The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with UNDP, is working on sustainable development and environmental conservation within the framework of six current and eight new projects.

During the recent meeting between Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan, Ms. Akiko Fujii, the results of interaction and prospects for further cooperation were discussed.

The parties signed two agreements, including one marking the beginning of the eighth phase of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program. This program will provide technical and financial assistance to support the implementation of new national biodiversity conservation goals and promote the involvement of local communities, representatives of civil society, and academia in the restoration of ecosystems and endangered species.

Another project is to continue joint actions supporting the national project “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) with the financial support of the UNHCR in cooperation with the UNECE. The project will help the government to develop a master plan based on forecasts of the achievement of planned goals and taking into account the survival rate of planted trees. The existing information platform for monitoring the “Yashil Makon” initiative will also be examined, and the need for improvement will be identified.

The Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov informed about the creation of the Climate Council under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which will become the highest advisory body to the Head of State on mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

UzA