News & Events

On 1 December, the Central Asia–Russia Interregional Group (IRG) delivered its consolidated statement at the plenary session of CRIC-23 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Speaking on behalf of the Group, Mr. Berdy Berdyev emphasized that the IRG has evolved into an effective mechanism for regional scientific and practical cooperation, addressing land degradation, drought and sand and dust storms. Established in 2019, the IRG quickly developed from a technical dialogue platform into a stable cooperation framework uniting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Its work fully aligns with the UNCCD 2030 Strategic Framework, focusing on transboundary

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

At a side event held during the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES, Uzbekistan introduced its first ecological classification of forest ecosystems. The session, titled “Nature-Based Projects: Ecological Forest Classification for Biodiversity Conservation”, showcased new scientific developments, highlighted the role of modern technologies in protecting rare species, and emphasized the importance of strengthening national and international cooperation in environmental protection. In their opening remarks, Obidjon Kudratov, First Deputy Minister of Ecology, and Olim Hakimov, Director of the “Yashil Loyikha” Project Institute, underscored the importance of a scientific approach to ecosystem assessment, biodiversity monitoring and sustainable natural

The fifth meeting of the Regional Working Group on the implementation of the Regional Climate Adaptation Strategy for Central Asia took place on 27–28 November in Dushanbe. The event brought together representatives of relevant ministries and agencies from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as international organizations, development partners and regional institutions. In his opening remarks, Sunnatullo Pirov, Deputy Director of the Agency for Hydrometeorology under the Committee for Environmental Protection, emphasized the significance of the regional strategy as a major step forward for enhancing climate cooperation in Central Asia. He highlighted that the Strategy focuses on strengthening

From 1–5 December 2025, Panama City will host the twenty-third session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC23) under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). CRIC serves as a key subsidiary body responsible for reviewing progress made in implementing the Convention. FAO and UNCCD work closely together to raise awareness and support solutions to land degradation, desertification and drought, contributing to the global goal of Zero Hunger. Land degradation places increasing pressure on agrifood systems, especially as global food demand rises. According to the UNCCD Global Land Outlook 2022, over 70% of

World Soil Day, observed annually on 5 December, highlights the vital role soils play in global food security and sustainable development. More than 95% of the food we consume originates from soils, which also provide plants with 15 of the 18 essential naturally occurring elements. However, climate change and human pressures continue to accelerate soil degradation. Erosion disrupts natural systems, reduces water absorption, affects crop quality, and lowers the levels of nutrients and vitamins in food. Implementing sustainable soil management practices helps reduce erosion and pollution, enhances water infiltration, preserves biodiversity, and improves soil fertility. These practices also contribute to

On 6 November, the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan hosted a meeting between its Chairman, Bahodur Ahmadjon Sheralizoda, and the newly appointed Director of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Tajikistan, Mr. Victor Wetzel. During the meeting, the parties discussed joint cooperation in the field of environmental protection, the implementation of shared environmental projects, and work related to the publication of the Red Book. It was noted that Tajikistan makes a significant contribution to preserving natural ecosystems and promoting green energy in the Central Asian region. The two sides also explored

В Кыргызстане впервые внедрён инновационный метод посева семян, эффективность которого подтверждена более чем десятилетней практикой. Об этом сообщил начальник Управления взаимодействия с регионами и земельных ресурсов Министерства водных ресурсов, сельского хозяйства и перерабатывающей промышленности Нурдин Довлетов. По его словам, новый подход позволяет значительно сократить расход удобрений, повысить урожайность, снизить рост сорняков, а также способствует снижению кислотности почвы. Суть метода заключается в следующем: при посеве 200 кг ячменя на 1 гектар требуется всего 10 кг селитры; семена предварительно смешиваются с селитрой и выдерживаются 1–2 суток, чтобы «насытиться» удобрением; смесь засыпается в сеялку и производится посев; дополнительного внесения удобрений не требуется; рост

A roundtable on “Implementing the Third Pillar of the Aarhus Convention — Ensuring Public Access to Justice in Environmental Matters” took place in the conference hall of the Department for Investment and State Property Management of Sughd Region. The event was organized through cooperation between the Regional Department for Environmental Protection, the NGO “Youth Environmental Protection Group”, and the Aarhus Centre in Khujand, with the support of the Administrative and Legal Department of the Sughd Region Administration. The meeting gathered representatives of executive authorities, judicial and prosecutorial bodies, the Department of Justice, the Environmental and Tourism Police of the Ministry

On the sidelines of the CITES CoP20 Conference in Samarkand, a meeting took place between Alisher Salomov, Advisor to the Minister of Ecology of Uzbekistan, and Tatyana Kuznetsova, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation (Rosprirodnadzor). The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation in environmental protection, with a particular focus on sharing best practices, introducing modern environmental safety approaches, and enhancing the effectiveness of environmental governance. Alisher Salomov emphasized Uzbekistan’s readiness to expand collaboration with Russian environmental institutions, particularly in areas related to natural resource management, ecological supervision, and the application