Uzbekistan Launches Incentives for National Greening Project

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has adopted a Presidential Decree titled “On Measures to Further Enhance the Efficiency of the Nationwide ‘Yashil Makon’ Project,” aimed at a large-scale expansion of green areas and the introduction of new environmental management mechanisms.

The decree sets a goal to establish botanical and dendrological gardens covering at least 100 hectares across Karakalpakstan, the regions, and Tashkent city by 2028. By 2030, the country aims to increase the overall green coverage from 14.2% to 30% and raise the per capita area of green zones to 9–10 square meters.

The plan is expected to reduce concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants by 20–25% and lower average temperatures in regions with harsh climatic conditions by 1.5–2 degrees Celsius.

Dendrological gardens will receive the same protected status as botanical gardens and be classified as safeguarded natural territories. Land allocated for their creation will be exempt from compensation for lost agricultural production, while privatization, alienation, or reduction of such areas is prohibited. These gardens will fall under the authority of the Committee for Ecology and serve national significance. They will also function as centers for education, research, and experimental work, supporting institutions like Green University and other specialized educational facilities.

Starting from 1 January 2027, each region will introduce “green ambassadors,” responsible for monitoring green spaces, participating in environmental initiatives, promoting ecological awareness, and assisting in attracting investments and grants.

A new “green ticket” system will allow carbon footprints from transportation use to be tracked and offset through funding tree planting. A similar approach will be applied to products, calculating carbon footprints across production and logistics stages.

The decree also establishes incentives for citizens and businesses contributing to greening. Individuals planting at least 100 trees or donating 10 million soums will receive the status of “eco-active citizen.” Entrepreneurs planting 1,000 trees or contributing 100 million soums will be recognized as “eco-partners.” The title of “patron” is awarded for planting 50,000 trees or donating 5 billion soums. The state award “Kelajak bunyodkori” will honor those creating at least five green gardens or public parks.

Additionally, the state enterprise “Yashil Hudud” will be transformed into a Scientific and Experimental Center for Forestry Management, including a specialized unit for combating tree diseases and pests.

These measures aim to create a modern system for managing green spaces, promote scientifically grounded greening, and strengthen Uzbekistan’s environmental resilience.