On the sidelines of the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Samarkand, a meeting was held between Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Agency for Increasing Forests and Green Areas and Combating Desertification under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Yasuaki Nagaishi, Executive Vice President of the Japanese Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA).
During the meeting, Erkin Mukhitdinov briefed the delegation on Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to expand green areas, prevent desertification and establish new forest plantations aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Following the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in forest restoration and sustainable natural resource management.
Under the agreement, the parties will jointly implement activities focused on the establishment and protection of new forest areas as well as the promotion of sustainable forest management practices.
Particular attention will be given to the creation of green cover in arid and degraded regions of the country to prevent desertification, improve land conditions and enhance air quality. These initiatives will be implemented with the participation of Japanese experts and based on international best practices.
The memorandum also provides for cooperation in nursery development and joint efforts to adapt seeds of rare tree species to local climatic conditions.
In addition, the parties agreed to expand scientific and technical cooperation through knowledge exchange in the forestry sector and the organization of joint seminars, training programmes, educational courses and forums.
The signing of the memorandum marks an important step toward strengthening international cooperation on land restoration, combating desertification and promoting sustainable forest management.
📍 Source: National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan
