Uzbekistan takes a step towards ensuring a safer environment and healthier agricultural practices with the initiation of the "Technical Assistance for Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals" project. In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and with generous financial backing from the European Union, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change spearheads this endeavor.
Over the coming years, the project aims to address hazardous waste sites, improve waste management infrastructure, and reduce reliance on harmful pesticides. With a budget of €4mn, it seeks to enhance mechanisms for chemical management while promoting alternative, eco-friendly solutions. Education and awareness initiatives targeting farmers and the wider population are integral components of the project, aiming to instill a culture of responsible chemical usage and environmental consciousness.
The inaugural seminar marking the commencement of the technical assistance project convened on May 1, drawing the participation of key stakeholders including Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov, Head of the Technical Cooperation Department of the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan Wim Riepma, and Deputy Head of the FAO Representative Office in Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov, among others.
The primary objectives of the project were elaborated upon during the seminar, shedding light on its scope, concept, and anticipated outcomes. Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov emphasized the pioneering nature of this endeavor, noting its focus on aligning Uzbekistan's legislative framework with international standards while promoting responsible chemical usage, particularly in the crucial cotton cultivation sector. He underscored the imperative of adopting recycling technologies to mitigate the environmental impact of hazardous substances.
This initiative comes in response to global calls for action, including the 6th UN Environment Assembly's Resolution 11, which advocates for the phasing out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture. Uzbekistan's commitment to environmental stewardship is further evidenced by the president's decrees such as the "Concept of Environmental Protection until 2030" and the "Strategy for the Development of Agriculture until 2030."
Wim Riepma of the European Union highlighted the collaborative nature of the partnership, emphasizing collective efforts to safeguard public health and the environment. The project encompasses a comprehensive approach, encompassing waste management, pest control, and awareness campaigns to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Sherzod Umarov of the FAO outlined key project deliverables, including the development of a national waste management strategy, the establishment of hazardous waste databases, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural methods. Through these concerted efforts, Uzbekistan aims to mitigate the risks associated with chemical usage in agriculture while fostering a greener, more resilient agricultural sector.
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