In Central Asia, the average annual temperature is rising twice as fast as the global average. Almost a third of the region’s glaciers have been lost, precipitation is unstable, and water resource shortages are increasing. Degradation has already affected 80 million hectares of land, stated President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the regional environmental summit in Astana.
He expressed concern about the decline in global environmental solidarity and emphasized that developing countries should have equal access to climate financing, technologies, and innovations, accordign to Gazeta.uz.
“There is deep concern about the weakening of global environmental solidarity. Declarations and calls are not backed by resources. Countries that have contributed the least to global climate change are once again left to face its consequences alone,” emphasized the President of Uzbekistan.
Mirziyoyev supported the adoption of the “Environmental Solidarity of Central Asia” declaration and the action program until 2030 with the participation of the United Nations.
The president spoke about Uzbekistan’s measures: within the framework of the “Yashil Makon” project, about a billion trees have been planted, over 2 million hectares of forests have been created on the bottom of the Aral Sea, and up to 10 billion cubic meters of water are saved annually. The share of “green” energy has reached 30% and continues to grow. The country has also exceeded the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement by reducing emissions by 35% and plans to halve them by 2035. Simultaneously, projects on waste processing and energy production are being implemented.
Uzbekistan’s proposals to Central Asian countries to tackle environmental challenges
1. Establishment of an interstate consortium “Clean Air of Central Asia.”
“The consortium can become a joint operator of ‘green’ financing for the modernization of industry and the implementation of emission purification systems,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
2. Granting regional status to the existing Center in Uzbekistan for combating desertification, preventing drought, and early warning of sand and dust storms at the Green University.
“Consolidation of scientific potential at the center will allow creating a powerful system for monitoring land degradation and salt-dust emissions,” noted the president.
3. Formation of the “Green Trade Corridor of Central Asia.”
“The introduction of preferential customs regimes and mutual recognition of certificates for eco-products will allow faster modernization of production and make our products competitive,” said the leader of Uzbekistan.
4. Creation of a Unified Investment Portfolio for Climate Projects in Central Asia.
“This will allow us to present not disparate initiatives, but a comprehensive strategy for regional development, which will increase partners’ interest in its implementation,” stated the president.
5. Creation of a Single Regional Atlas of Environmental Changes in Central Asia.
“It will become a fundamental scientific-analytical base, visually reflecting the dynamics of desertification processes, land degradation, and the state of water resources in the region,” expressed Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
6. Joint development of the “Red Book of Central Asia.” The regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Tashkent could become the coordinator of this work.
7. Environmental education and active youth involvement.
Mirziyoyev proposed holding the World Youth Climate Forum in Uzbekistan in 2027.
Additionally, from May 31 to June 5, the eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility will take place in Samarkand, and at the end of September, the World Water Conservation Forum will be held. Shavkat Mirziyoyev urged active participation in these international forums.
Recall that President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, speaking on April 22 at the Regional Environmental Summit “A Common Vision for a Sustainable Future” in Astana, emphasized the importance of preserving his country’s mountain ecosystems.
He noted that mountain ecosystems play a key role in ensuring water supply to Central Asia and maintaining the sustainable development of the entire region.
