Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 23 July, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov held a press conference addressing the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project proposed for the Charvak Reservoir. He stated that, to date, the ministry has not received any official documentation regarding the initiative.

"Everything we’ve heard so far has been unofficial and verbal. We’ve asked them to submit the necessary documents. Only then can we — along with the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Water Resources, the Environmental Inspectorate, the Environmental Expertise Center, and other relevant agencies — provide comments and recommendations," the minister said.

Abdukhakimov emphasized that it is premature to assess or reject the project before receiving official proposals:
"Nothing has been submitted yet, but we’re already saying 'no'. That’s not right. There has to be a concrete proposal. We need to see exactly what is being proposed."

He also assured that if the project is submitted, it will undergo public scrutiny:
"Nothing will be hidden or signed behind closed doors. We will ensure full transparency and give everyone the opportunity to review the documents."

The minister refuted rumors that construction had already begun and commented on the involvement of developer Emin Agalarov:
"No one has said, 'I’m building on Charvak'. He was invited to Uzbekistan as an experienced developer with a portfolio of environmentally friendly projects. He has many proposals from other countries as well — Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Montenegro."

Regarding the recently opened Sea Breeze Uzbekistan office in Tashkent, Abdukhakimov noted that he learned of it through the media and has no official information about its activities:
"Like you, I saw the photos. I was later told it’s a real estate sales office, but not for properties in Uzbekistan — it’s for the Caspian Sea coast. If you’re curious, we can go there together and ask. They have no right to build here — no land, no approved project."

Agalarov Development clarified that the office on Shakhrisabz Street is engaged in selling Sea Breeze-branded properties located in Azerbaijan. The company noted growing interest from Uzbek citizens and stated that it operates in full compliance with local laws. According to the company, only land clearing is currently taking place at Charvak.

The Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project was presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in December 2024. It envisions the creation of a year-round resort spanning 500–700 hectares, with recreation areas, hotels, housing, schools, a water park, and related infrastructure.

However, the proposal has sparked significant public criticism. Activists have voiced concerns over restricted access to the reservoir, increased strain on infrastructure, and potential harm to Charvak’s ecosystem.

Minister Abdukhakimov urged the public to refrain from premature conclusions:
"Let’s review the documents first — then we can have a discussion. Saying 'no' without knowing the details is unreasonable."