West Tien Shan forest conservation experience presented in Bostanlyk

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Forestry Agency under the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Ecology and Climate Change organized a press tour to the Burchmulla State Forestry Enterprise.

During the event, media representatives familiarized themselves with the activities of one of the country's largest forestry enterprises, where projects are being implemented to conserve forest ecosystems, cultivate planting material, and protect biological diversity. Representatives of the Forestry Agency, specialists from the Burchmulla State Forestry Enterprise, and journalists took part in the press tour.

The Burchmulla State Forestry Enterprise was established in 1947 and is today one of the largest forestry enterprises in Uzbekistan. The total area of its territory is around 380,000 hectares, of which more than 80,000 hectares are covered by forests. The area of cultivated forest plantations reaches almost 3,800 hectares, sparse forest plots account for about 3,880 hectares, and nurseries and forest breeding grounds exceed 55 hectares.

The enterprise comprises eleven forestries: Chatkal, Pskem, Sidjak, Sargaradon, Khumsan, Akbulak, Chakah, Burchmulla, Karangutugai, Aigaing, and Dzhurakbau. The Chakah, Ozodbosh, and Yusufkhona nurseries and breeding grounds also operate within the territory.

During the press tour, participants were presented with protective forest plantations, decorative shelterbelts, as well as the full cycle of growing planting material — from the preparation of high-quality seeds to obtaining standard saplings.

Dozens of tree species are grown in the forest nurseries, including Crimean pine, juniper, oriental thuja, chestnut, oak, linden, ash, maple, poplar, elm, Japanese sophora, walnut, almond, rosehip, apple, apricot, plum, and cherry. A significant portion of the planting material is used both for reforestation and for greening settlements.

The special importance of the forestry enterprise is driven by its unique natural location. It spans six mountain ranges of the West Tien Shan — one of the most valuable natural regions in Central Asia. Around 1,800 plant species grow here, more than 80 of which are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In addition, about 230 animal species inhabit the territory, of which 32 species are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the International Red Book.

The critical ecological significance of the territory is also linked to its hydrological function. The Chatkal, Koksu, Pskem, and Ugam rivers flow through the forestry area and merge to form the Chirchik River — the primary source of drinking water supply for Tashkent and the Tashkent region.

Experts note that preserving a mature tree is often far more important than planting a new one. Fully formed forest ecosystems accumulate carbon for decades, regulate the microclimate, retain moisture, and prevent landslides and erosion, while providing a habitat for hundreds of animal and plant species.

Therefore, modern principles of sustainable forestry involve not only large-scale reforestation but also the maximum preservation of natural forest tracts, especially in mountainous areas where they perform vital water-retaining and soil-protective functions.

Forests as the Foundation of Regional Ecological Sustainability

The press tour demonstrated that modern forestry enterprises in Uzbekistan perform a significantly broader range of tasks than traditional reforestation. Today, they play an important role in preserving biodiversity, adapting to climate change, preventing soil erosion, and ensuring water security.

The development of nurseries, the introduction of modern technologies for growing planting material, and the expansion of protective forest plantation areas align with state ecological policy aimed at increasing the country's forest cover and restoring natural ecosystems.

The experience of the Burchmulla State Forestry Enterprise shows that preserving the unique natural complexes of the West Tien Shan has not only a conservationist but also a strategic significance for the sustainable development of Uzbekistan, providing the population with quality water resources, and increasing the ecological stability of the region.