On the sidelines of the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State in Tashkent, Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Jusipbek Kazbekov, met with Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Charygeldi Babanyazov.
The parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation and agreed on preparing a Roadmap for Cooperation in Environmental Protection and Forestry for 2026–2030. The document will cover a wide range of areas, including exchange of experience in forest legislation, development of nut, pistachio, and olive crops, implementation of international environmental conventions, joint scientific-practical conferences and workshops, and cooperation in forest fire prevention and pest control.
The Roadmap also envisions joint development of project proposals for international donors, study of climate change impacts—especially in the drying Aral Sea region, sharing experience in medicinal plant conservation, development of hunting, environmental education and tourism initiatives. Additionally, it provides for grant opportunities for Turkmen students at Green University and their training in Uzbek universities in environmental fields.
Special attention was given to the conservation of wild Ferula species: Turkmenistan may provide seeds or planting material for restoration and research purposes. In line with Uzbekistan’s national programs, it is proposed to implement a joint pilot project in Surkhandarya region for Ferula cultivation. The parties also expressed readiness to develop joint research on combating desertification, expanding areas for planting drought-resistant crops, creating a shared nursery, and developing “desert agroforestry” initiatives.
During the meeting, the Samarkand Declaration draft and the 2026–2032 Regional Cooperation Action Plan on sustainable use of wildlife and flora resources were discussed. It was noted that the Samarkand Declaration is scheduled to be signed at CITES CoP20.
The parties emphasized the importance of a coordinated regional agenda in environmental protection and expressed willingness to continue strengthening partnerships for sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, and enhancing the region’s natural potential. It was agreed to maintain regular dialogue and intensify practical cooperation across all agreed areas.
📌 Source: National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan
