Issues of increasing cooperation with the head of FAO were discussed

At the meeting, the parties discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation, the implementation of joint existing projects, and preparations for the launch of new ones. In particular, the development of the national food waste reduction program (food waste) and its implementation in the educational program, the implementation of the regional program "Interconnection of Water and Land Resources in Central Asia" (CAWLN) for a total of $26 million in grant funds, a new grant project to combat pesticides and chemicals, etc.

The Minister highlighted the activities of FAO in the field of environmental education and public awareness in this area.

"FAO has supported the preparation of the National State of the Environment Report, a comprehensive document that provides insight into current environmental trends in agriculture, forestry, and other sectors. We also jointly published a guide on reducing food waste and held an exhibition to raise awareness of this important issue", said A. Abdukhakimov at the meeting.

The parties also discussed the organization of a sub-regional group with the participation of all Central Asian countries under the leadership of Uzbekistan in attracting additional funds from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached on expanding cooperation in monitoring land degradation, combating desertification and dust storms, phasing out heavy chemicals and pesticides in agriculture, promoting environmentally friendly farming methods, and introducing the FAO concept of food waste management into preschool and school curriculums.