Uzbekistan Proposes “Korea–Central Asia: Green Cooperation” Framework
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has proposed establishing a new “Korea–Central Asia: Green Cooperation” framework and moving the “Central Asia Green Belt” initiative into practical implementation. The proposals were presented by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, at the Korea–Central Asia Ministerial Forum on Forests and Climate and the Ministerial Dialogue in the Republic of Korea.
The forum highlighted Uzbekistan’s progress in greening and restoring degraded land. More than 1 billion seedlings have been planted under the nationwide “Yashil Makon” project, while the country’s green coverage has increased from 8% to 14%. Uzbekistan aims to raise the figure to 30% by 2030. Forest plantations have also been established across about 2 million hectares of the dried seabed of the Aral Sea.
For the “Central Asia Green Belt” initiative, Uzbekistan proposed working with the Republic of Korea, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) to identify pilot areas, measurable targets, implementation timelines and financing mechanisms.
Another proposal calls for a regional programme to conserve and modernize saxaul forests. It would include genetic research, seed production technologies, satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence and a Unified Digital Atlas of Saxaul Forests.
To attract investment in land restoration, Uzbekistan also proposed establishing a regional carbon hub involving Korean companies and financial institutions. Together with the UNCCD and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it proposed developing an “Arid Lands Carbon Standard” reflecting the high costs and complex implementation requirements of carbon projects in desert and arid regions.
The Research Institute for Combating Desertification and Developing the Desert Economy at Green University was designated as a regional scientific and practical platform. It will host joint research, field trials and pilot projects involving scientists from Korea and Central Asia.
For the “Central Asia Green Belt” initiative, Uzbekistan proposed working with the Republic of Korea, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) to identify pilot areas, measurable targets, implementation timelines and financing mechanisms.
Another proposal calls for a regional programme to conserve and modernize saxaul forests. It would include genetic research, seed production technologies, satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence and a Unified Digital Atlas of Saxaul Forests.
To attract investment in land restoration, Uzbekistan also proposed establishing a regional carbon hub involving Korean companies and financial institutions. Together with the UNCCD and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it proposed developing an “Arid Lands Carbon Standard” reflecting the high costs and complex implementation requirements of carbon projects in desert and arid regions.
The Research Institute for Combating Desertification and Developing the Desert Economy at Green University was designated as a regional scientific and practical platform. It will host joint research, field trials and pilot projects involving scientists from Korea and Central Asia.
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