Issues of international сooperation in forestry development discussed
2025-01-27 15:00:00 / News
In his opening remarks, Aziz Abduhakimov highlighted the positive changes taking place in forest conservation, driven by the President’s initiative. However, he also criticized ongoing shortcomings in the sector, emphasizing the need for improvement.
The first day of the seminar featured discussions and presentations on reforestation, with contributions from Zinoviy Novitsky, Head of the Laboratory of the Forestry Research Institute and Doctor of Agricultural Sciences and Ahmet Yalvach, an international expert from Turkey.
On the second day, a seminar titled "Further Development of International Cooperation in Forestry" was held. The event underscored the importance of international partnerships in advancing forestry initiatives, utilizing global expertise and leveraging foreign resources.
Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Forestry Agency, highlighted the significance of projects supported by the World Bank, smart forestry initiatives implemented in collaboration with KOICA, and sustainable forest and pasture management projects financed by FAO. These efforts, he noted, are vital steps toward improving Uzbekistan’s environmental conditions and optimizing the management of natural resources.
World Bank specialist Asferaciu Abate stressed that the projects underway in Uzbekistan offer tremendous opportunities not only for conserving nature but also for improving the living standards of the population.
The World Bank project "Sustainable Landscapes for Sustainable Livelihoods in Uzbekistan" focuses on forestry development and landscape restoration. Its key initiatives include institutional strengthening of forestry, digital forest monitoring, income generation for rural residents through forestry activities, cultivation of medicinal plants, development of value chains and other important objectives.
The seminar also covered details of a project to be implemented from 2024 to 2028 under the initiative of KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency). The project encompasses reforestation using smart technologies, construction of six smart greenhouses, cultivation of 1.7 million pistachio seedlings, and establishment of a pistachio research station on a 5-hectare area. It also includes urban greening initiatives and the construction of specialized tree nurseries on another 5-hectare area to grow seedlings adapted to urban conditions and plant 300,000 trees. KOICA specialist Yoon Daegsun explained that the project aims to enhance the environment and create more livable conditions for local communities.
During the seminar, the memorandum to further strengthen cooperation between the Forestry Agency and the Ministry of Emergency Situations was signed.
FAO Chief Technical Advisor Narimon Nishonov added that the joint project on sustainable forest and pasture management seeks to help Uzbekistan adapt to climate change and use its natural resources more efficiently.