Around 300 trees were purchased by the Government of Switzerland through Aga - Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) and planted in Javonon Lake Park in Dushanbe. Experts of the Mayor’s Office and of the Committee of Environmental Protection selected the most suitable trees and allocated the land plot in Dushanbe. More than 150 volunteers representing the Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dushanbe city municipality, the Committee of the Environmental Protection of Tajikistan implementing partners and AKAH participated in the event.
In the last two years many social activities were curtailed. This event is therefore sending a positive message that it is of utmost importance to take good care of our habitats and neighborhoods and to continue planting new seedlings for an environmentally friendly and sustainable future. The urban forest is a critical part of the resilience benefiting residents now and future generations. Trees reduce noise pollution by shielding homes and offices from roads and industrial areas, they provide shade and limit heat in urban settings.
During the opening speech, Richard Chenevard, the deputy of SCO in Tajikistan noted: "The celebration of the anniversary of diplomatic relations has started with tree planting, as a symbol of the strong roots in the relationship and fruitful cooperation between two countries, which is very important nowadays".
Over the last 25 years, around 500 million USD have been allocated, in the form of grants, to the Government of Tajikistan and the Tajik population. Within its Cooperation program for Central Asia (2022-2025), Switzerland will focus on supporting economic, social and democratic development, promoting an integrated and regional approach in the complex field of transboundary water management, strengthening economic ties and promoting good governance.
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), which merges the capabilities of Focus Humanitarian Assistance, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, the Aga Khan Development Network’s Disaster Risk Management Initiative, and the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment.
AKAH works to ensure that poor people live in physical settings that are as safe as possible from the effects of natural disasters; that, residents who do live in high-risk areas are able to cope with disasters in terms of preparedness and response; and that these settings provide access to social and financial services that lead to greater opportunity and a better quality of life.
