Center for State Ecological Expertise

The event was attended by a delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan headed by Gayrat Mukhamedov, Director of the State Environmental Expertise Center of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change.

For reference: The Espoo Convention is an international agreement developed by the UN Economic Commission for Europe. It was signed in 1991 in the Finnish city of Espoo and entered into force in 1997. In accordance with the Convention, an environmental impact assessment procedure must be carried out for potentially hazardous projects not only in the country where the project is implemented, but also in neighboring states that may be affected by its consequences. According to the Convention’s requirements, the assessment must be conducted at the earliest stages of planning.

At the meeting, the Uzbek side presented information on the environmental reforms being implemented in the country, the introduction of new EIA and SEA mechanisms, the digitalization of environmental processes, and the expansion of public participation. It was also emphasized that Uzbekistan is actively developing international cooperation.

During the event, participants discuss issues related to experience-sharing among countries, improving the effectiveness of environmental assessment in areas such as regional entrepreneurship, energy, climate, and biodiversity, enhancing mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the Convention and the Protocol, strengthening subregional cooperation among Central Asian countries, as well as the use of digital solutions and artificial intelligence technologies in environmental processes.

Special attention is given to the development of work plans for the upcoming period, the preparation of new methodological guidelines, and training programs.

Uzbekistan’s participation in this significant event provides an important opportunity to advance international cooperation, present national reforms, and exchange experience in the field of environmental protection.