Additional measures in environmental protection reviewed
On April 30, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining proposals to protect the environment, ensure ecological sustainability, improve the waste management system, and develop protected natural areas.
In recent years, large-scale efforts have been undertaken in the country to protect the environment, ensure the rational use of natural resources, introduce the principles of a green economy, and enhance environmental awareness. At the same time, the rapid development of industry, construction, transportation, and communal sectors requires strict control of factors affecting nature and stronger compliance with environmental requirements.
During the presentation, ecological violations were analyzed. As noted, more than 47,000 administrative offenses were identified in 2024, and their number exceeded 59,000 in 2025. Due to the disproportionate fines under current regulations relative to the environmental damage caused, it is more advantageous for some enterprises to continue their activities by paying fines rather than eliminating violations.
In this regard, it was proposed to revise financial sanctions against legal entities to ensure they are proportionate to the damage inflicted on nature and to align them with norms used in international practice. In particular, it is planned to introduce effective financial liability measures for the illegal extraction of non-metallic materials from riverbeds, pollution of water resources, illegal cutting of trees and shrubs, exceeding permissible atmospheric emission levels, allowing dust and sand particles to rise from construction sites, and burning waste in unauthorized places.
Thus, it was proposed to consolidate the administrative fine and compensation payments for environmental damage into a single financial sanction, and to introduce a practice under which, in cases where an enterprise admits guilt, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change will have the authority to impose sanctions independently, while disputes will be considered and resolved through judicial procedures.
During the presentation, proposals were also reviewed to restore the Ugam River’s natural balance and preserve its unique natural heritage.
The Ugam River and its basin are among the important ecological areas within the Ugam-Chatkal National Natural Park. Dozens of rare species of flora and fauna inhabit this area, including those listed in the Red Book. In addition, the river plays a significant role in the water supply of the Chirchiq River basin.
According to recent studies, the Ugam River has experienced decreased water flow and increased factors affecting water quality. This situation threatens bank erosion, negatively impacts aquatic fauna and plant life, and increases the risk of biodiversity loss.
In this regard, it was proposed to designate the Ugam River and its adjacent territories as a state hydrological natural monument and to restrict construction and earthworks in coastal and water-protection zones that affect the natural hydrological system. In addition, tasks have been set to inventory facilities in water protection zones and assess their impact on water quality and biofauna. The issue of terminating or relocating activities that do not comply with environmental requirements will be considered.
In addition, the development of a master plan, “Improvement of the Ugam River Ecosystem”, is intended to support the sustainable development of the river’s hydrological and ecological conditions. To prevent land degradation in coastal and water protection zones, tree and shrub planting is planned.
Work in the field of waste management was also analyzed in detail. In 2025, the coverage of sanitary cleaning services across mahallas reached 88 percent. The sector was equipped with specialized machinery, motor scooters, and containers. The areas surrounding 132 landfills were improved, and operations at 47 landfills were discontinued.
In the current year, service coverage is planned to increase to 90 percent through the supply of additional specialized equipment and containers for sanitary cleaning enterprises, as well as the reclamation of 18 landfills. By 2030, the number of landfills is expected to be reduced by 50 percent.
The importance of reducing logistics costs, increasing sorting and recycling volumes, and decreasing the burden on landfills by constructing waste transfer stations was emphasized. In 2026, 28 such stations are planned, and by 2030, 70.
Information was also provided on the progress of major investment projects to generate electricity by incinerating household waste. In Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent regions, construction of six plants valued at $933 million is underway. After commissioning, the plants are expected to process 3.6 million tons of solid household waste annually and generate 1.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. Instructions were given to begin preparations for the next stage – the construction of five additional plants worth $633 million.
It was proposed to create the first integrated platform for hazardous waste management in the CIS. Within the framework of this investment project, planned for implementation in Navoi region, it is envisaged to introduce a system for the laboratory classification of hazardous waste, implement physical-chemical and thermal processing, establish a specialized landfill, and produce RDF fuel from waste.
The project will cost $260 million and will create capacity to process 330,000 tons of hazardous waste per year. Its implementation will contribute to environmental sustainability, introduce new standards and advanced technologies, and develop the region’s human resources potential.
As noted, the volume of construction waste rose from 1.2 million tons in 2017 to 1.9 million tons by 2025.
In this regard, it was proposed to create a digital platform that provides full control over construction waste – from its generation to disposal – tracks waste movement in real time using GPS, and organizes sorting and recycling complexes at landfills.
It is also planned to introduce a mandatory requirement to meet waste disposal contract conditions upon the commissioning of construction facilities. In addition, it is planned to identify cases of illegal waste disposal through photo and video recording and to strengthen liability measures for such violations.
The projects to develop protected natural areas and preserve unique flora and fauna were also reviewed during the presentation. In particular, plans include strengthening the protection of the “Yazyavan” natural monument, which is part of the Fergana National Natural Park, establishing a dendrological garden, and enhancing monitoring through observation towers, specialized drones, and digital monitoring systems.
Plans include establishing a visitor center in this area, developing pedestrian tourist routes, creating birdwatching sites, and establishing photo zones and panoramic viewpoints. In addition, scientific and educational excursions are planned.
Proposals were also reviewed to create facilities within the “Ovjazsay – Sinegorye” National Natural Park to support ecotourism development. Particular attention within this initiative will be given to developing convenient infrastructure for tourists while carefully preserving natural landscapes and mountain ecosystems.
During the presentation, issues related to preparations for the ECO EXPO Central Asia 2026 and the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility, both to be held in Samarkand this year, were also discussed.
The Global Environment Facility is a major international financial institution that unites 186 member countries. Uzbekistan joined in 1995. Hosting the Assembly in Samarkand will mark the first major environmental forum of this scale in Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The event is expected to bring together 2,500 participants from 186 countries, 40 donor countries, more than 50 leading environmental organizations, and international experts.
The ECO EXPO Central Asia 2026 will help expand cooperation among the domestic industry, hokimiyats, international financial institutions, suppliers of innovative green technologies, and investors.
The Head of State approved the proposals presented and issued specific instructions to strengthen control and accountability in environmental protection, introduce modern waste management systems, preserve water resources and biodiversity, and develop protected natural areas on a scientific basis.
UzA
