Uzbekistan Forestry Delegation Studies Sustainable Practices in Spain

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Representatives of Uzbekistan's forestry sector have familiarized themselves with Spanish experiences in close-to-nature forestry, modern methods of biodiversity conservation, and the adaptation of forest ecosystems to climate change. The acquired insights are planned to be used in improving the country's forest resource management system.

A study visit of the Uzbekistan delegation took place in the city of Palencia, Spain, dedicated to studying modern approaches to sustainable forest management, the adaptation of forest ecosystems to climate change, and biodiversity conservation. The trip was organized within the framework of the FAO/GEF project "Sustainable Forest Management in Mountain and Valley Areas of Uzbekistan."

The delegation included Sherzod Umarov, the Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan, Azizbek Abdumukhtorov, the project coordinator, representatives of the Forestry Agency, as well as the heads of the Dekhkanabad and Kitab State Forestry Organizations.

During the visit, the participants familiarized themselves with the activities of the Palencia Model Forest (Bosque Modelo Palencia), where modern projects on sustainable forest use are being implemented. Special attention was paid to the principles of close-to-nature forestry, the management of uneven-aged forest stands, supporting natural forest regeneration, and increasing ecosystem resilience to climate change.

Under the leadership of Roberto Alonso, the president of Bosque Modelo Palencia, the delegation studied a tree marking system that allows for an individual assessment of each tree to make scientifically sound decisions on its conservation or selective cutting. Together with specialists from the University of Valladolid and the Cesefor research center, the participants also visited demonstration sites of the Single Tree and Martelloscope projects, which apply modern technologies to forest resource management.

According to Sherzod Umarov, the Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan, the studied experience is of practical interest for the development of the republic's forestry sector.

"Forests play an important role in conserving biodiversity, protecting water resources, and adapting to climate change. The experience of Palencia will allow for the expanded application of close-to-nature forestry approaches in Uzbekistan and strengthen the system of long-term sustainable forest management," he noted.

A significant part of the program was dedicated to forest hydraulic engineering. The Uzbek delegation familiarized itself with engineering solutions for regulating surface runoff, preventing soil erosion, stabilizing slopes, and ensuring the hydrological stability of forest territories.

According to specialists, such technologies could be in demand in the foothill and erosion-prone areas of Uzbekistan. The use of stone hydraulic structures, slowing water flows, and restoring vegetative cover can significantly enhance the protective functions of forests.

Abdurauf Nortojiev, the director of the Dekhkanabad State Forestry Organization, emphasized that methods of individual tree assessment, supporting natural forest regeneration, and forming resilient, uneven-aged stands are of particular interest to Uzbek specialists.

Sukhrob Burkhonov, the chief forester of the Kitab State Forestry Organization, noted that the combination of scientific approaches and practical solutions used in Spain will make it possible to increase the resilience of forests to climate changes, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen their environmental protection functions.

Following the visit, the participants discussed options for adapting the Spanish experience to the natural and climatic conditions of Uzbekistan. The development of climate-resilient forest management models, supporting natural forest regeneration, conserving biodiversity, and strengthening ecosystem services were identified among the priority areas.

The implementation of the acquired knowledge and the introduction of modern practices are expected to contribute to the further development of sustainable forestry in Uzbekistan and increase the resilience of forest ecosystems to modern climate challenges.