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

One of the key items on the agenda was the implementation of the nationwide Clean Air project. Participants were briefed on measures to reduce emissions from industrial facilities and motor vehicles, upgrade equipment and reduce dust pollution. In particular, equipment at 126 enterprises across the country has been fully modernised and 5,500 bag filters have been replaced. In Tashkent, 1,159 dust and gas treatment units have been installed at 554 enterprises. More than 2.2 million vehicles have received environmental stickers. Efforts are also ongoing to expand green spaces, restore the network of irrigation canals (aryks) and ensure the regular watering of roads.

Particular attention was paid to biodiversity conservation and the expansion of protected natural areas. According to the data presented, the share of Uzbekistan’s territory designated as protected natural areas increased from 4.64 per cent in 2017 to 15.7 per cent in 2026, bringing their total area to more than 7 million hectares. The meeting also reviewed the results of environmental compliance monitoring, international cooperation and measures to promote ecotourism.

Presenting an update on the development of hunting reserves and eco-territories, representatives noted that the relevant department oversees 10 state forestry and hunting enterprises covering a combined area of approximately 3.9 million hectares. During the reporting period, 283 operational enforcement raids were conducted. In addition, 5,943 houbara bustards, a species listed in Uzbekistan’s Red Book, were released into their natural habitats. Efforts to digitalise the sector through the Hunteruzb platform are also continuing.

The meeting also reviewed progress in expanding forest areas and green spaces and combating desertification. Over the first nine months of 2026, new forest establishment and forest restoration activities were carried out across 199,000 hectares. Under the "Yashil Makon" (Green Space) nationwide project, 81.4 million trees and shrubs were planted, equivalent to 108 per cent of the target.

Particular emphasis was also placed on attracting international investment and implementing joint projects. In Surkhandarya Region, 3,500 hectares of pistachio plantations have been established, and a memorandum of understanding has been signed on the establishment of forest plantations covering 50,000 hectares.

In the concluding part of the meeting, members of the Public Council discussed the reports presented, raised questions and put forward proposals, as well as considered recommendations for further improving work across the areas under review.

The Public Council’s activities are aimed at strengthening cooperation between government bodies, the expert community and the public, while enhancing the effectiveness of public participation in the implementation of the country’s environmental policy.