The event brought together representatives of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the General Directorate for Combating Desertification and Erosion of the Republic of Türkiye, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Bank, the China–Central Asia Desertification Control Centre, and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).

Particular attention was paid to the role of forests in regulating global temperatures, stabilising climatic conditions and advancing nature-based solutions. Participants explored opportunities to restore degraded land and transform it into sustainable natural carbon sinks.

The expert discussions addressed innovative financing mechanisms for forest restoration, the development of green finance, the use of satellite technologies to monitor ecosystem conditions, and ways to strengthen policy and institutional frameworks in this field.

The role of local communities in restoring forest and arid ecosystems was another key focus of the discussion. Participants emphasised the importance of bringing together international efforts, scientific expertise and practical initiatives to enhance carbon sequestration while protecting vulnerable natural areas.

The event identified opportunities to strengthen regional and international cooperation in forest restoration financing, satellite monitoring and the integration of environmental priorities into public policy. Participants also outlined areas for developing practical recommendations on restoring degraded land and expanding local communities’ involvement in environmental protection activities.