10-07-202646
Today, mitigating the consequences of climate change and making rational use of natural resources rank among the foremost priorities of state policy worldwide. In this domain, Uzbekistan has achieved significant practical results. In particular, a systematic set of measures is being implemented to improve the state of the environment. Within the framework of the nationwide project "Yashil Makon" ("Green Space"), launched to ensure ecological sustainability across the region, a system of planting 200 million trees annually has been established. Furthermore, on the initiative of Uzbekistan, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a special resolution declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies. As a result, green cover has been established across more than 1.5 million hectares on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. At the same time, the problems of rising temperatures and water scarcity recorded in UN reports on Central Asia demonstrate the continuing need to consolidate these achievements and to combat existing threats in a systematic manner.
Turning to the question of legal and social responsibility in this area, the right of the population to live in an environment that meets international air quality standards, as well as the right to access clean drinking water, is enshrined not only in national legislation but is also firmly recognised at the global level. The practical situation, however, is considerably more complex: 80 percent of Uzbekistan's water resources depend on external sources, and the declining flow of transboundary rivers makes the deepening of regional cooperation an urgent and vital necessity. This, in turn, requires the introduction of new and effective mechanisms for the joint management of water resources and the assurance of ecological security.
Specific norms aimed at improving air quality and managing waste are also in place. The fact that transport accounts for 63 percent of air pollution, combined with the low level of waste recycling, underscores the need to strengthen ecological infrastructure. Addressing challenges such as the 93 percent reduction in the volume of the Aral Sea and land degradation serves to protect the national economy and food security.
Preventing an ecological crisis is not merely a natural process — it is equally a matter of reforming the governance system. In this process, it is of critical importance to ensure alignment with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). To this end, the state is implementing dedicated measures to expand transboundary water cooperation and to introduce green technologies.
In conclusion, improving the ecological governance system is not solely a sectoral task — it is one of the fundamental factors shaping the country's future. For in a society where natural resources are protected and ecological sustainability is assured, the prospects for prosperity and development grow ever greater.
Madinabonu Sharifova Chief Specialist, Centre for Sustainable Development