Preparations for Second International Mountain Forum discussed in Dagestan

The Government of the Republic of Dagestan has discussed preparations for the Second International Forum “Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories”, to be held in Makhachkala on 1-3 October. The main topic of the Forum will be the role of local authorities in making environmentally significant decisions in the field of sustainable development of mountain areas.

The participants of the meeting reviewed the content of the business program, proposals for cultural events and other organisational issues.

Prime Minister Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov noted that mountain territories have great potential for attracting investment, addressing food security issues, and preserving cultural heritage and identity.

Commenting on the implementation of the regional mining policy, the Prime Minister said that the mountainous areas of the region cover more than 40% of the total territory of the Republic. A state program for the socio-economic development of mountain areas has been adopted to support the inhabitants of mountain villages.

Minister of Economy and Territorial Development Haji Sultanov spoke about the preparations for the forum: “We want each event, each round table, each platform to produce a concrete result. It is very important that colleagues from the federal executive authorities take part in the Forum”.

Secretary of the Permanent Commission on Agrarian Policy, Natural Resources and Ecology of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Natalia Amburtseva informed about the formation of the Forum’s working program.

According to her, it is planned to hold a broad discussion on the issues of public policy formation, improvement of legislation in the field of management and sustainable development of mountain areas in several locations. Participants will address issues of rational use of natural resources, preservation of biodiversity, reduction of risks of natural disasters in the mountains, development of tourism and agriculture.

The Forum will also consider modern approaches to the development of agriculture in mountain areas, problems of water use and supply, infrastructure development and energy supply in mountain areas, ways of protecting the environment and natural disasters in mountain areas.

As a result of the discussions, proposals will be made to improve legislation aimed at the development and protection of mountain areas, the development of eco-tourism, ensuring a healthy environment and improving the quality of life of the inhabitants.

The Forum will include meetings of the IPA CIS Permanent Commissions on Agrarian policy, Natural Resources and Ecology, and on Practices of State-Building and Local Government.

The Forum will bring together parliamentarians from the CIS countries, representatives of the federal legislative and executive authorities, the legislative and executive authorities of the Republic of Dagestan, local governments, educational and public organisations, and the scientific community.

In addition, the parties discussed issues related to the development of the tourism industry, in particular the Travel HUB “Commonwealth” project.

During the IPA CIS delegation’s visit to Dagestan, a meeting was also held with the leadership of the Ministry of Economy.