Uzbekistan aims to restore 2 million hectares of degraded land by 2030

Abdukhakimov explained that the country’s strategy aims to align with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and its goal of achieving land degradation neutrality. He noted that these efforts also aim to ensure sustainable living conditions for vulnerable populations.

In the last five years, Uzbekistan has allocated over $1 billion for initiatives in sustainable land management and reforestation. Despite these efforts, global financing gaps remain a challenge. Abdukhakimov stressed the need for stronger financial mechanisms and innovative partnerships to expand the scope of these initiatives.

To achieve these ambitious goals, Uzbekistan seeks to increase global financial flows and direct them towards land restoration projects. He further highlighted the importance of innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, to mobilize additional resources.

In his remarks, Abdukhakimov also outlined several key proposals to streamline access to international funding:

•  Simplifying the processes for accessing, applying for, and approving funds.
•  Increasing grant-based funding, especially for projects with long-term ecological benefits but limited financial returns.
•  Providing technical assistance to develop bankable projects that meet donor requirements.
•  Expanding the use of green bonds to mobilize additional resources for sustainable land restoration.

Abdukhakimov pointed to successful projects, including the restoration of forests in the Aral Sea region, as proof of Uzbekistan's potential in managing international funding effectively. These efforts, made in partnership with international financial institutions, have turned degraded lands into ecosystems that benefit both people and nature.

The Minister also referenced previous investments in advanced irrigation systems, which have reduced water usage in agriculture and increased the country’s resilience to droughts. He emphasized that more opportunities could be unlocked by streamlining access to international funding, allowing Uzbekistan to transform degraded lands into flourishing ecosystems and sustainable regions.

Earlier, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev had highlighted the growing frequency of dust storms in the country, which are exacerbated by illegal deforestation, water shortages, and unregulated livestock grazing. These factors contribute to the degradation of pasturelands and desertification, which is further accelerated by global climate change.