Tajikistan backs Azerbaijan’s green tourism initiative within CICA framework

Tajikistan has expressed strong support for Azerbaijan’s initiative to develop circular or “green” tourism among member states of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), calling it highly significant in the context of global environmental challenges, Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ilkhom Abdurakhmon said.

Speaking during the conference “Circular ‘Green’ Tourism in CICA Countries” held in Baku, the diplomat said the initiative, advanced by Azerbaijan during its CICA chairmanship, has gained particular importance amid rising concerns over climate change, environmental degradation, and the sustainable use of natural resources, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He stressed that tourism should go beyond its traditional economic role and serve as a tool for environmental protection, cultural preservation, social integration, and regional cooperation.

“At a time when the world is facing challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation and the sustainable use of natural resources, tourism must go beyond its traditional economic function. It must become a powerful tool for environmental protection, cultural preservation, social integration and regional cooperation,” Abdurakhmon said.

He added that Tajikistan views the tourism sector as an important instrument for raising environmental awareness and advancing sustainable development goals.

The ambassador also noted that green tourism focuses not only on increasing visitor numbers, but also on preserving ecosystems, supporting local economies, protecting cultural heritage, and improving community well-being.

Abdurakhmon further highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, particularly among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, through the exchange of experience and environmental best practices to build more sustainable tourism systems.

He recalled that Tajikistan serves as coordinator of tourism-related confidence-building measures within the SCO and said it will continue contributing to joint efforts aimed at promoting environmentally responsible tourism development.

By Sabina Mammadli