On September 19, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was presented with proposals for the development of environmental protection and tourism.
The urgent issues of maintaining clean air and reducing the impact of human activities on the environment were discussed. Two programs have been developed to address these issues.
The first program, the National Program to Combat Dust Storms and Mitigate Their Consequences for 2024-2030, aims to gradually ban the sale and use of fuel below the Euro-4 standard. The Bukhara and Fergana oil refineries will be upgraded to produce high-quality fuel in order to achieve this goal.
The second program focuses on improving the quality of air in Tashkent. This includes creating green spaces and parks covering 441 hectares in the capital and surrounding areas of the Tashkent region over the next five years.
To better manage sanitation efforts, a Waste Management and Circular Economy Development Agency will be established based on an existing center. A rating system will also be implemented for enterprises based on their sanitation performance, dividing them into three categories.
Newly constructed buildings over 12 meters high or with a total area of over 500 square meters will be required to have at least 25% of the adjacent area be green. Additionally, industrial enterprises that have a significant impact on the environment will be required to create green spaces.
The importance of preventing environmental violations and increasing public oversight was emphasized. To recognize citizens who are actively involved in environmental protection, the title of “Honored Ecologist of the Republic of Uzbekistan” was proposed.
The possibility of joining the Aarhus Convention, which focuses on access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters, was also discussed.
It was suggested that an article on non-compliance with air quality protection requirements at construction sites be added to the Code of Administrative Liability. The government also plans to increase financial penalties for offenses such as cutting down trees, extracting sand and gravel illegally, and dumping waste in unauthorized areas.
In May 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers introduced a voluntary eco-labeling system for products and services called “Yashil Belgi” (“Green Mark”) in accordance with international standard ISO 14024. The installation of automated monitoring stations, dust and gas cleaning equipment, and local water treatment facilities at 2,336 economic entities will also be scheduled.
A Green Charitable Foundation will be established under the Ministry of Ecology, managed under public oversight. The possibility of voluntary charitable contributions through electronic payment systems will also be introduced.
The issue of keeping wild animals was also addressed. It was proposed that individuals who keep wild animals in their homes, circuses, or tents will be required to transfer them to rehabilitation centers at zoos, oceanariums, nurseries, or research institutions.
The development of medical tourism was also discussed, with Uzbekistan aiming to become the “center of attraction” in Central Asia. The “Hospitality in Medical Services” program will be implemented, along with the establishment of a unified register for medical and health institutions and the categorization of sanatoriums similar to hotels.
The President instructed for a thorough review of the proposed documents and effective implementation of these measures.
UzA