The Resolution of the Kyrgyz Republic Entitled “Strengthening Mountain Glacier Monitoring and Research” was Adopted During the Plenary Meeting of 41st Session of UNESCO General Conference
The resolution of the Kyrgyz Republic entitled “Strengthening Mountain Glacier Monitoring and Research” was adopted during the plenary meeting of 41st session of UNESCO General Conference on November 23, 2021. The resolution had been announced by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov at the 76th session of UN General Assembly in September 2021.
Apart from the support of all UNESCO Member States the next countries have become co-sponsors of the Kyrgyzstan’s resolution: Switzerland, Russian Federation, Uzbekistan, Serbia, Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Philippines, Tunisia, Spain, Madagascar, Argentina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Korea, Italy, Belarus, Kenya, Gabon, Namibia, Kazakhstan, Iceland, Great Britain and Austria.
All foreign missions of the Kyrgyz Republic made a wide international campaign on the promotion of the draft resolution, including presentations of different formats in accredited states and harmonization of the resolution’s content with the UNESCO Member States.
The resolution’s main goal is strengthening of international cooperation on the issues of monitoring and research of mountain glaciers and permafrost regions through joint actions for stable and secure environment for future generations, based on the principles of sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda implementation.
The centuries-old glaciers, rivers and biodiversity of Kyrgyzstan’s mountain ecosystems are under the threat of disappearance. Glaciers melting will also have far-reaching influence on the key ecosystems in mountains and valleys which are important for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
It is extremely important that the UNESCO initiatives and current events on climate change should be aimed at putting the mountain glaciers monitoring and research and mountain ecosystems protection in the center of such discussions.
UNESCO can mobilise the international community for resolution of issues on research and monitoring of mountain glaciers by using its authority, standard-setting opportunities and experience in the respective fields.
