Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05DUSHANBE1951
2005-12-06 12:46:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dushanbe
Cable title:  

TAJIKISTAN'S ENVIRONMENT SUFFERS DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS

Tags:  PGOV ECON SENV TI 
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UNCLAS DUSHANBE 001951 

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/CACEN, SA, OES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ECON SENV TI
SUBJECT: TAJIKISTAN'S ENVIRONMENT SUFFERS DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS


UNCLAS DUSHANBE 001951

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/CACEN, SA, OES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ECON SENV TI
SUBJECT: TAJIKISTAN'S ENVIRONMENT SUFFERS DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS



1. Funding and management problems prevent Tajikistan from
protecting its natural resources. In a December 2 meeting with
PolOff, Rustam Latipov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee
for Environmental Protection and Forestry (SCEPF) complained
that the government fails to recognize the benefits of
organizing sustainable development programs or developing
eco-tourism. The government is taking slow steps to protect the
environment, but Tajikistan's 2.6 million hectares of natural
environment relies on the help of international organizations to
protect it.


2. One necessary step would be to identify animal and plant
species that need special protection. Local news agency Avesta
reported in early 2006 that Tajikistan will print its "Red
Book," a catalogue of animal and plant species protected by the
state. However, Latipov informed us that the Red Book may not
be published due to a lack of funds.


3. "Hunting helps protected animals," declared Latipov. One of
the animals Latipov refers to is the Marco Polo sheep,
"protected" by the Red Book, and prized by hunters for their
horns. Revenues from approximately 40 hunting licenses granted
each year, and a $10,000 tax per sheep, go to the local
administration for the specific purpose of protecting local
species. Fearful of losing hunting commissions, Latipov claimed
that Western and American hunters are not responsible for the
decline in number of Marco Polo sheep. Rather, impoverished
locals hunt the sheep for food, having no other income
alternatives. NGOs are working to establish sustainable
development alternatives for rural populations, but have not
been able to reach all groups. Latipov estimates that about
16,000 Marco Polo sheep remain in Tajikistan. The Wildlife
Conservation Society claims the figure is closer to 10,000.
Latipov acknowledged that the sheep population has dropped
significantly, but in the end he was unable to provide specific
figures.


4. With the help of the Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe, SCEPF submitted a new draft
environmental law to the appropriate ministries. Latipov
explained that environmental legislation adopted in 1993 during
the civil war is out of date, and SCEPF rewrote the law to
comply with international law and standards. If parliament
accepts these revised laws, it will be an improvement towards
environmental protection. However, the government lacks the
resources and motivation to enforce environmental laws. If the
government does not begin to take environmental issues
seriously, it risks losing species (and revenue) from
magnificent animals like the Marco Polo sheep.
HOAGLAND


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