DUSHANBE , July 14, Asia-Plus -- Rational use of waters of the Amudarya River is one of topical environmental issues in the Central Asia region.

Mr. Shahzod Mustafo Zohir, Director General of Afghanistan ’s National Agency for Environmental Protection, told journalists this in Dushanbe on July 14.  Mr. Zohir arrived in Dushanbe to attend the first regional meeting of ecologists from Tajikistan and Afghanistan that was held in the “Kayon” Hotel in Dushanbe on Friday July 14.  

“At present it is necessary to strengthen riverbank protection works on the both banks of the Amudarya River ,” said Mr. Zohir, “Besides, global warming causes thawing of glaciers and reduction in water resources; therefore the water problem is so important.” 

The other important issue is protection of flora and fauna in border areas of the two countries, according to him.  “In near future, our Tajik colleagues and we intend to consider the issue of the creation of a Common National Park in border areas of Tajikistan , Afghanistan , China and Pakistan for preservation of disappearing species of flora and fauna in these countries,” the Afghan Environmental Protection Agency chief said.    

The meeting of Tajik and Afghan ecologists in Dushanbe mainly focused on expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the environmental protection issues, regional environmental cooperation in the Amudarya River’s basin and interaction in case of emergencies and natural disasters.