Samarkand hosted a key meeting of the Steering Committee of the joint project between the Government of Uzbekistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), marking an important step forward in efforts to advance sustainable natural resource management. During the session, the parties presented the current phase of the project “Sustainable Forest and Rangeland Management in Dryland Ecosystems of Uzbekistan” and held an official ceremony to sign an Operational Partnership Agreement, reinforcing coordinated action and long-term cooperation.
Participants emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative for safeguarding the country’s ecosystems and supporting Uzbekistan’s commitments to achieving LDN—Land Degradation Neutrality. Representatives of FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agency for Afforestation and Expansion of Green Areas, operating under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, contributed to the discussions.
Uzbekistan has demonstrated consistent progress in maintaining soil fertility and combating land degradation. Baseline indicators for LDN were established in 2019 through internationally recognized methodologies. The project discussed in Samarkand aims to strengthen these national efforts by introducing modern monitoring tools, including real-time land condition assessment, evaluation of restoration measures and informed planning based on measurable indicators. Pilot interventions in the Jondor district of Bukhara region and Nurata district of Navoi region are already testing advanced approaches to landscape restoration and rangeland productivity improvement.
The meeting reviewed the project’s progress, assessed existing challenges and outlined the next stages of implementation. A significant decision was the approval of a no-cost extension, enabling the continuation of activities without additional funding, while ensuring full achievement of project objectives.
The signing of the Operational Partnership Agreement became the central outcome of the event, defining clear roles and responsibilities for FAO and national partners. This step provides a solid institutional basis for sustaining project results beyond its formal completion. Experts highlight that such coordinated efforts are crucial for enhancing Uzbekistan’s resilience to climate-related risks.
Did you know? Over 80% of Uzbekistan’s territory consists of drylands highly vulnerable to salinization and wind erosion—making the achievement of LDN not only an environmental goal but a key pillar of national food security.
