Tehran, Dushanbe seek deeper cooperation on biodiversity protection
Iran and Tajikistan agreed to expand environmental cooperation during talks in Samarkand on Wednesday, with officials highlighting joint efforts to protect biodiversity, monitor pollution, and safeguard endangered species, according to Iran’s Department of Environment (DoE).
Shina Ansari, Iran’s vice president and head of the Department of Environment, met the Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Bahodur Sheralizoda, on June 4 on the sidelines of meetings linked to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and regional environmental forums in the historic Uzbek city, IRNA reported.
The two officials discussed areas of common concern at regional and international levels and explored ways to strengthen cooperation on biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and pollutant monitoring.
“Iran and Tajikistan can effectively cooperate in the fields of biodiversity conservation, protection of wildlife and endangered species, and pollutant monitoring,” Ansari said during the meeting. She also raised the prospect of joint work under emerging international efforts to curb plastic pollution.
Sheralizoda voiced support for broader environmental engagement between the two countries and said Tajikistan was prepared to host Iranian biodiversity experts and specialists for technical visits and exchanges of experience.
The discussions underscored growing environmental ties between Tehran and Dushanbe as both countries confront shared challenges ranging from ecosystem degradation to climate-related pressures. Officials framed scientific cooperation and knowledge-sharing as key tools for strengthening environmental resilience across the region.
Ansari traveled to Samarkand to attend regional and global environmental meetings, including the sixth gathering of environment ministers from member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). On the sidelines of the visit, she also toured cultural and religious sites in the city and met members of the local Shiite community during Eid al-Ghadir celebrations.
The talks added fresh momentum to Iran-Tajikistan cooperation, with both sides signaling readiness to translate shared environmental priorities into practical collaboration.