{"id":23307,"date":"2025-07-21T14:47:06","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T09:47:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/evu.uz\/?p=23307"},"modified":"2025-11-19T17:17:57","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T12:17:57","slug":"%d1%83%d0%b7%d0%b1%d0%b5%d0%ba%d0%b8%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%bd-%d0%be%d1%82%d0%b3-%d1%81%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%bc%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%82%d0%bd%d1%8b%d0%b5-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b5%d0%ba%d1%82%d1%8b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evu.uz\/en\/intervyu\/%d1%83%d0%b7%d0%b1%d0%b5%d0%ba%d0%b8%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%bd-%d0%be%d1%82%d0%b3-%d1%81%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%bc%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%82%d0%bd%d1%8b%d0%b5-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b5%d0%ba%d1%82%d1%8b.html","title":{"rendered":"Uzbekistan \u2013 Organization of Turkic States: Cooperation Projects in Ecology and Tourism"},"content":{"rendered":"
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     At the present day, in the context of global changes taking place in the world, Uzbekistan is developing cooperation with international regional organizations, in particular the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).<\/em>
\r\nWithin the framework of the Organization of Turkic States, Uzbekistan is actively promoting initiatives aimed at improving the environmental situation and overcoming the negative consequences of climate change.<\/em>
\r\nIn this context, the Turkic states advocate joining efforts in the transition to a new – innovative model of development, including the introduction of environmentally friendly, energy-saving and safe technologies, as well as the implementation of plans to mitigate the consequences of environmental crises to ensure sustainable development.<\/em>
\r\nDuring our conversation with Aziz ABDUKHAKIMOV<\/strong>, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, we talked about Uzbekistan\u2019s cooperation with Turkic states in the field of ecology.<\/em><\/div>\r\n
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     – Could you please tell us about the key environmental initiatives of Uzbekistan, which were put forward within the framework of cooperation with the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in previous years.<\/em><\/strong>
\r\n     – Uzbekistan has been actively initiating environmental projects within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States aimed at protecting the environment and developing cooperation between Turkic countries. In 2021, at the Istanbul Summit, an initiative was proposed to create a structure for environmental protection of Turkic countries, with its headquarters in the Aral Sea region, a region in dire need of environmental support. In 2023, at the Ankara Summit, Uzbekistan proposed the establishment of a Disaster Monitoring and Analysis Center in Tashkent, which would allow the participating countries to respond more effectively to natural disasters. In 2024 at the Shusha Summit, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward an initiative to establish a Turkic Environmental Council with its location in Nukus, and also proposed to organize a Turkic Environmental Forum, the first meeting of which was held at COP29 in Azerbaijan. At the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States on 6 November 2024 in Bishkek, an initiative was proposed to accelerate the process of establishing the Turkic Environmental Council at the ministerial level, which will enable the Organization of Turkic States countries to coordinate their joint environmental efforts more effectively.
\r\n     – How is the initiative to establish a Turkic Environmental Council progressing? Is Nukus considered as its possible headquarters? What priority tasks will be assigned to this structure?<\/em><\/strong>
\r\n     – The establishment of the Turkic Environmental Council is under active discussion with the Organization of Turkic States countries. It is planned that this structure will become a key platform for strengthening environmental cooperation, coordination of measures on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Among the priority tasks of the Council are the development of a common strategy to counter climate challenges, exchange of advanced technologies and best practices, as well as the implementation of joint projects on environmental protection and sustainable development.
\r\n     – Many forestry specialists have been trained within the framework of agreements with Turkey. Could you please tell us about the results of their work. Are there any joint projects planned with Turkey in the field of forestry development?<\/em><\/strong>
\r\n     – Specialists trained under agreements with Turkey have successfully applied new methods of management and restoration of forest resources in Uzbekistan, contributing to their biodiversity and environmental sustainability. More cooperation is planned for the future, including the introduction of innovative technologies, adaptation to a changing climate and exchange of practical experience. These joint efforts will strengthen forestry and contribute to the conservation of natural resources.
\r\n     – Recently, the Uzbek Ministry of Ecology reported that a joint Uzbek-Kazakh working group on environmental protection and water quality assessment is operating in the Syr Darya river basin. How is this work progressing? Are there plans to extend such experience to other transboundary water bodies?<\/em><\/strong>
\r\n     – The joint Uzbek-Kazakh working group has been carrying out systematic work on water quality monitoring in the Syrdarya basin since 2018. During this time, 7 meetings were held to discuss research results, identify the main sources of pollution and develop measures to eliminate them.
\r\nIn the course of regular studies, hydrochemical indicators are analyzed, main sources of pollution are identified and measures are taken to eliminate them. Water samples are taken quarterly at key points – on the Chirchik River, in the Salar Canal (Tashkent), as well as in the Syrdarya collectors and border areas of Kazakhstan.
\r\n     Thanks to this work it is possible to promptly identify and minimize the negative impact on the aquatic ecosystem. We plan to further develop this experience, including expanding cooperation to other transboundary water bodies.
\r\n     – How is the development of a transboundary nomination file for the inscription of the Kugitangtau Ridge, located on the border of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, on the UNESCO World Heritage List progressing? What other natural sites are being considered for joint nomination with neighboring countries?<\/em><\/strong>
\r\n     – The development of a transboundary nomination file for the inclusion of the Kugitangtau Ridge in the UNESCO World Heritage List is being actively promoted. In February last year, a proposal was presented at SOR14 in Samarkand to include the ecosystems of the Kugitangtau Mountains encompassing the Koytendag Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan and Surkhan Nature Reserve in Uzbekistan. Since then, several online meetings have been held with colleagues from Turkmenistan, as well as international experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Michael Zukov Foundation and the Center for Large Landscape Conservation.
\r\n     A regular meeting was also held at the end of January this year, at which a further action plan was agreed upon. On the part of Uzbekistan, all necessary materials have been prepared and submitted for consideration. Moreover, a SMART-patrolling system has been introduced in Surkhan State Reserve to strengthen the protection of natural areas. It is expected that by September 2025 the application for nomination will be submitted to UNESCO.
\r\n     As for other possible transboundary nominations Uzbekistan continues to work with neighboring countries to identify natural sites of unique ecological and cultural value.
\r\n     – The opening of the Central Asian University of Environmental Studies and Climate Change is evidence of the importance Uzbekistan attaches to environmental issues. How many students from Organization of Turkic States countries study at this university and which specialties are most popular?<\/em><\/strong>
\r\n     – The opening of the Central Asian University of Environmental Studies and Climate Change (Green University) confirms Uzbekistan\u2019s commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development. The university has become an important platform for training specialists who develop environmental strategies and \u201cgreen\u201d technologies.
\r\n     Currently, the university actively attracts students from the countries of the Organization of Turkic States, creating conditions for international cooperation. The greatest demand is for bachelor\u2019s degree programs in environmental management, environmental-economic development and public administration in the field of ecology, as well as master\u2019s degree programs in sustainable development, environmental law and finance.
\r\nGreen University will be a center of excellence for research and training that will make meaningful contributions to the development of environmental policy and a sustainable economy in the region.
\r\n     – Let\u2019s talk about the snow leopard conservation program. The habitat of this endemic – the Western Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai – is located in three Turkic countries, including Uzbekistan. What successes have been achieved within the framework of this program? How do the ties established between the states help in the protection of the rare predator?<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\r\n
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You can read the whole interview in the printed version of the magazine.<\/a><\/em><\/div>\r\n