Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A seminar dedicated to modern technologies on the topic: "Determination and Monitoring of Carbon Dioxide in the Forests of Uzbekistan" was held in Tashkent. The seminar was organized as part of the project “Sustainable Forest Management in the Mountainous and Valley Regions of Uzbekistan,” implemented by the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Forest Agency under the Ministry of Ecology, with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The event was attended by international experts, forest management specialists from Uzbekistan, research institute staff, and project stakeholders. Participants actively discussed the achieved results, shared their suggestions and recommendations.

“At the seminar, we specifically emphasized the importance of using modern technologies to determine and monitor carbon dioxide levels in Uzbekistan’s forests. Creating a reliable system for monitoring carbon emissions and assessing their amount, implementing sustainable forest management methods, and adapting international experience to national practices are key directions,” noted Olim Hakimov, director of the “Yashilloyikha” design institute.

Furthermore, the seminar provided participants with information on the following topics:

The monitoring plan and quantitative assessment of carbon dioxide emissions for Uzbekistan;

Initiatives implemented in Uzbekistan for climate financing;

National measures for climate change mitigation (NAMA) in forestry, including plans for sustainable forest management in the mountainous and valley regions of Uzbekistan;

International experience: activities conducted in Turkey on carbon dioxide assimilation in forests.

Forestry is of immense significance not only for its role in carbon sequestration but also for the broader environmental and socio-economic benefits. Sustainable forest management is the key to preserving these benefits and ensuring forests contribute to climate change mitigation.

As is well known, forests play a vital role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere as carbon reserves. These natural ecosystems store carbon dioxide through trees, vegetation, and soil. Therefore, effective forest management is essential for achieving climate goals at both national and global levels.

“The seminar plays a crucial role in the development of sustainable management of mountain and valley forests in Uzbekistan, as well as in creating effective carbon stock monitoring systems within the FAO/GEF project,” stated Olimjon Kahhorov, the technical coordinator of the project. “The goal is to develop a reliable system for assessing changes in carbon stocks, which will contribute to achieving national and global environmental standards.”

In conclusion, it is important to note that forest conservation and sustainable management are critical steps in the fight against climate change and nature protection. After all, every tree helps our planet breathe.