In a significant step towards bolstering environmental initiatives, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change formalized their cooperation through two key agreements. This development emerged from the first official meeting between Akiko Fujii, the newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, and Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environment Protection, and Climate Change.
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During the meeting, the parties formalized two crucial agreements:
Implementation of the GEF small grants programme: The eighth phase of this programme will launch in 2025, focusing on supporting new national biodiversity conservation targets and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This initiative aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and aims to engage local communities, civil society, and academia in restoring threatened ecosystems and species through technical and financial assistance.
Support for the Yashil Makon project: This joint action will continue with funding from UNHCR and cooperation with UNECE. The project integrates environmental goals with support for Afghan citizens residing in Uzbekistan by involving them in establishing and maintaining tree nurseries. This initiative will help develop a Master Plan to achieve planned targets and improve the existing monitoring and information platform of Yashil Makon.
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Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov highlighted the creation of the Climate Council under the President of Uzbekistan, aimed at becoming the highest consultative body on climate change mitigation and adaptation. He emphasized the ongoing radical transformation within the Ministry and the broader environmental protection complex in Uzbekistan, noting, "Solving environmental problems and improving environmental management is a priority in Uzbekistan."
Akiko Fujii reiterated UNDP's commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s environmental reforms and addressing climate change impacts. She remarked, "We look forward to supporting Uzbekistan as it demonstrates its strong commitment and intensified response to biodiversity, desertification, and climate challenges at COP 16 in Colombia, COP 16 in Saudi Arabia, and COP 29 in Azerbaijan, with more ambitious and scaled-up targets."
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As part of a GEF-funded joint project by UNDP and the Ministry, equipment worth over UZS 2bn (almost $79,300) has been provided to eight protected areas in the Aral Sea region. This includes binoculars, camera traps, GPS devices, and other essential tools to enhance patrolling and protection. Additionally, the South Ustyurt National Park received a field monitoring station and a vehicle equipped with the necessary tools.
The meeting underscores the strong and longstanding partnership between UNDP and the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change. The collaboration includes six ongoing and eight upcoming projects aimed at sustainable development and environmental preservation in Uzbekistan.
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