Women take leading role in protecting Tajikistan's biodiversity

Women in Tajikistan are stepping into leadership roles to protect the nation's biodiversity, moving beyond traditional responsibilities to influence environmental policy and conservation strategies. A national conference in Dushanbe on June 6, titled “Gender Equality and Biodiversity: A Path to Systemic Change,” underscored this growing involvement.

The event brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss expanding women's roles. Key outcomes included the presentation of a National Roadmap to increase women's participation in biodiversity protection and the launch of a National Digital Platform on Gender and Biodiversity. Speakers emphasized that women's involvement must extend from local initiatives to national decision-making processes.

Nozanin Rasoulova, a biodiversity analyst, stressed the need for gender-sensitive conservation policies that enable women's participation in planning, land management, and natural resource governance. Tajikistan is part of a regional initiative to strengthen women's roles, involving research, community consultations, and policy recommendations.

Bonu Sharifzoda highlighted that women's contributions go beyond household duties, noting their active roles in agriculture, collecting medicinal plants, and processing products in rural areas. She advocated for equal opportunities for women in environmental decision-making and resource use.

Scientists also addressed the escalating impact of climate change on Tajikistan's ecosystems and agriculture. Zulfiya Davlatnazarova pointed to rising temperatures, droughts, and floods affecting water availability and soil quality. The conference stressed the importance of developing adaptation measures and researching plant and ecosystem responses to environmental shifts.

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In Tajikistan, women are not only keepers of traditions but also important participants in biodiversity conservation.