Uzbekistan is deliberating the creation of six transboundary protected areas, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change reported. The issue was at the forefront of discussions between the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, and Valerie Hickey, the Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy at the World Bank.
The meeting, held in Samarkand, focused on various aspects of sustainable green climate initiatives and conservation efforts. Valerie Hickey, representing the World Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the bank's participation in the convention dedicated to the protection of migratory species for the first time. She commended Uzbekistan's endeavors to restore endangered species of wildlife, highlighting the importance of such conservation measures.
Moreover, the gathering underscored the reforms underway in Uzbekistan's waste management sector. Valerie Hickey lauded Uzbekistan's attention to waste management, emphasizing shared goals with the World Bank. She expressed readiness to collaborate on waste management strategies, including the management and sorting of solid household waste, and advocated for state support for entrepreneurs and workers in this field.
“Uzbekistan is paying a lot of attention to waste management. This means that our goals are common. In addition, we are happy to cooperate with Uzbekistan in the management and sorting of solid household waste, as well as the state support of entrepreneurs and workers in the field,” Valerie Hickey noted.
Aziz Abdukhakimov echoed Hickey's sentiments, elaborating on Uzbekistan's objectives in waste management and environmental sustainability. He emphasized the country's commitment to implementing an effective waste management system, transitioning to a circular economy, and embracing the "zero waste" principle. Abdukhakimov envisioned waste as a valuable resource for the economy, underscoring the goal of fostering a green society beneficial to all facets of life.
”Now waste will become a valuable resource of the economy. We aim to build a green society that is beneficial in all aspects," Minister Abdukhakimov voiced.
A pivotal aspect of the discussions was the project aimed at establishing six transboundary protected areas. This initiative not only contributes to biodiversity conservation but also promises to boost ecotourism by providing opportunities to explore and appreciate Uzbekistan's natural heritage.
Both parties agreed to collaborate on attracting leading waste management companies to Uzbekistan, facilitating World Bank investments in the sector, and securing grants for environmental initiatives.
Annually, Uzbekistan generates approximately 7 mn tons of household waste, averaging between 650 to 750 grams of waste per person daily. Umar Abdullayev, a department head within the ministry, has previously expressed concerns regarding the management of this waste and emphasized the necessity for improved waste disposal practices.
Currently, only a third of the country's generated waste undergoes processing. The absence of an efficient waste sorting and collection system results in the mingling of recyclable and non-recyclable waste in landfills, impeding recycling efforts. Uzbekistan is home to approximately 300 waste processing facilities capable of handling up to 25-30% of the waste, indicating a need for further development in waste management infrastructure.
Certain hazardous materials, including hygiene products, chemicals, diapers, oils, and paints, remain unrecycled. However, spurred by the president's directive, ongoing initiatives seek to gradually enhance the waste sorting system to address these challenges, aiming to safeguard the environment and human health.
World Bank in Uzbekistan
Since 2017, the World Bank has significantly increased its financial and analytical assistance to Uzbekistan, reinforcing the government's endeavors to execute a comprehensive program of market reforms.
As of October 1, 2023, the World Bank's engagement in Uzbekistan comprises 25 projects, with a total commitment reaching approximately $5.22bn. These initiatives encompass loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) totaling $2.04bn and concessional credits from the International Development Association (IDA) amounting to $3.18bn. Notably, this includes a $46.25mn grant from the Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF) dedicated to supporting the Innovative Carbon Resource Application For Energy Transition Project, marking the World Bank's inaugural carbon reduction policy crediting operation.
Presently, Uzbekistan ranks as the World Bank's third-largest client in the Europe and Central Asia region, holding the region's largest IDA allocation.
The projects financed by the World Bank play a pivotal role in executing essential macroeconomic reforms and modernizing various sectors such as agriculture, water resource management, energy, transportation, healthcare, education, and social protection. Additionally, these initiatives aim to enhance urban and rural infrastructure, foster national innovation, strengthen tax administration, and improve statistical and financial systems.
In addition to financial support, the World Bank provides Uzbekistan with technical assistance, advisory services, and analytical expertise. These services aid in implementing national strategies in crucial areas like health, social protection, and agriculture, as well as facilitating reforms in energy, aviation, tax administration, banking, and trade facilitation, with a focus on poverty reduction.
Recognizing the World Bank's expertise, the government of Uzbekistan entrusted the institution with the role of Country Platform Secretariat for 2023. In this capacity, the World Bank leads efforts to enhance coordination among development partners supporting sectoral reforms and projects in Uzbekistan.
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