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

The first cooperation agreement was signed by Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Forestry Agency, and Wu Xiaorui, Head of the Forestry and Grassland Administration of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. The agreement provides for the implementation of joint projects aimed at increasing regional greening through the establishment of protective forest plantations, the development of modern nurseries and mother plantations, and the promotion of sustainable forestry and green industries. In addition, the parties intend to cooperate in the rational use of water resources, the restoration of degraded lands, the prevention of soil salinization and the gradual strengthening of ecosystems.

During the meeting, particular attention was given to the systematic implementation of joint projects, the engagement of specialized experts and the effective utilization of available financing opportunities.

The second cooperation agreement was concluded between Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Forestry Agency and Chen Lin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chinese company "Yinchuan Wolsenn Modern Irrigation Co., Ltd".

Under the agreement, the Chinese side will supply Uzbekistan with water-saving irrigation technologies, including a demonstration fertigation system and will organize regular training programmes for local specialists in the operation of these technologies. Of particular importance is the fact that the introduction of advanced Chinese technologies will significantly enhance the effectiveness of afforestation initiatives and desertification control efforts in the country.

According to experts, fertigation is a process in which irrigation water and mineral fertilizers required by plants are delivered simultaneously and directly to the root zone through a single integrated system. This modern agricultural technology is typically used in conjunction with drip irrigation systems. As a result, nutrients are delivered directly to plant roots, fertilizer consumption is reduced by 20–50 per cent, and fertilization and irrigation processes are automated within a single technological cycle, significantly reducing labour requirements.

For reference: During 2025, the Forestry Agency, in cooperation with Chinese partners, implemented a number of effective projects. In particular, halophyte plant nurseries were established in five districts of the country: Arnasay, Karmana, Mubarek, Karakul and Nukus. A total of 1,400 tonnes of halophyte seeds were imported from China to Uzbekistan and work on growing seedlings from these seeds is already underway.

Furthermore, beginning this year, pistachio plantations covering an area of 5,000 hectares are being established in Surkhandarya Region under the joint project “Development of Carbon-Sequestering Forestry and Ecosystem Restoration” implemented by the Forestry Agency and the Chinese company "Sinoway Forest".