Tajik MPs discuss preservation of medicinal herbs and endangered tree species

DUSHANBE, April 1, 2011, Asia-Plus -- A session of the Interim Environmental Commission at the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) took place on March 31.

Known Tajik researchers and environment specialists attended the meeting that discussed the environmental protection and endangered plant species preservation problems, Muhammadato Sultonov, a spokesman for the Majlisi Namoyandagon said.

Speaking at the meeting, Tillo Boboyev, head of Tajik Academy of Sciences’ center in Khatlon province, noted that more than 30 species of plants growing in Tajikistan have been included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.  Among them are Tajik apple and pear species.

The Majlisi Namoyandagon Interim Environmental Commission members Shodi Shabdolov, Muhiddin Kabiri, Makhfirat Khidirova and Amir Qaraqulov noted that if appropriate government bodies and the people themselves do not take urgent measures to preserve medicinal herb and endangered trees, an environmental disaster may occur, the spokesman said.