Today, the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, held a large-scale clean-up campaign at the Tashkent Botanical Garden. The activity formed part of the EU’s annual global environmental diplomacy initiative – Green Diplomacy Weeks.

Each year, from September to the end of November, Green Diplomacy Weeks bring together EU Delegations worldwide and their partner countries to promote environmental diplomacy and raise awareness of global climate and biodiversity challenges. The campaign is implemented through public outreach activities, including awareness events, seminars, exhibitions, clean-ups, and discussions with youth, schools, universities, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and businesses.

In Uzbekistan, this year’s clean-up campaign at the Tashkent Botanical Garden brought together representatives of EU Member State Embassies, civil society organizations, volunteers, and young people, including school pupils and university students. The action aimed to support one of Tashkent’s most significant green spaces – home to more than 2,000 plant species, and to promote responsible environmental behaviour among visitors and the wider public.

Environmental protection begins with each of us – the citizens and guests of our cities – and depends on our daily choices. Keeping public spaces clean is a shared responsibility. While decisive action from governments, institutions, and communities is essential, the contribution of every individual is equally important. Through this joint effort, the European Union and Uzbekistan continued to strengthen their cooperation in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable development.

The EU Delegation expresses its gratitude to all participants and partners for their contribution to the success of the clean-up campaign and encourages the public to help keep urban recreational areas clean and well-maintained.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA