An international forum dedicated to the International Day of Forests was held in Tashkent at the Green University – Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies under the theme “Dialogue for Sustainable Green Development: Investments in a Shared Future.”

The event was jointly organized by the the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Forestry Agency, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Opening the forum, Aziz Abdukhakimov highlighted Uzbekistan’s comprehensive efforts to address desertification, expand forest cover and strengthen climate resilience. He emphasized that protecting forests, ensuring ecological stability and conserving biodiversity remain key priorities.

The forum also featured remarks by Ismail Belen, Chair of the United Nations Forum on Forests, Juliette Biao, Director of its Secretariat, and Ji Min Wu, Director of the Forestry Division at FAO (video message). Participants acknowledged Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to increase green coverage, expand forest areas and promote sustainable natural resource management.

During the event, a group of forestry professionals, including FAO specialists, were recognized for their contribution to the development of the sector and awarded national and commemorative distinctions.

In the afternoon, participants visited the newly established Dendrology Park located between Tashkent city and Tashkent region. The 4.5-hectare project aims to create a modern green space for residents and visitors. As part of the visit, participants planted ornamental trees.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has strengthened efforts to develop seed production and nurseries based on the “science–project–practice” approach. Eighteen forestry enterprises have been specialized in seedling production using modern technologies, while four new forestry enterprises have been established to support afforestation and combat desertification.

Innovative solutions are being introduced, including the establishment of salt-tolerant halophyte plantations on 50 hectares in cooperation with international partners, as well as afforestation using terrace methods on 500 hectares of foothill areas.

Further efforts are planned to expand green areas and enhance climate resilience. These include creating green cover on 250,000 hectares in the dried bed of the Aral Sea and desert zones, establishing protective plantations in Surkhandarya region and green belts in Syrdarya region.

Additionally, 129 million seedlings will be produced, 1,513 tonnes of seeds will be collected, and protective forests will be established on 2,800 hectares to prevent land degradation. Across the country, 16 new dendrology parks and 208 urban green spaces will be created.

The forum highlighted the importance of strengthened partnerships and coordinated action to advance sustainable forest management and support climate-resilient development in Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.