A large-scale environmental project, the Green Garden, is being established in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region to mark the 80th anniversary of UNESCO. Spanning five hectares, the garden is created under the motto “Drawing on Heritage, Striding into the Future” and coincides with the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference. The initiative reflects the organisation’s core values of peace, cultural heritage preservation, intercultural dialogue, and environmental sustainability.
On October 31, as part of the project, 564 trees and shrubs were planted across 1.2 hectares within the “Eternal City” complex in Samarkand. The event was organised by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, and attended by international representatives and Uzbek officials.
Among the guests were Anna Nsubuga, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to UNESCO; Flavien Imah William Nezien, Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso to UNESCO; Adkham Ikramov, Minister of Sports; Obidjon Kudratov, First Deputy Minister of Ecology; Adiz Boboev, Khokim of the Samarkand region; Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Forestry Agency; and Olim Hakimov, Director of the “Yashil Loyiha” Design Institute.
“I am very pleased to take part in planting a tree as a contribution to efforts supporting environmental sustainability, which is a priority of the Government of Uzbekistan,” said Anna Nsubuga. “Trees are the lungs of our planet. We need more greenery to purify the air and stabilise the soil. It is wonderful that right here, in the Eternal City, we can bring an element of nature aimed at securing the future — not only of this space, but of the whole world.”
The garden will feature diverse tree and plant species, including elm, catalpa, Japanese pagoda, oak, oriental plane, horse chestnut, tulip tree, forsythia, lavender, thuja, Indian lilac, acacia, willow, persimmon, and apple trees.
“In recent years, Uzbekistan has put forward a number of initiatives aimed at improving the environmental situation both regionally and globally,” noted Olim Hakimov. “The Green Garden in Samarkand is a symbol of Uzbekistan’s environmental leadership, its rich culture, and its global ecological solidarity.”
A centre for environmental innovation
The Green Garden is designed not only as a recreational area but as a model of environmental innovation. The project incorporates modern sustainable technologies, including:
- drip irrigation systems to reduce water use;
- energy-efficient solar panels and pumps;
- rainwater collection and reuse systems;
- composting areas for organic waste;
- walking paths and benches made from natural, locally sourced materials.
By increasing shaded areas, the garden will help lower urban temperatures and mitigate the heat island effect. Located within the Silk Road Samarkand tourist complex near the Zarafshan River, the park will become a symbol of relaxation, education, and international friendship.
Its concept draws inspiration from the gardens of Amir Timur, representing a symbolic connection between the past, present, and future. The garden will be designed in the style of a classical oriental garden and divided into nine thematic zones, each reflecting one of Amir Timur’s legendary gardens — Bog‘i Chinor, Bog‘i Behisht, Bog‘i Davlatobod, Bog‘i Dilkusho, Bog‘i Shamol, Bog‘i Nav, Bog‘i Jahonnamo, Bog‘i Maydon, and Bog‘i Baland.
Each zone will include trees and flowers characteristic of those eras, such as plane tree, birch, mulberry, persimmon, cedar, paulownia, rose, lavender, magnolia, tulip, willow, acacia, photinia, maple, elm, sakura, and sequoia.
According to the project plan, 80,000 trees and shrubs will be planted in honour of UNESCO’s 80th anniversary, a gesture symbolising global commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The plantings will not only enhance the city’s landscape but also help preserve biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.
The park will feature contemporary art installations by Uzbek artists and designers, integrating culture and ecology. The project brings together local communities, government agencies, and international partners in a shared vision for a greener future.
