Uzbekistan is ready for active interaction with the international community and advocates the creation of a regional Climate Council to promote climate adaptation projects, combat desertification and land degradation, and introduce water-saving technologies. This was stated by the Chairperson of the Senate of Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva at 27th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP-27) in Sharm El Sheikh.

In her speech, the Chairperson of the Upper House of Parliament stated that only through joint efforts can we counter the problem of climate change, the consequences of which are also acute in Central Asia.

“The main goal of Uzbekistan is to achieve economic progress by integrating the principles of a green economy into ongoing structural reforms. The priority in this direction is low-carbon development and resource saving in all sectors of the economy, the introduction of efficient and environmentally friendly technologies,” Tanzila Narbayeva said. 

Under the Paris Agreement, Uzbekistan reaffirms its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030. It was noted that in order to achieve these goals, large-scale programs for the introduction of renewable energy sources have been launched.

According to Tanzila Narbayeva, the country plans to increase the share of “green” energy to 8 thousand MW by 2026, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5 million tons. By 2030, the energy efficiency of the economy is planned to be doubled, and the share of renewable energy to at least 25%.

She also mentioned the “Yashil Makon” (“Green Space”) nationwide project, which involves the planting of 200 million trees and shrubs annually. It is expected that as a result of the implementation of the project, in 5 years, the area of ​​green spaces in cities will increase from the current 8 to 30%.

In order to solve the problems associated with the Aral crisis, over the past 5 years, more than 1.7 million hectares of forest plantations have been planted on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea. By 2026, this figure will reach up to 2.5 million hectares or almost 80% of the territory. By a special resolution of the UN General Assembly, the Aral Sea region was declared a zone of environmental innovations and technologies.

“Next year, Uzbekistan plans to hold two major UN events to combat desertification and conserve migratory species of wild animals and invites all international partners to take an active part in the work of these forums,” the Senate said in a statement.