Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Two new projects aimed at biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration have been launched in Uzbekistan.

These projects are being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The first project, "Comprehensive Program to Support the Update of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the 7th National Report," is part of a global initiative covering 69 countries. It will help Uzbekistan update its national strategy and action plan in line with the Global Biodiversity Framework, including the development of new national target indicators. The project aims to establish long-term national policies for biodiversity conservation, requiring active involvement from government organizations, businesses, and the public.

The second project, "Integrated Management of the Protection and Restoration of Especially Valuable Landscapes in Uzbekistan," focuses on practical measures for ecosystem restoration. This includes developing inclusive policies, introducing innovations into restoration processes, and creating mechanisms for sustainable financing. IUCN, whose regional office opened in Tashkent in 2024, is a key partner in the project. The pilot areas selected for the project are the Western Tian Shan, the Nuratau Range, and the Kugitang Mountains.

The launch event featured a speech by Iskandar Kutbiddinov, Deputy Minister of Ecology, who read a message from the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov. The minister emphasized the importance of these projects within the context of the President’s declaration of the "Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy" and expressed confidence in achieving practical results through cooperation with UNDP and IUCN.

Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, highlighted Uzbekistan’s significant steps in biodiversity protection and expressed hope for transformative results from the collaboration between the government, civil society, and international partners.

The event gathered a wide range of stakeholders, fostering strengthened cooperation and a shared commitment to achieving Uzbekistan’s environmental goals.