Uzbekistan has launched two major international projects worth $6.5mn to kick off the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy.” The initiatives, hosted at the Central Asian University for Environmental Studies and Climate Change, are part of the country’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
The projects, carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), are funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and will run until 2030.
The first initiative, Comprehensive Programme to Support the Renewal of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Seventh National Report, is part of a global effort that involves 69 countries, including Uzbekistan. The project aims to update national biodiversity strategies and prepare the seventh national biodiversity reports. Uzbekistan’s updated NBSAP will align with the Global Biodiversity Framework, setting new national targets based on global standards.
This project will help shape long-term policies for biodiversity conservation and restoration in the country. Success will depend on close collaboration between government bodies, businesses, and civil society.
The second initiative, Integrated Management for Protecting and Restoring Valuable Landscapes in Uzbekistan, aims to restore ecosystems and ensure sustainable biodiversity conservation. This project employs innovative methods for ecosystem restoration and will establish sustainable funding mechanisms for conservation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which opened a regional office in Tashkent in 2024, is a key partner in this effort.
Pilot areas for this project include the Western Tien Shan, the Nurata Mountains, and Kugitang, all regions with critical ecological value. These landscapes will serve as the focus for Uzbekistan’s conservation and restoration efforts.
At the event, Iskandar Kutbiddinov, Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, addressed the gathering on behalf of Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov. He stressed the importance of the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy” and the critical role these projects will play in the nation’s environmental strategies.
“We greatly value the launch of two new projects focused on preserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. Efforts to enhance ecosystem sustainability and conserve biodiversity in the Western Tien Shan, Nuratau, and Kugitangtau mountain ranges, along with the development of a National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation, are particularly significant,” Kutbiddinov remarked. “These initiatives will shape our long-term actions in alignment with the objectives of the Global Biodiversity Framework. We are confident that the implementation of these projects, supported by the expertise and best practices of UNDP and IUCN, will deliver tangible results in safeguarding Uzbekistan’s biodiversity.”
Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, also highlighted the importance of these projects.
“Uzbekistan is taking significant steps to protect and restore its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems,” Fujii said. “We at UNDP are happy to support the country's commitment to global biodiversity goals. We are confident that the collaboration between government, civil society, and international partners will yield transformative results, setting a strong foundation for the greener future for the young people of Uzbekistan.”
The event saw the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, scientists, civil society representatives, and international organizations. This collaboration is crucial in driving Uzbekistan’s environmental goals forward.
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