Measures for Implementing National Environmental Projects Reviewed
Uzbekistan
On March 23, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on priority national projects in the field of ecology and environmental protection for 2026–2030.
The initiatives focus on improving air quality, expanding green areas in cities and regions, raising environmental awareness, and strengthening scientific and practical approaches to combating desertification.
A key initiative is the “Clean Air” project. It was noted that air pollution levels exceed established norms in Tashkent, Navoi, Fergana, Chirchik, and Termez. The main causes include industrial growth, widespread use of carbon-based fuels, an increase in vehicles, and insufficient control.
By 2030, the goals include reducing emissions, increasing capture rates at industrial facilities, cutting transport-related pollution, and reducing the number of days when PM2.5 exceeds safe levels. Air quality in Tashkent has already shown improvement, with PM2.5 levels decreasing in January–February compared to last year.
Regional monitoring systems will be introduced, along with a unified control system and an inventory of pollution sources. Tax incentives will support the use of alternative energy in industry, and enterprises will install filters and automated monitoring systems. Penalties for non-compliance will be increased.
Environmental standards in construction will also be tightened, including higher green space requirements, controlled storage of materials, waste management, and mandatory environmental assessments. Plans also include preserving “wind corridors” and developing ecological master plans.
Measures to reduce natural dust include creating a green belt around Tashkent, planting protective greenery in Syrdarya and Surkhandarya regions, building artificial reservoirs, increasing fountains, and recycling organic waste.
In transport, fuel standards will be tightened, vehicles classified by environmental impact, outdated fleets replaced, and public transport expanded.
Greenhouse farms were also highlighted. Many in Tashkent use coal and fuel oil, contributing to pollution, while higher production costs due to climate conditions reduce efficiency. It is proposed to gradually relocate greenhouses to more favorable regions. A 940-hectare agropark is planned in Sherabad district. From October 1, 2026, new greenhouse construction in Tashkent will be restricted.
Under the “Yashil Makon” program, 12 botanical gardens and 16 dendrological parks will be created. By 2030, green coverage is expected to reach 30%, while dust levels will decrease by 20–25%.
A National Dendrological Park covering 108 hectares will be established in Tashkent, with 50,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs. It is expected to serve as a scientific, educational, and tourism hub.
The “EcoCulture” project will enhance environmental education. Starting from 2026, “green technical schools” will be opened in 14 regions, with student numbers expected to reach 10,000 by 2028.
Desertification remains a major challenge: 70% of Uzbekistan’s territory is arid, and land degradation causes annual economic losses of $830 million.
To address this, a research center under Green University will be established with 15 laboratories and advanced monitoring systems to forecast and manage land degradation.
The President emphasized the importance of these initiatives for environmental sustainability, public health, and quality of life, and approved the proposed projects.
A key initiative is the “Clean Air” project. It was noted that air pollution levels exceed established norms in Tashkent, Navoi, Fergana, Chirchik, and Termez. The main causes include industrial growth, widespread use of carbon-based fuels, an increase in vehicles, and insufficient control.
By 2030, the goals include reducing emissions, increasing capture rates at industrial facilities, cutting transport-related pollution, and reducing the number of days when PM2.5 exceeds safe levels. Air quality in Tashkent has already shown improvement, with PM2.5 levels decreasing in January–February compared to last year.
Regional monitoring systems will be introduced, along with a unified control system and an inventory of pollution sources. Tax incentives will support the use of alternative energy in industry, and enterprises will install filters and automated monitoring systems. Penalties for non-compliance will be increased.
Environmental standards in construction will also be tightened, including higher green space requirements, controlled storage of materials, waste management, and mandatory environmental assessments. Plans also include preserving “wind corridors” and developing ecological master plans.
Measures to reduce natural dust include creating a green belt around Tashkent, planting protective greenery in Syrdarya and Surkhandarya regions, building artificial reservoirs, increasing fountains, and recycling organic waste.
In transport, fuel standards will be tightened, vehicles classified by environmental impact, outdated fleets replaced, and public transport expanded.
Greenhouse farms were also highlighted. Many in Tashkent use coal and fuel oil, contributing to pollution, while higher production costs due to climate conditions reduce efficiency. It is proposed to gradually relocate greenhouses to more favorable regions. A 940-hectare agropark is planned in Sherabad district. From October 1, 2026, new greenhouse construction in Tashkent will be restricted.
Under the “Yashil Makon” program, 12 botanical gardens and 16 dendrological parks will be created. By 2030, green coverage is expected to reach 30%, while dust levels will decrease by 20–25%.
A National Dendrological Park covering 108 hectares will be established in Tashkent, with 50,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs. It is expected to serve as a scientific, educational, and tourism hub.
The “EcoCulture” project will enhance environmental education. Starting from 2026, “green technical schools” will be opened in 14 regions, with student numbers expected to reach 10,000 by 2028.
Desertification remains a major challenge: 70% of Uzbekistan’s territory is arid, and land degradation causes annual economic losses of $830 million.
To address this, a research center under Green University will be established with 15 laboratories and advanced monitoring systems to forecast and manage land degradation.
The President emphasized the importance of these initiatives for environmental sustainability, public health, and quality of life, and approved the proposed projects.
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