Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on taking the nationwide Yashil Makon project to a new level, creating a favorable environmental environment in mahallas and introducing innovative solutions, the Presidential press service reported.
Uzbekistan is carrying out large-scale work to expand green areas and create parks and gardens. At the same time, problems have been identified with preserving seedlings, watering them and providing systematic care. Some of the trees planted last spring have dried out.
The causes include selecting species that are not suited to the climatic and soil conditions of particular regions, planting trees in areas without water supplies, and insufficient measures to combat diseases and pests. Problems related to the care and protection of forest plantations on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea were also highlighted.
Mirziyoyev emphasized that the effectiveness of the work should be assessed based on seedling survival after one, three and five years.
In this regard, it was proposed to cover the entire greening cycle, from scientific justification of planting, soil preparation and creation of irrigation systems to caring for seedlings for at least three years.
Planting schedules will be determined based on the weather conditions of each region and recommendations from scientists. Priority will be given to species adapted to local climates and resistant to heat, cold and water shortages.
The Committee for Ecology was instructed to develop “green maps” for each mahalla indicating seedling species, planting locations and irrigation systems. Regular monitoring of trees along streets will also be carried out jointly with mahalla chairpersons.
Particular attention will be paid to greening densely populated areas, pedestrian zones and streets.
The number of shade trees is expected to increase to create more comfortable conditions for movement and recreation.
Under the “My Green Mahalla” program, it was proposed to organize comprehensive services for mahallas. They will be able to order quality seedlings, organic fertilizers and water-saving irrigation equipment, as well as services to protect trees from diseases and pests.
A forestry specialist-mentor is planned to be assigned to each mahalla. Residents will be trained in planting, watering and caring for seedlings. Small green areas and public parks will also be created between residential buildings, schools and kindergartens, with broad involvement of volunteers from among mahalla activists and young people.
The introduction of a “green rating” for mahallas was also proposed. Its criteria will include the share of green areas, the number of trees per capita, the survival rate of new seedlings and public participation. Mahallas achieving strong results could receive additional funds for improvement projects and targeted microgrants for green initiatives.
The “3-30-300” principle is planned to be used for greening territories. Under this approach, every person should be able to see at least three trees near their place of residence, work or study, at least 30% of their residential area should be shaded by trees, and a green recreation area should be located no more than 300 meters from their home.
Projects applying this principle were presented for Yangikhayot District of Tashkent, Alat District of Bukhara Region and Urgut District of Samarkand Region.
In Yangikhayot, mahalla and public parks, shaded walking streets and “green belts” around industrial enterprises are planned.
The projects include collecting and reusing groundwater for irrigation, using permeable surfaces and producing compost from organic waste. Greening efforts will be accompanied by measures to reduce industrial emissions, automatically monitor air quality and improve the waste management system.
In Alat, the focus will be on plants adapted to desert conditions and requiring little water. The proposals include developing local seedling production, creating an arboretum and a garden of salt-tolerant plants, as well as protective tree plantations along roads and canals.
In Urgut, the characteristics of mountainous and foothill areas will be taken into account. The plans include an arboretum and public parks, as well as “green belts” around the industrial zone and along the railway. Measures will be taken in the Omonqoton National Nature Park to restore natural vegetation using seeds of local tree and shrub species.
The presentation also addressed scientific support for the project and the introduction of modern technologies. It was proposed to establish in vitro laboratories and modern nurseries to grow healthy planting material adapted to the conditions of different territories. Water-intensive ornamental lawns are also planned to be gradually replaced with drought-resistant plants.
As an experiment, the Yashil AI module was proposed. The system will analyze soil, climate and water supply data to determine optimal planting locations and select suitable tree species.
Yashil AI will also identify risks of seedling drying, water shortages, diseases and pest infestations, promptly notify responsible officials and provide open monitoring of results on a single map.
The presentation also covered combating desertification, restoring degraded land and attracting international grants. The need to make effective use of land resources and medicinal plants in desert areas was highlighted, along with implementing projects to create added value on pastures with private-sector participation.
Officials were instructed to launch such a pilot project in every region by 1 July 2027.
Those responsible were instructed to refine the proposals in light of the comments made, improve the culture of planting and caring for trees in mahallas, and strengthen responsibility and oversight for preserving green areas.
