BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 10. Uzbekistan is
considering new environmental education programs and the expansion
of protected natural areas as part of efforts to strengthen its
environmental and climate policy.
This was stated in a press release from the Uzbek National
Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, following a meeting of the
Public Council under the Uzbek National Committee on Ecology and
Climate Change, which was chaired by Aziz Abdukhakimov, the
presidential advisor on ecology, environmental protection, and
climate change.
“The Public Council plays an important role in ensuring
transparency in the committee's activities, strengthening
cooperation with civil society institutions and developing
practical proposals to address pressing environmental issues,”
Abdukhakimov said.
According to the National Committee, the meeting focused on
improving cooperation between the committee's departments and the
Public Council, as well as mechanisms for reviewing reports from
senior officials on key areas of environmental policy.
Particular attention was paid to environmental education and
workforce development. Public Council members proposed developing
curricula for new “green” technical colleges that will train
specialists in environmental protection, climate change, waste
management, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
“The development of specialized educational programs will help
prepare professionals for priority areas of environmental
protection and climate policy,” participants noted.
The council also discussed organizing joint field inspections to
assess environmental conditions in different regions and strengthen
public oversight of environmental protection measures.
Biodiversity conservation was another major focus of the
meeting. Participants considered establishing specialized
facilities for the rehabilitation and care of wild animals, as well
as proposals to create a new protected area and further expand
Uzbekistan's network of specially protected natural
territories.
“Closer cooperation between government agencies and civil
society institutions is an important condition for the effective
implementation of state environmental policy, the preservation of
the country's natural heritage and the development of environmental
awareness in society,” participants said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Public Council Chairwoman
Natalia Shivaldova, water resources and air monitoring expert Nina
Pikul, and wildlife adaptation and veterinary expert Erkin
Yuldashev were awarded the “Tabiat Himoyachisi,” or “Defender of
Nature,” badge for their contributions to Uzbekistan's
environmental sector.
