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

The National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a seminar to discuss the draft of Uzbekistan's new Environmental Code.
The event was attended by Iskandar Qutbiddinov, Deputy Chairperson of the National Committee; Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan; members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis; and representatives of the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), government agencies and international organisations.

Speaking at the seminar, Iskandar Qutbiddinov emphasised the importance of drawing on international experience and taking expert recommendations into account in developing the draft Code. UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii, in turn, noted that economic development and environmental protection are closely interlinked.

The new Code is intended to consolidate the existing environmental legislation into a unified legal framework, promote the rational use of natural resources and improve environmental protection mechanisms. It is also expected to provide an important legal foundation for Uzbekistan to fulfil its international environmental commitments and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

During the discussions, participants reviewed international practices in biodiversity conservation, reducing adverse impacts on natural ecosystems, compensating for environmental damage and restoring natural areas. Representatives of international organisations also shared their proposals and recommendations.

It is worth noting that almost all the recommendations previously submitted by UNDP have already been incorporated into the draft Code. The document will now be further refined in light of the proposals put forward during the seminar. The adoption of the new Environmental Code will mark an important step towards modernising environmental governance in Uzbekistan, safeguarding the country's natural wealth and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.