Preparations for Second International Mountain Forum Discussed in Dagestan

The Government of the Republic of Dagestan discussed the preparations for the Second International Forum "Sustainable Development of Mountainous Territories", which will be held on 1-3 October in Makhachkala. The main topic of the forum will be the role of municipalities in making environmentally significant decisions in the field of sustainable development of mountainous territories.

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

Chair of the Government Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov noted that the mountainous territories have great potential in attracting investments, addressing food security issues, as well as preserving cultural heritage and identity.

Speaking about the implementation of the regional mining policy, the Prime Minister said that the mountainous regions of the region occupy more than 40% of the entire territory of the republic. A state program for the socio-economic development of mountainous territories has been adopted to support residents of mountain villages.

"The Caucasian Investment Forum will be held in May, where we will report on preparations for the mining forum. It is a great honor for us that it will be held in Dagestan. We have a lot to show," the head of government said.

Minister of Economy and Territorial Development Haji Sultanov also spoke about the preparations for the forum.

"We would like every event, every round table and platform to produce a concrete result. It is very important that colleagues from federal executive authorities take part in the forum," the minister said.

Secretary of the IPA CIS Permanent Commission on Agrarian Policy, Natural Resources and Ecology Natalia Amburtsevainformed about the formation of the business program of the forum.

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 mountainous territories at several locations. The participants will touch upon issues of rational use of natural resources, conservation 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 mountainous areas, problems of water use and water supply, infrastructure development and energy supply in mountainous areas, ways to protect the environment, as well as natural disasters in the mountains.

As a result of the discussions, proposals will be formed to improve legislation aimed at the development and protection of mountainous territories, the development of ecological tourism, ensuring a healthy environment and improving the quality of life of residents.

The forum will include meetings of the Permanent Commissions of the IPA CIS 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 federal legislative and executive authorities, legislative and executive authorities of the Republic of Dagestan, local governments, educational and public organizations, and academia.

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

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