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

In particular, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and the KFS signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in digital forest restoration and climate action. Under the memorandum, the implementation of a major joint project to restore land in the Aral Sea region and combat desertification was identified as a priority. The project will draw on the experience of the Korea–Mongolia Greenbelt initiative. The parties also agreed to develop a Roadmap for Cooperation for 2027–2029 and to cooperate with relevant Korean organizations under Uzbekistan’s programme to establish 27 botanical and dendrological gardens.

During the meeting with AFoCO, specific steps were outlined to complete Uzbekistan’s accession process to the organization and launch joint projects. In particular, the implementation of the Uzbekistan–AFoCO–KT&G “Green Globe Project Uzbekistan Pine Forest” is planned in the Fergana Region for 2027–2029, with funding from the Republic of Korea. In addition, three new projects will be developed focusing on high-tech nurseries, the modernization of an in vitro laboratory, carbon projects, and the commercialization of drought-resistant crops. A joint application to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) will also be prepared to support the large-scale restoration of landscapes in the Aral Sea region.

In addition, a memorandum of cooperation was signed with the KNPS on the management of protected natural areas, biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, and environmental education. The establishment of a model “Uzbekistan–Korea” national park was identified as the first pilot project. The parties also reached agreements on the establishment of a modern visitor centre, a mountain ranger and search-and-rescue service, the provision of national parks with modern equipment, and the creation of a unified digital monitoring centre for protected natural areas.

For reference: Aziz Abduhakimov also participated in the Korea–Central Asia Ministerial Forum on Forests and Climate and the Ministerial Dialogue held in the Republic of Korea. During these events, Uzbekistan put forward new initiatives to promote “green” cooperation in Central Asia.