Interview with Jamoliddin Yakubov, editor-in-chief of the publication "Inson va Tamov," PhD in Philology, and head of the "ECOVOLUNTEERS" volunteer association of nature-loving youth at the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, with Manizha Bakhromzoda, editor of the analytical program "Sarvat" on NIAT "Khovar" radio. She shared her opinion on the purpose of this club in the context of climate change, its importance in promoting the self-development of adolescents and young people in environmental protection, showing concern for environmental elements, youth participation in environmental events, and acquiring new knowledge.
Manizha Bakhromzoda: International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12. This day was recognized by the UN General Assembly on December 17, 1999, following a proposal from the World Ministerial Conference on Youth, held in Lisbon, Portugal, from August 8 to 12, 1998. The purpose of this day is to highlight the role of youth in development and peacebuilding, as well as the daily challenges they face. Today, youth, as an active segment of society, play a significant role in all areas, including environmental protection, and their contribution to this cause is considered essential.
Jamoliddin Yakubov: As the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, said: "Providing support and care for youth, resolving their life problems, and the proper and rational use of this strategic national resource for the prosperity and progress of the Motherland, as well as ensuring the security and stability of society, are among the most important issues to which the government pays special attention, because Tajikistan is a country of youth." It is thanks to this support that young people today are making a significant contribution to development in various areas, especially in environmental protection.
The Committee has always relied on the country's youth to promote environmental protection and conduct various environmental campaigns, and to this end, it was decided to organize an "Eco-Volunteers Forum" for nature-loving youth. The "Eco-Volunteers Forum" of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan was established in 2022 by order of the Committee's Chairman and has united numerous active and nature-loving young people from across the country in support of environmental protection.
The main goals of the "Eco-Volunteers" are to promote the self-development and self-improvement of adolescents and young people in the areas of leadership, environmental stewardship, participation in environmental events, acquisition of new knowledge, and sustainable use of Tajikistan's natural resources. It also promotes environmental protection decisions by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, ensures environmental safety in society, and creates conditions for collaboration between schoolchildren and students with the departments of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Significant work is being carried out in Tajikistan to support the social development of young people and enhance their patriotic spirit. To create favorable conditions for the spiritual and physical development of youth, to develop a sense of patriotism and love for one's neighbor in the spirit of patriotism, education, self-awareness, humanism, pride, and appreciation of national values, and to protect the younger generation from the threats of the modern era, the "State Program for Fostering Patriotism, Civic Responsibility, and Strengthening the National Identity of the Youth of Tajikistan for 2023-2027" is being implemented at the national and local levels.
Today, the Committee's environmental volunteers are invited not only to participate in national environmental events but also to participate in and contribute to international events on water, climate, and other environmental issues held in the country. Through their significant activities, they make a valuable contribution not only within Tajikistan but also abroad.
