3rd March 2023; 0930 hrs; Hotel Hyatt Regency
Remarks by Mr. Arun K. Chatterjee,
Ambassador of India to the Kyrgyz Republic
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Kaseynov Kubat Usankulovich,
Director-Snow Leopard Fund in Kyrgyzstan Mr. Zhumabay uulu Kubanychbek,
Member of Parliament Mr. Toktoshev Emil Toktakunovich,
Colleagues from the Diplomatic Community,
Representatives and partners of Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme,
Dear Rangers present here,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies & Gentlemen,
Good morning!
It is a great honour and privilege for me to join all of you at the 9th Ranger Rewards Ceremony being organized by the Snow Leopard Trust in collaboration with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. Today, we are celebrating “World Wildlife Day”, and this year, it is under the theme "Partnerships for wildlife conservation" to honour the people who are making a difference. We are all aware of the important role that Rangers play and contribute to the noble cause of protecting our ecosystem.
- The “Rangers Rewards Program” is indeed a wonderful initiative to felicitate, honour and recognize the Rangers of the Kyrgyz Republic for their invaluable contribution to wildlife conservation and the tireless efforts being made by them to protect forests and wildlife. This programme highlights the importance of partnerships in wildlife conservation and acknowledges that Rangers are the people who are making a difference to our lives. The collaboration between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, Non-Governmental Organizations and other stakeholders to protect the country's rich biodiversity is noteworthy.
Friends,
- There are historical and civilization links between India and the Kyrgyz Republic. Our bilateral relations are warm and friendly and it is now a strategic partnership. India and the Kyrgyz Republic marked 30 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year which coincided with the celebration of 75 years of the Independence of India.
- At the 1stIndia-Central Asia Virtual Summit held on 27 January, 2022, emphasis was laid on the importance of protecting the environment, conserving biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as combating climate change for the well-being and prosperity of the present and future generations. The Leaders noted the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of climate change and advancing the interests of mountainous countries, including the joint implementation of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution proclaiming 2022 as the “International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development”.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
- This year will also marks the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Both India and the Kyrgyz Republic are Parties to this Convention. Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi visited the Kyrgyz Republic in June 2019 and announced that India and Kyrgyz Republic will collaborate on issues such as mountain ecology, green tourism and conservation of Snow Leopard. India will continue to support Kyrgyzstan's efforts in wildlife conservation.
- Development cooperation has been an important element of India’s relationship with the Kyrgyz Republic. We have trained more than 1,500 Kyrgyz nationals under our Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme during these last three decades. It is an on-going intense partnership with emphasis being laid on institutionalized capacity building of civil servants of the Kyrgyz Republic. The ecosystems of India comprise of snow-clad mountains, dense forests, desert and coastal regions. India’s biodiversity is also rich. India has several training institutions including Ranger Training Institutes. India can organize a special customized training programme under ITEC for Rangers from the Kyrgyz Republic. I would like to request Deputy Minister Mr. Kaseynov to provide an opportunity to our Rangers to visit the Kyrgyz Republic and study the models of conservation being followed here.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
- Given the harsh weather and difficult terrain conditions, the task of Forest Rangers is not an easy one. However, as we say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going! True to this constructive spirit, we have all gathered here today to honour the Rangers who have accomplished the difficult task of protecting our forests, flora and fauna under severe working conditions. Their dedication and determined efforts need to be commended which will go a long way in achieving the desired goals. As we celebrate World Wildlife Day and reflect on the importance of partnerships for wildlife conservation, we are proud to be part of the Rangers Rewards Program and congratulate these brave rangers for protecting our shared natural heritage.
Thank you.
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