Public Council of Uzbekistan’s National Committee for Ecology Endorses New NGO Environmental Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Public Council of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change held its regular meeting, attended by Committee Chairman Aziz Abduhakimov, members of the Public Council, and committee staff.

The key topic of discussion was the review of initiatives by non-governmental, non-profit organizations aimed at preserving biodiversity and promoting ecological awareness among the population.

During the meeting, N. Shivaldova, head of the Republican Ecological Resource Center “Ekomaktab,” presented the project “Creating an Ecological Trail as a Basis for Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Education.” The initiative aligns with the Concept for Raising Environmental Awareness of the Population through 2030 and state measures to develop eco-tourism.

The project involves creating an ecological trail in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park, equipped with navigational and informational signs, infrastructure for eco-friendly recreation, and educational materials. Implementation is scheduled for March–September 2026, with plans to expand the model to other regions.

Another initiative, the startup project “EcoHerpetica: Media and Faith for the Conservation of Reptiles in Uzbekistan,” was presented by N. Kosimova, head of NGO Ekolog.uz. The project aims to improve public attitudes toward reptiles, of which over 70 species inhabit the country, many requiring special protection. The initiative includes public awareness campaigns, engagement with journalists, bloggers, and religious leaders, regional training sessions, roundtables, media campaigns, contests, and the creation of a network of eco-ambassadors.

The Council also discussed the establishment of the “Ecological Project Factory” within the Committee, designed to transform ideas into actionable projects. Priority initiatives in water management, waste management, air quality, climate, and biodiversity will be developed with feasibility studies, performance indicators, budgets, and funding sources, accompanied from concept to pilot implementation and scaling. Special emphasis will be placed on adapting international solutions to Uzbekistan’s conditions and implementing digital and green technologies.

Updates were also provided on the Department of Mass Events and Eco-Activist Coordination, progress on the “Clean Air” project, and the activities of the State Environmental Control Inspectorate.

Following the meeting, the Public Council unanimously endorsed the presented initiatives. The projects were approved and recommended for further implementation, considering their practical significance, alignment with national ecological priorities, and potential for scaling.