National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation and agreed on preparations for signing a Roadmap on Cooperation in Environmental Protection and Forestry for 2026–2030. The document will cover a wide range of areas, including the exchange of experience in forest legislation, the development of nut, pistachio and olive crops, implementation of international environmental conventions and the organization of joint scientific and practical conferences and workshops, as well as cooperation in forest fire prevention and pest control. Under the Roadmap, the parties plan to jointly develop project proposals for international donors, study the impacts of climate change—particularly in the drying Aral Sea region—share experience in the conservation of medicinal plants, and develop hunting management, environmental education and ecotourism initiatives. The Roadmap also envisages allocating grant-funded places for Turkmen students at the Green University and training them at Uzbek higher-education institutions in environmental specialties.

Special attention was given to the potential for cooperation on conserving wild populations of ferula: the parties are considering Turkmenistan’s assistance in supplying seed or planting material for restoration and research purposes. Taking into account Uzbekistan’s national programs, a joint pilot project to cultivate ferula in the Surkhandarya region was proposed. The parties also expressed readiness to expand joint research on combating desertification, increasing areas planted with drought-tolerant species, establishing a shared nursery and developing “desert agroforestry” initiatives.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the draft Samarkand Declaration and the Action Plan for regional cooperation for 2026–2032 on the sustainable use of wild fauna and flora resources. It was noted that the Samarkand Declaration is planned to be signed at CITES CoP20.

Both sides emphasized the importance of a coordinated regional nature-conservation agenda and expressed their readiness to continue working to strengthen partnership aimed at sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration and enhancing the region’s natural potential. The parties agreed to maintain regular dialogue and to intensify practical cooperation across all agreed areas.