Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the Samarkand International Climate Forum, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the World Bank, announced the launch of the project “Restoration of Sustainable Landscapes in Uzbekistan.” A total of $153 million has been allocated for the project as part of a regional program that covers five Central Asian countries.

The project aims to restore forests and strengthen ecosystem resilience in six regions of Uzbekistan: Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Namangan, Samarkand, Surkhandarya, and Syrdarya. It is also intended to enhance cross-border cooperation in Central Asia in rehabilitating natural areas, support the goals of Uzbekistan’s Forestry Development Concept until 2030 — including increasing forest cover to 6.1 million hectares — and improve agricultural productivity by restoring degraded lands. Additionally, the project seeks to create jobs and support small businesses through the sustainable use of natural resources, as well as promote ecotourism in protected areas.

Currently, forests occupy only 10.6% of Uzbekistan’s territory (4.4 million hectares), and climate change is exacerbating their degradation, leading to fires, pest outbreaks, and tree diseases. In recent years, the government has been actively expanding forest areas, including on the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea.

In accordance with Presidential Decree No. 140 dated 27 March 2024, the project will implement several activities: natural forest regeneration on 176,000 hectares; pasture rehabilitation on 38,500 hectares; introduction of water-saving technologies and soil erosion control on 15,000 hectares; agroforestry on 14,200 hectares; and the establishment of industrial forest plantations and medicinal plant plots on 5,000 hectares each.

The project is part of the broader RESILAND CA+ regional initiative, which aims to increase climate resilience in Central Asia. The World Bank emphasizes the importance of partnering with Uzbekistan to combat land degradation and adapt to climate change.

The State Forestry Agency, which is responsible for project implementation, will carry out land restoration through agroforestry, forest plantations, and orchards; support farmers with financial assistance, training, and the development of small and medium-sized businesses; promote ecotourism by building infrastructure such as campgrounds, trails, and visitor centers; and create a unified forest database to improve management efficiency.

In addition, during the forum, the Central Asian Green University and the State Forestry Agency signed a memorandum of cooperation. Project funds will be used to support research in ecology, economics, and the social impact of forestry.

This initiative marks an important step in addressing the impacts of climate change and preserving biodiversity in Uzbekistan and the broader region.