10-07-202646
The "Yashil Makon" ("Green Space") national project, being implemented in Uzbekistan in the field of environmental protection, is today beginning to bear fruit. The establishment of the National Arboretum at the initiative of Head of State Shavkat Mirziyoyev has become a significant step towards transforming the country into a green nation. The increase in the republic's greenery coverage from 8 to 14.2 percent over recent years demonstrates the effectiveness of these commendable efforts.
The creation of 256,000 hectares of new forest areas in mountainous, desert, and foothill zones has laid an important foundation for the restoration of biodiversity across the regions. These results are the outcome of consistently pursued reforms: in the past year alone, modern nurseries with a capacity of 5.5 million seedlings per year were commissioned in districts such as Khojeli, Yangibozor, and Akhangaran.
Drawing on Chinese experience, the establishment of the first drought-resistant halophyte gardens across 50 hectares in districts such as Arnasoy, Karakul, and Nukus has initiated a new phase in the fight against soil salinisation. According to plans for 2026, more than 75 million tree and shrub seedlings have been planted under the "I Also Plant a Tree" initiative, reflecting the growing ecological awareness within our society.
Within the framework of the priority objectives set out in the "Uzbekistan — 2030" strategy and the new phase of the "Yashil Makon" national project, ambitious milestones have been established to bring the country's overall greenery coverage to 30 percent and per capita green space to 10 square metres. To this end, a 10,000-hectare "green space" will be created in Surkhandarya, and an 84-kilometre "green wall" will be established in Sirdarya. New forest areas are planned for Karakalpakstan at 1 million hectares, and for Navoi and Bukhara at 300,000 hectares each.
A significant aspect of these reforms is that a scientific approach and broader public participation are now being increasingly integrated into the sector. Starting from the current year, "green" technical colleges will be established in every region, with an annual training capacity of 10,000 specialists. The increase in project financing under the "My Garden" programme to over 400 million soums is intended to support the active involvement of the population in improving their local living environments.
In conclusion, it can be stated with confidence that every seedling planted today with good intention represents not only clean air and a healthy environment, but also the most valuable legacy being left for future generations.
Press Service of the Centre for Sustainable Development