The Charvak Reservoir is an area renowned for its picturesque nature, clean air, and favorable conditions for recreation. It is located at the foot of the Western Tian Shan, 60 kilometers from Tashkent.

This reservoir was constructed in the 1970s for water storage, irrigation, electricity generation, and recreational purposes. Its volume is approximately two cubic kilometers.

The news about the construction of the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan resort complex on the shore of the Charvak Reservoir quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion.

As is well known, the expansion of international relations and the development of infrastructure are contributing to the country’s growing tourism potential. Bostanlyk district is considered one of the most promising areas for tourism. Thanks to the Charvak Reservoir, picturesque mountain landscapes, and green zones, it offers year-round recreational opportunities.

Such conditions are also attracting foreign investors.

For instance, Azerbaijani entrepreneur Emin Agalarov and several major investment companies have expressed their readiness to build an international tourist center, Sea Breeze Uzbekistan, on the shore of the Charvak Reservoir.

It is noted that the project is planned to cover an area of 577 hectares, with the initial phase encompassing 100 hectares.

On July 8-9, 2025, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change organized a press tour to the Republic of Azerbaijan. As part of the tour, the project’s founder, Mr. Agalarov, held a meeting with media representatives in Baku.

According to the entrepreneur, a council comprising local and international experts will be established to implement the project in Uzbekistan. Each of the discussed issues will undergo expert review, and the results will be publicly announced. The project envisions the creation of a zone for recreation, water activities, and sports. Stores of well-known global brands, restaurants, and service facilities will be opened. The site is also expected to host various festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. A bridge will be built connecting the two shores.

“I want Sea Breeze to become the best environmental project in any country – in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Montenegro, and Kazakhstan”, said Emin Agalarov. “All the facilities to be built must be designed in accordance with established regulatory requirements and bring economic, social, and environmental benefits to the region. I have read online reviews and comments from residents of Uzbekistan about this project. According to many, the implementation of a new project at Charvak may pollute the water, posing a serious threat to the region. Regarding this matter, I would like to emphasize the following: In Azerbaijan, every stage of the Sea Breeze construction process undergoes an environmental assessment. Regular analyses of water and soil are conducted, and all engineering systems are continuously monitored. In 2024, the resort was connected to a centralized sewage system, which also covered a 50-kilometer coastal zone and surrounding areas. Previously, over 100 local wastewater treatment units were used in this area. Today, drinking water is supplied from centralized sources, and wastewater is discharged through modern collectors, which prevents water contamination. Thanks to a systematic approach and the development of environmental infrastructure, the beaches of Sea Breeze have been recognized as some of the cleanest on Azerbaijan’s coastline”.

One of the key features of the Sea Breeze project is the placement of the construction line 400-500 meters away from the shoreline, which helps preserve a large portion of the coastal zone for public use. A similar approach is planned for implementation at Charvak. The area currently faces challenges related to unregulated construction, the absence of centralized sewage systems, and inadequate waste collection, all of which directly impact water quality. Sea Breeze proposes the construction of a unified circular collector system in Uzbekistan, designed to collect and treat wastewater from the entire coastal zone. This solution is intended not only to meet the needs of the resort but also to improve the region’s environmental conditions significantly. The project in Uzbekistan will be implemented in accordance with international principles of ecological responsibility.

What do Uzbekistan experts think about the project?

“The discussions regarding the construction of the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan resort complex on the shore of the Charvak Reservoir are a matter of concern for us as well”, said Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change. “The protection of the environment and natural resources is not only the responsibility of government agencies but of every citizen. The project proposed by Mr. Agalarov is a well-conceived business plan. At the same time, it is noted that the complex will also help address existing environmental issues. Sea Breeze Uzbekistan will be built at a distance of no less than 500 meters from the reservoir’s shores. Green zones will be established. The project initiator has confirmed his readiness to follow the recommendations of both international and local experts at every stage of the project’s implementation. I can say that, in terms of protecting water resources, it is critically important to obtain a qualified expert opinion that assesses all the benefits and potential risks of the project. Throughout the implementation process, international experts will be involved in evaluation and monitoring, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage”.

According to industry experts, if the project is implemented in full compliance with environmental standards, it could become a model for green tourism and sustainable development in Central Asia.

A model of sustainable territorial zoning will be introduced on the site. Measures are planned to preserve and restore ecological balance, including the inventory, transplantation, and planting of trees, as well as the creation of new green corridors in accordance with the principles of environmental sustainability.

The project will utilize environmentally certified construction materials and energy-efficient technologies suited to the region’s landscape and climate. Publicly accessible spaces will be developed, including ecological trails, boulevards, and waterfront areas. The beaches will be divided into free and paid zones, both of which will be fully equipped and maintained to modern standards. The resort’s shoreline will span 5.5 kilometers of the 95-kilometer Charvak coastal area.

According to the entrepreneur, all waste generated during the resort’s construction will be collected and disposed of by specialized companies.

The new project will undergo an environmental assessment in accordance with Uzbekistan’s legislation. Construction will commence only after all necessary permitting procedures have been completed.

Muhayyo Toshqorayeva, UzA

Baku, Azerbaijan