Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan is implementing a project for the safe management of pesticides titled “Technical Assistance for the Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals.”

The project aims to support the country in mitigating and adapting to climate change and reducing environmental degradation. This is being achieved by enhancing national capacity, strengthening institutions, improving regulations, tools, and coordination mechanisms, while addressing key elements for improving chemical waste management in Uzbekistan. Additionally, the project promotes more sustainable agricultural practices to reduce pesticide use.

The initiative is being carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, with support from the European Union.

Key milestones for continuing the successful work were established during a seminar organized as part of the project, focusing on the life cycle management of pesticides. The seminar’s target audience included a broad range of stakeholders involved in the regulation, management, application, and disposal of pesticides, as well as environmental and human health protection. Participants included government officials, representatives from NGOs, the private sector, academia, research institutions, and international experts on pesticide and hazardous waste management.

“The main goal of this seminar is to introduce the concept of pesticide life cycle management, discuss existing gaps in the current pesticide management system in Uzbekistan, and determine the short-, medium-, and long-term actions needed to address these gaps. Ultimately, this will help reduce risks associated with outdated pesticides and implement advanced practices for protecting human health and the environment,” said Elmurod Nazarov, the national coordinator of the project.

It is worth noting that the project’s implementation marks a significant step toward improving environmental safety in Uzbekistan. To minimize the impact on the environment and human health throughout the production, distribution, and use of pesticides, FAO and WHO have developed the pesticide life cycle management concept, which integrates best practices at every stage—from production to disposal.