At present, environmental issues are among the most pressing global challenges.

The analysis of the impact of projects, plans, and programs on the environment, as well as their environmental assessment, is of great importance in addressing these challenges. In this regard, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) serves as an important tool.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is an internationally recognized instrument that makes it possible to integrate environmental protection and public health considerations into the decision-making process.

SEA is aimed at comprehensive study, evaluation, and reduction of the negative impact of various economic and social activities on people and the environment. This process helps to minimize environmental damage through the early identification, analysis, and elimination of potential environmental consequences of projects.

SEA supports the goals of sustainable development and the transition to a “green” economy. It includes the following main stages:

1. Defining the objectives and scope of the project, identifying key issues and challenges.
2. Collecting and analyzing available information on the state of the environment.
3. Taking into account public opinion and proposals from stakeholders.
4. Identifying and assessing possible environmental consequences of project implementation.
5. Developing relevant changes and measures to reduce or prevent negative consequences.
6. Deciding whether to continue or terminate project implementation based on the results of the SEA.
7. Monitoring the project’s environmental impact during its implementation and making the necessary adjustments and recommendations.

There are three key international and regional documents concerning Strategic Environmental Assessment:

• The Espoo Convention;
• The Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment;
• The European Union Directive “On Strategic Environmental Assessment.”

To date, Uzbekistan has not ratified the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Espoo Convention. There is also no specific legislation regulating the issues of strategic environmental assessment.

The Center for State Ecological Expertise is making efforts to introduce the SEA into national legislation in line with international environmental protection standards.

• In this direction, a new draft law “On State Environmental Expertise, Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment” has been developed.
• In the draft law, Strategic Environmental Assessment is included in a separate chapter.
• The draft law was published for public discussion through the “Public Discussion of Draft Regulatory Legal Acts” portal, and proposals were received.
• The draft law was adopted by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis in the second reading and forwarded to the Senate. On December 5, 2024, it was considered by the Senate Committee on Agrarian and Water Management Issues and submitted for discussion at the Senate plenary session.

Currently, two pilot projects on Strategic Environmental Assessment are being implemented in the Republic:

• A pilot SEA project for the tourism development program in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region, in cooperation with the French Development Agency (AFD);
• A pilot SEA project for the “Forestry Development” program, in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

As part of the SEA project for the forestry system in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region, a consultative seminar was held on June 12, 2024, with the participation of GIZ. The seminar addressed the implementation of the SEA “Roadmap” for Uzbekistan’s forestry system for 2024–2025 and its final presentation.
Within the framework of the SEA project for the development of the tourism sector in Bostanlyk district, on February 21, March 14, May 23, June 27, and in August 2024, meetings were organized in Bostanlyk district and at the Center’s office with the participation of representatives from the French Development Agency (AFD), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Civitta International.

In addition, on August 15, 2024, a training seminar was organized as part of the project on screening, scoping, initial analysis and evaluation, ensuring the quality of SEA, as well as quality control, monitoring, and decision-making.

On November 27–28, 2024, in cooperation with the Center of State Environmental Expertise and GGGI, a training workshop was held for the Center’s staff on the topic “Conducting Strategic Environmental Assessment in Uzbekistan,” with a focus on interactive questions, answers, and discussions.

On December 13, 2024, a final seminar was held, dedicated to the work carried out within the framework of the SEA project in Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region, including the presentation of the prepared report. The seminar was organized by the Center of State Environmental Expertise, Civitta International, and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

During the seminar, a draft training manual on conducting SEA, developed based on the proposals of the Center of State Environmental Expertise (in Uzbek and English), was presented and distributed to participants.