Uzbekistan to Launch Botanical Gardens and “Green Ticket” Program

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan plans to establish botanical gardens and dendrological parks in every region, as part of the nationwide project “Yashil Makon,” according to Presidential Decree No. UP–47, dated 25 March 2026.

The decree stipulates that by 2028, additional botanical gardens and dendrological parks covering at least 100 hectares will be created in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, all provinces, and the city of Tashkent. The initiative aims to reduce air pollution—lowering PM2.5 and PM10 particle concentrations by 20–25 percent—and to decrease average temperatures in regions with challenging climates by 1.5–2°C.

Dendrological parks are granted the same status as botanical gardens. Land allocated for these projects will be exempt from compensation payments for lost agricultural production. Privatization, subleasing, or reduction of these areas is strictly prohibited.

In addition, a “green ticket” system will be introduced within three months. This system will allow users of air, rail, metro, and taxi transport to calculate the carbon footprint of their trips and voluntarily offset their environmental impact. The system will also extend to products, enabling assessment of ecological footprints during production, storage, and logistics.

Funds generated through the “green ticket” program will be directed to the State Target Fund for Environmental Issues and used exclusively for tree planting and maintenance.

The Committee for Ecology will have authority to reward citizens and businesses participating in the “Yashil Makon” project. Participants can receive designations such as “Eco-Active Citizen,” “Eco-Partner,” or “Philanthropist,” based on the number of trees planted or funds contributed. Entrepreneurs may use the “Eco-Partner” status in advertising, while promotion of unverified environmental initiatives will be considered a legal violation.

Furthermore, individuals who establish at least five green gardens or public parks at their own expense may be nominated for the state award “Kelajak Bunyodkori” (Builder of the Future).