Shoimzoda: Central Asia-Europe transport corridors created by Azerbaijan open up new opportunities for Tajikistan - INTERVIEW

Tajikistan, possessing unique water and hydroelectric resources, faces serious challenges related to climate change. In the context of global warming and accelerated glacier melting in the country's mountainous regions, which contain the largest freshwater reserves, sustainable resource management issues are becoming particularly relevant. As one of the key countries in Central Asia, Tajikistan seeks not only to adapt to new challenges but also to actively participate in international cooperation to combat climate change.

At the COP29 conference in Baku, First Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, Jamshed Shoimzoda, in an exclusive interview with Report, discussed how the country is dealing with glacier melting, what initiatives are being taken for sustainable water resource management, and why regional cooperation is crucial. The conversation also covered prospects for Tajik-Azerbaijani cooperation in the energy sector and the importance of timely climate financing.

- What challenges does Tajikistan face in water resources under climate change conditions?

- Tajikistan is the richest country in water resources among Central Asian countries. We form 60% of all water reserves in Central Asia, and our rivers play a key role for the region. However, the situation is complex. In the southern part, Tajikistan is in the upper reaches of rivers that are fully formed here and provide water to regional countries. At the same time, in the north, we are in the lower reaches and partially dependent on water resources from other countries. Climate change is already having a serious impact, and glacier melting poses a particular threat. Our country is 93% covered by mountains, and Tajikistan is rightfully called the homeland of glaciers. The world's largest continental glacier is located here. However, due to climate change over the past 30 years, the country has lost more than a thousand microglaciers. These are irreplaceable losses that significantly affect the region's water balance. Therefore, urgent measures are required.

- What efforts is Tajikistan making to combat climate change, and how important is regional cooperation?

- For Tajikistan, climate change is not just a trendy topic but a harsh reality we face daily. Its negative impact is particularly noticeable through water resources. The last five years show how climate change is intensifying specifically through water. Statistics show that 74% of global climate change consequences are water-related, and in Tajikistan, this figure exceeds 80%. Under such challenges, our country actively studies climate processes and takes adaptation measures. However, national efforts alone are insufficient to address climate change consequences. Problems that are regional and global in nature require united efforts from countries. It is crucial to develop clear cooperation mechanisms, including financial support, environmental initiatives, and infrastructure development. Only by combining resources and experience can we effectively combat climate change and adapt to new realities.

- Are developed countries allocating sufficient funds to combat climate change, and is the funding distributed fairly?

- Azerbaijan, as the event organizer, rightfully emphasized financing issues, and we fully support this position. Unfortunately, there are serious problems with climate financing. Despite loud statements from international financial partners about fund allocation, the transfer process to countries often gets delayed. As a result, when money reaches the recipients, many adaptation measures are already outdated. Financing should be not only sufficient but also timely. Without adequate and prompt funding, it will be impossible to fight climate change and its consequences. Modern challenges require rapid response and long-term financial support.

- How do you assess the current state of Tajik-Azerbaijani cooperation in the energy sector?

- I attended the opening of the Clean Energy Center, which Azerbaijan created jointly with UNIDO and ECO. This initiative, as well as the idea of creating a "green corridor" between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, is close and important to us. We fully support it, and discussions about cooperation possibilities in this area have already been held at the ministerial level between the two countries. Tajikistan has unique hydroelectric potential, of which only 5% is currently used. Meanwhile, 95% of our energy is already green. If we can utilize our full potential, it would be sufficient to cover Central Asia's energy needs four times over. Azerbaijan's initiatives to create transport corridors connecting Central Asia with Europe open new opportunities for us. We will be able to deliver our green energy not only to neighboring countries but also to Europe. If 20 years ago this seemed technically impossible, today, thanks to cheaper technologies, this project is becoming quite feasible. Another important area of cooperation is mineral resource development. Recently, at an intergovernmental commission meeting, our countries discussed issues in this direction. We are just beginning to actively develop mineral resource extraction, while Azerbaijan has rich experience in this field. We see enormous potential for further interaction in this aspect.

- What main result do you expect from COP29, and how do you assess the event's organization level?

- We, representatives of the energy and water resources sector, came to COP29 to emphasize the importance of these topics. The impact of climate change is particularly noticeable through water, and this affects all spheres. Water's uniqueness lies in its universality: it's needed everywhere – even solar panels require water for basic maintenance. We don't see any sector where this resource could be dispensed with. Our main mission at COP29 is to ensure discussions transform into real actions. We pay special attention to glaciers, which are natural water reservoirs. Thanks to our initiative, the next year has been declared by the UN as the Year of Mountain Glaciers. We want to convey that water is the source of life and must be preserved. Regarding the event's organization, it was at the highest level. From the airport, shuttles, to overall cleanliness – everything was well thought out, despite the number of participants reaching up to 70,000 on some days. This is my fourth COP, and I have something to compare it to. The organization is truly impressive.