WNAM REPORT: In recent years, Uzbekistan has been steadily implementing an ambitious environmental agenda, positioning itself as a regional leader in addressing key green challenges in Central Asia. This strategic direction is rooted in the initiatives of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at restoring the Aral Sea ecosystem, transitioning to green energy, strengthening water diplomacy, actively engaging in international climate forums, and promoting environmental education among youth.
One of the country’s foremost environmental priorities is the rehabilitation of the desertified territories of the Aral Sea region. The Aral Sea crisis, triggered by unsustainable irrigation practices, has devastated the area, making its resolution a top priority. At Uzbekistan’s initiative, the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region was established in 2018. This fund brings together the efforts of states and international partners to coordinate projects that mitigate the consequences of the environmental and humanitarian disaster. Within a short time, the fund mobilized over $26.1 million (in 2019-2020), with contributions from the governments of Uzbekistan, Norway, Finland, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the UAE, and the European Union. Under the fund’s framework, projects are being implemented to improve healthcare, expand access to drinking water, promote sustainable agriculture, and support reforestation efforts.
At the national level, Uzbekistan established the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Region in 2018, tasked with introducing green technologies to the dried seabed. The center conducts experimental plantings of salt-tolerant species such as saxaul, tamarisk, and wild plum while attracting investment. One of its notable initiatives is the crowdfunding platform “My Garden in the Aral Sea”, which allows individuals to contribute to tree planting on the former seabed – just one dollar per seedling. The goal is to plant 100,000 trees by the end of the year. At the same time, the scope of the national “Green Zone” program is expanding, with plans to plant 1 billion trees. Over 2 million hectares of saline land in the Aral Sea region have been rehabilitated, significantly reducing air pollution from harmful particles.
