SCO Nations Agree on Joint Air Quality and Biodiversity Plans for Eurasia

On April 3, 2026, the seventh meeting of heads of environmental ministries from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states convened in Bishkek. The event was attended by N. Kurmalayev, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Prior to the official proceedings, delegation leaders participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony within the Ala-Archa State Natural Park. This act underscored the regional unity of SCO countries in ecosystem restoration and their commitment to sustainable development principles.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of environmental cooperation among SCO members. In his address, Vice-Minister Kurmalayev highlighted the organisation's role on its 25th anniversary. "The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has established itself as an authoritative and effective platform for building trust, developing mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly responding to modern challenges," he stated.

Kazakhstan's representative also announced a Regional Environmental Summit scheduled for April 22-24, 2026, in Astana. The Kazakh side extended an invitation to all SCO nations to actively participate in this summit and a planned high-level special session titled 'SCO-UNEP Environmental Partnership: Joint Actions for a Sustainable Future of the Region.'

A key outcome was the approval of an Initiative on Improving Atmospheric Air Quality. Furthermore, participants agreed to continue reviewing draft documents for a joint Initiative on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Eurasian Biodiversity, along with a corresponding five-year Plan of Joint Actions for SCO member states covering 2026-2031.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Joint Statement and a Meeting Protocol.

On the sidelines, Vice-Minister Kurmalayev held bilateral talks with A. Toktobayev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation to address environmental challenges in Central Asia.