Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The first EcoAtomFest environmental festival took place on 24 October at the Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, bringing together participants from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
Organized by Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom with support from Uzbekistan's Uzatom agency, the event featured the planting of 50 ash trees, environmental workshops and presentations on grant opportunities for socially beneficial projects.
The festival marked the conclusion of the Impact Team Autumn School and Environmental Camp, which combined educational activities focused on sustainable development with practical environmental initiatives.
The central event was a joint tree-planting campaign involving participants from all five countries.
Before planting began, volunteers provided instructions and divided participants into teams. Under volunteer supervision, the groups planted 50 ash trees in designated areas.
The initiative aligned with Uzbekistan's environmental priorities, including the nationwide Yashil Makon project launched at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2021.
According to figures presented by the organizers, Uzbekistan aims to increase the proportion of green areas from 14.2% to 30% by 2030.
The festival's practical programme included sessions on urban ecosystems, plant care and environmentally responsible everyday habits.
Representatives of Oltin Qanot Volontyorlari conducted a workshop on growing microgreens, while Pavel Volkov, head of the Indigo non-governmental organization, explained how to care for seedlings and mature trees.
Birdwatcher and birds.uz community activist Margarita Davydova introduced participants to birds living in urban environments and the basics of birdwatching.
Environmental activist and Volunteer Association of Uzbekistan expert Mokhinurkhon Ergash encouraged participants to discuss environmental challenges facing different regions of the country and develop ideas for addressing them.
Jamshid Khakimov, Chairman of the ECOLAND non-governmental organization, delivered an introductory session on ecology.
Visitors also took part in making environmentally themed crafts and drawing designs for eco-friendly homes.
Another part of the programme focused on opportunities to obtain financial support for environmental and community initiatives.
Organizers presented Rosatom's international grant competition, which is open to eligible organizations from Uzbekistan and other participating countries.
The competition provides support for projects involving environmental protection, environmental awareness, education, volunteering, assistance to vulnerable groups, urban development and other socially significant activities.
Applicants may submit either new initiatives or individual stages of existing programmes.
Successful applicants will receive funding, along with advisory and organizational support from experts.
The festival also featured cultural performances by young participants from different parts of Uzbekistan.
The cultural programme opened with performances by students from Nurli Maskan Specialized Boarding School No. 11 in Syrdarya region, who presented dombra music and a dance performance.
Aziz and Akmal Anvarov from Tashkent region performed the Andijan Polka, while Divas Dance Studio presented the Korean traditional dance Sarang-Mu.
At the conclusion of the festival, organizers recognized environmental activists for their contributions to ecological initiatives in Uzbekistan and thanked representatives of public and volunteer organizations for their educational work.
Alexandra Khidirnazarova, Head of the Industrial Safety, Occupational Health and Environmental Protection Department at the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate, emphasized the importance of involving young people in practical environmental activities.
"Environmental protection and a culture of safety begin with taking responsibility for our actions. That is why it is so important to involve young people not only in discussions about environmental issues but also in practical work," she said.
Diana Gamazova, a member and mentor of the Impact Team 2050 International Youth Advisory Council and head of the Nuclear Energy for Central Asia project, said the international programme had helped participants understand the connections between technology, the environment and quality of life.
She added that the programme had also provided opportunities to develop teamwork skills and jointly explore solutions to environmental challenges.
Alexey Dremuchev, General Director of Rosatom Central Asia, said EcoAtomFest was intended to bring together young people, volunteers and experts to address practical environmental issues.
He expressed the hope that the festival would serve as a starting point for new partnerships and long-term environmental initiatives.
