President Mirziyoyev Reviews Strategic Programs on Environmental Protection and Tourism Development
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: On September 19, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals aimed at advancing environmental protection and tourism development in Uzbekistan. With increasing concerns over air quality and the effects of human activity on the environment, two key programs have been developed to tackle these challenges.
The first program, the National Program to Combat Dust Storms and Mitigate Their Consequences for 2024-2030, outlines measures to phase out the use of fuel below the Euro-4 standard. Modernization of the Bukhara and Fergana oil refineries will ensure the production of high-quality fuel. The second program focuses on improving air quality in Tashkent, with plans to establish green belts and parks on 441 hectares in the city and nearby areas over the next five years.
To further streamline efforts in environmental management, the creation of an Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy Development is proposed, alongside a rating system to assess enterprises’ sanitary cleaning standards. Enterprises will be categorized based on their environmental performance.
The President also highlighted a new requirement for construction projects: newly built structures over 12 meters in height or with a total area exceeding 500 square meters must dedicate at least 25 percent of their surrounding area to greenery. Industrial enterprises will be required to establish green belts to minimize environmental impact. The importance of preventing environmental violations and enhancing public oversight was emphasized, with a proposal to introduce the honorary title of “Honored Ecologist of the Republic of Uzbekistan” to recognize citizens actively contributing to environmental protection.
During the presentation, Uzbekistan’s potential accession to the Aarhus Convention was discussed, which would enhance public participation and transparency in environmental matters. Additionally, it was proposed to amend the Code of Administrative Liability to include penalties for failing to meet air quality protection standards at construction sites. Stricter financial sanctions for illegal tree cutting, sand and gravel extraction, and unauthorized waste disposal were also suggested.
In line with sustainable development, the eco-labeling system will be expanded. The “Yashil Belgi” (“Green Mark”), based on the international ISO 14024 standard, will promote voluntary eco-labeling of products and services. Furthermore, industry-specific schedules will be implemented for installing automated environmental monitoring systems at 2,336 entities.
The establishment of a Green Charitable Foundation under the Ministry of Ecology was announced. This foundation, which will be overseen by public control, aims to facilitate charitable contributions through electronic payment systems, known as “Green Payment”.
The issue of wild animal management was also raised, with plans to regulate the keeping of wild animals in households. Wild animals will be transferred to rehabilitation centers at zoos, oceanariums, and research institutions.
Additionally, measures to boost medical tourism were outlined. Uzbekistan is set to be promoted as a “center of attraction” in Central Asia for healthcare services. The “Hospitality in Medical Services” program will be implemented, stimulating the development of medical institutions and creating a unified register for health services. Sanatoriums will also be categorized using a star-rating system, similar to hotels.
President Mirziyoyev instructed a thorough review of the proposed documents to ensure their successful implementation.
