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

The event was attended by Minister of Ecology and Environmental Protection Aziz Abdukhakimov, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii, Deputy Representative for Central Asia of UNHCR Dumitru Lipcanu, Chief of the joint ECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section, Forests, Land, and Housing Division of the UNECE Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab, and representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and its subordinate organizations.

In his welcoming speech at the opening of the seminar, A. Abdukhakimov noted the strategic importance of developing a master plan for the implementation of the national "Yashil Makon" project. 

"In order to effectively and successfully implement our efforts within the framework of the Yashil Makon project, we need to improve our knowledge and skills. At the same time, the support and experience of international partners are of particular importance. The development of a comprehensive and clearly targeted master plan is one of the most urgent tasks for the successful implementation of the project. The master plan not only clearly guides the activities of the initiative and sets tasks for all its participants, but also serves as a strategic roadmap for the development of new financial mechanisms based on foreign experience and the achievement of our common goals", said the minister.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the strategic direction and expected results of the project aimed at promoting sustainable development through the implementation of the "Yashil Makon" initiative. The project provides for the development of a master plan, the introduction of innovative financial solutions, and the creation of new sources of income for the population.

"Support for the "Yashil Makon" initiative is central to the UN's cooperation with the government of Uzbekistan. We are confident that through joint efforts, this initiative will set a benchmark for greening and sustainable development throughout the region. This is a significant contribution to the global sustainable development agenda, and we are proud to be a part of this process", said Akiko Fujii during the opening ceremony.

The project will use innovative approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability and optimization of the Yashil Makon initiative. During the event, pilot plots for afforestation in the Surkhandarya region, as well as plots for the creation of plant nurseries, which will serve as the basis for the restoration of green areas, were presented.

"According to the project, the master plan will specify which trees and on which territory should be planted, which seedlings are resistant to drought, climatic conditions of the region, salty soil, and other factors. We will also create nurseries in the Surkhandarya region in order to employ needy and low-income families. In addition, it is planned to further improve the platform of the Yashil Makon project", said Olim Hakimov, Head of the Department of Forest Policy, Biodiversity, and Ecotourism of the Ministry of Ecology. 

Also during the seminar, participants discussed innovative approaches to using rainwater to create green spaces (parks) in cities and desert areas.

At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed confidence that the implementation of the "Yashil Makon" initiative would be an important step in solving global environmental problems and would contribute to improving the environmental situation not only in Uzbekistan but also in the region.

The master plan of the project and new financial solutions based on international experience will ensure the sustainability of the initiative and create the basis for the long-term development of green infrastructure.