BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 22. Uzbekistan
plans to cut the carbon intensity of its GDP by 50% by 2035 from
2010 levels and is planting more than 200 million trees and shrubs
annually as part of its environmental policy, Deputy Chairman of
the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change Iskandar
Kutbiddinov said at a CIS environmental meeting in Tashkent on
Sept. 18.
This was reflected in the statement by the National Committee on
Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, following the 12th
meeting of the Interstate Council for Environmental Protection of
CIS member states.
Uzbekistan is also seeking to expand environmental cooperation
with other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries,
focusing on waste management, climate change, digital technologies
and sustainable development.
Kutbiddinov highlighted the significance of Uzbekistan’s
accession to the Agreement on Cooperation among CIS Member States
in Environmental Protection, saying the move creates new
opportunities for the country to deepen its participation in
regional environmental initiatives and develop joint projects.
“Today, states face common challenges related to environmental
protection, the sustainable use of natural resources, combating
climate change, waste management and the development of a circular
economy,” Kutbiddinov said.
He added that Uzbekistan supports practical cooperation in areas
including waste recycling and the adoption of circular economy
principles, the use of digital technologies and modern
environmental solutions, improving environmental awareness, jointly
addressing the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable
development.
The meeting also highlighted environmental reforms being
implemented in Uzbekistan, including nationwide initiatives such as
“Yashil Makon” (Green Space), “Zero Waste Territory,” “Clean Air,”
“Environmental Culture” and “Biological Heritage.”
Under the Yashil Makon initiative, more than 200 million tree
and shrub seedlings are planted across the country each year. The
program also focuses on greening the dried seabed of the Aral Sea
and restoring degraded land.
Protected natural areas currently account for 15.7% of
Uzbekistan’s territory. Under its updated climate policy,
Uzbekistan’s NDC 3.0 sets a target of reducing the carbon intensity
of GDP by 50% by 2035 compared with 2010 levels.
Participants also exchanged information and experience on
ecosystem services, environmental impact assessments and ecological
expertise, the establishment and management of transboundary
protected areas, and the protection and restoration of water
resources.
The meeting outlined further areas for cooperation among CIS
countries on environmental protection and climate-related
issues.
