Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed additional measures in the field of environmental protection
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on proposals related to environmental protection, ensuring ecological sustainability, improving the waste management system, and developing protected natural areas, according to the Dunyo News Agency.
According to the press service of the Head of State, in recent years large-scale efforts have been carried out in our country to protect the environment, ensure the rational use of natural resources, introduce the principles of the “green economy,” and enhance environmental awareness. At the same time, the rapid development of industry, construction, transport, and public utilities requires stricter control over factors affecting nature and further strengthening compliance with environmental standards.
During the presentation, environmental violations were analyzed. It was noted that while more than 47,000 administrative violations were identified in 2024, their number exceeded 59,000 in 2025. Due to the disproportion between the fines предусмотрed under the current system and the actual environmental damage caused, some enterprises find it more economically viable to continue operations after paying fines rather than remedying violations.
In this regard, it was proposed to revise financial sanctions imposed on legal entities, ensure that they are proportionate to the extent of environmental damage caused, and align them more closely with international practice. In particular, plans include introducing effective financial liability measures for the illegal extraction of non-metallic materials from riverbeds, pollution of water resources, illegal logging of trees and shrubs, exceeding permissible atmospheric emission levels, allowing dust and sand particles to be released from construction sites, as well as burning waste in unauthorized areas.
It was also proposed to combine administrative fines and compensation payments for environmental damage into a single financial sanction, and to introduce a practice under which, in cases where an enterprise acknowledges its liability, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan would be authorized to impose sanctions independently. In cases of dispute, the matter would be referred to court for resolution.
The presentation also examined proposals aimed at restoring the natural balance of the Ugam River and preserving its unique natural heritage.
The Ugam River and its basin form part of the ecologically significant territories within the Ugam-Chatkal National Nature Park. The area is home to dozens of rare species of flora and fauna, including species listed in the Red Book. In addition, the river plays an important role in supplying water to the Chirchik River basin.
According to research, in recent years the Ugam River has experienced a decline in water flow and an increase in factors affecting water quality. This situation threatens riverbank erosion, negatively impacts aquatic fauna and vegetation, and increases the risk of biodiversity loss.
In this regard, it was proposed to designate the Ugam River and adjacent territories as a state hydrological natural monument, as well as to restrict construction and earthworks in coastal and water protection zones that may affect the natural hydrological system. In addition, tasks were set to inventory facilities located within water protection zones and assess their impact on water quality and biodiversity. Activities that fail to comply with environmental standards may be suspended or relocated.
A master plan entitled “Improvement of the Ugam River Ecosystem” is also envisaged, aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of its hydrological and ecological condition. To prevent land degradation in coastal and protected water zones, tree and shrub planting is planned.
A detailed review was also conducted of the waste management sector. In 2025, the coverage of sanitation and waste collection services across mahallas reached 88 percent. The sector was supplied with specialized equipment, scooters, and containers; the areas surrounding 132 landfills were improved; and operations at 47 landfills were discontinued.
This year, coverage is planned to increase to 90 percent through the delivery of additional specialized equipment and waste containers for sanitation enterprises, as well as the reclamation of 18 landfill sites. By 2030, the number of landfills is expected to be reduced by 50 percent.
The importance of reducing logistics costs, increasing sorting and recycling volumes, and decreasing pressure on landfills through the construction of waste transfer stations was emphasized. In 2026, 28 such stations are planned to be built, and by 2030 their number is expected to reach 70.
Information was also presented on the implementation of major investment projects for electricity generation through municipal waste incineration. In Andijan Region, Namangan Region, Fergana Region, Samarkand Region, Kashkadarya Region, and Tashkent Region, six plants with a total investment of $933 million are under construction. Once operational, they are expected to process 3.6 million tons of solid household waste annually and generate 1.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. Instructions were given to begin preparations for the next stage — the construction of five additional plants worth $633 million.
It was also proposed to establish the first integrated hazardous waste management platform in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Under this investment project, planned for implementation in Navoi Region, a system for laboratory classification of hazardous waste, physico-chemical and thermal processing, the establishment of a specialized landfill, and the production of RDF fuel from waste is envisaged.
The project is valued at $260 million and is expected to create annual processing capacity for 330,000 tons of hazardous waste. Its implementation will contribute to environmental sustainability, the introduction of new standards and advanced technologies, and the development of regional human capital.
It was noted that while construction waste amounted to 1.2 million tons in 2017, by 2025 it had reached 1.9 million tons.
In this regard, it was proposed to create a digital platform enabling full control over construction waste — from generation to disposal — including real-time GPS monitoring of waste transportation and the establishment of sorting and recycling complexes at landfill sites.
It is also envisaged to introduce mandatory compliance with waste disposal contract terms as a prerequisite for commissioning construction projects. Furthermore, illegal waste dumping will be identified through photo and video monitoring, and liability measures for such violations will be strengthened.
The presentation also reviewed projects for the development of protected natural areas and the preservation of unique flora and fauna. In particular, plans include strengthening protection of the Yazyavan Natural Monument, which is part of the Fergana National Nature Park, establishing a dendrological garden, and enhancing monitoring through observation towers, specialized drones, and digital surveillance systems.
The area is also expected to include a visitor center, hiking trails, birdwatching platforms, photo zones, and panoramic observation points. In addition, scientific and educational tours are planned.
Proposals were also reviewed for the development of eco-tourism infrastructure within the Ovjazsay–Sinegorye National Nature Park. Particular attention will be given to creating convenient tourist infrastructure while carefully preserving natural landscapes and mountain ecosystems.
The presentation also addressed preparations for the international exhibition ECO EXPO Central Asia 2026 and the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility, to be held this year in Samarkand.
The Global Environment Facility is a major international financial institution bringing together 186 member countries. Uzbekistan joined the organization in 1995. Hosting the Assembly in Samarkand will mark the first environmental forum of this scale in the Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia region. Approximately 2,500 representatives from 186 countries, 40 donor countries, more than 50 leading environmental organizations, and international experts are expected to participate.
The ECO EXPO Central Asia 2026 exhibition is expected to strengthen cooperation between domestic industry, local authorities, international financial institutions, suppliers of innovative green technologies, and investors.
The Head of State approved the presented proposals and issued specific instructions to strengthen control and accountability in the field of environmental protection, introduce modern waste management systems, preserve water resources and biodiversity, and develop protected natural areas on a scientific basis.
