance in 21st century and were referred to in the relevant outcomes of WSSD. About 60 % of
all freshwater of Central Asia originate in Tajikistan, and the Tajik people highly value this lifesustaining
resource. However, only 53 % of the country?s population have access to freshwater
provided by water supply systems and much less, namely 23 %, have access to adequate sanitation
facilities. Water-related diseases are among the most common causes of child mortality. Given the
high rate of maternity problems caused by water-related diseases, the situation poses a real threat to
the genetic fund and future generations.
Population growth and economic development also considerably increase demand for
freshwater. There is a significant loss of freshwater because of inefficient management and outdated
technologies. The drought of recent years, which affected more than half of the Tajikistan?s
territory, also contributes to ?water stresses? experienced by human population especially in rural
areas.
Tajikistan is not capable of dealing with the above problems single-handedly. We appreciate
the assistance rendered to us by the UN DESA, UNDP, donor states and international organizations.
Each water project implemented in cooperation with the local authorities in Tajikistan is another
step towards the achievement of the goals agreed in Johannesburg. Our hope is that the cooperation
in the water field will be gaining momentum. Adequate resources for the implementation of the
water policy are urgent for such vulnerable subregions as Central Asia where Tajikistan takes a
special place.
We are convinced that water can become a valuable instrument for our economic and social
development. Water will help to eliminate poverty and malnutrition. Access to freshwater will be
helpful in education, especially in education of girls. Water will enhance women?s participation in
decision making at the local field. Providing access to freshwater will promote healthcare
improvement and environmental sustainability. Water like no other economic sector can influence
so many aspects of life of the Tajik society. We in Tajikistan associate water with prosperity and
the future of our children. In other words, water resources are playing and will continue to play a
key role in sustainable development of the country.
It is impossible to meet the internationally agreed goals in one country without partnerships
on the regional and global levels. Central Asia represents an example of the states that are striving to
jointly address the regional problems
Water in Central Asia is key to the development of agriculture and industry, and to
generating of hydro power. Inequitable distribution of freshwater resources in the region and
insufficiency of material resources required for the employment of water treatment and water
conservation technologies may bring about further degradation of water and land resources.
The urgent need to jointly address common problems led to the development of an agreed
?Central Asia Initiative for Sustainable Development?. The efforts by Central Asia to achieve the
Johannesburg priority goals were supported at the 5th Pan-European Conference of Ministers of
Environment that was held in Kiev, Ukraine, on 21-23 May, 2003. At the conference a
Memorandum of Understanding entitled ?On Partnership for Achieving the Goals of Sustainable
Development in Central Asia? was signed, and the water initiative entitled ?Environment, Water
and Security in Central Asia? was endorsed. The heads of the Central States approved the
?Program-2 for the Aral Sea Basin until 2010" as well as the Concept of the Regional Plan of
Actions in the Field of Environment that address the need to deal with priority issues of protecting
the human environment within the context of sustainable development of the region.
From times immemorial the nations of Central Asia have had a common history and
common water basin ecosystems. About 40 % of the whole population of the region reside along the
wide line of transboundary waters. Sustainable management and use of transboundary waters require
permanent attention on the part of the governments of all Central Asia states. A profound
understanding exists that without consolidated efforts we can hardly count on an effective solution
of such issues as use of water resources for economic needs and preservation of water resources
health.
The participants of CSD-12 provided examples of successful practices of the effective
implementation of the agreements on shared use of the international rivers basins. Such agreements,
based on water partnership, ensure equitable and sustainable use of transboundary freshwater
resources.
The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan has the intention to hold in April 2005 an
international conference on regional water cooperation and improvement of patterns of water
resources management in the lower and upper streams of the international rivers. We do hope that
this conference will be supported by the UN entities, donor states and international organizations.
It is known that the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rakhmonov, initiated
the declaration of the International Year of Freshwater, 2003. The Year was enthusiastically
welcomed everywhere in the world and inspired a whole range of various actions on water and
sanitation throughout our planet. Within the framework of the Year Tajikistan hosted the
International Forum of Freshwater in Dushanbe. The Forum summed up the results of its work in the
Dushanbe Water Appeal that was used as a basis for the UN General Assembly Resolution
?International Decade of Action ?Water for Life?, 2005-2015 (document A/RES/58/217).
The Resolution suggests that the CSD identify possible activities and programs for the
Decade within the framework of consideration of water, sanitation and human settlements issues at
its 12th and 13th sessions. The remarks made by a number of delegations regarding the necessity to
start working out a plan of action for the forthcoming Decade in advance are justified. From our
viewpoint this is an expedient approach. It would be helpful if the UN regional commissions
submitted their proposals in advance, prior to the beginning of CDS-13. It will enable the member
states to study the proposals and enr ich them with their own ideas and approaches.
The Decade coincides with the period envisaged for achieving the Millennium Development
Goals on water and sanitation. The lessons learned from the International Year of Freshwater, 2003,
established partnerships and contacts, and accumulated information can be used as a good starting
basis for the Decade ?Water for Life?.
The Decade calls for to the reinforcement of the institutional framework of international
cooperation for realization of specific measures that will contribute to the implementation of the
decisions made by the international community regarding water and sanitation. It provides another
good opportunity to get people involved in developing realistic long-term projects that will allow us
to approach closer to the achievement of internationally agreed goals and involve all social strata
into efficient protection of our water resources.
Let us act cooperatively in such a way that the Decade ?Water for Life? would indeed
become a decade of concrete actions.
Thank you for attention.
Doc Rus
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