BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. During a
meeting today, Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and
Climate Change and the Korea Forest Service (KFS) signed a
memorandum of understanding on digital forest restoration and
climate action, opening a new framework for cooperation on land
restoration


This was reflected in the statement by the National Committee on
Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, following the talks
between Uzbek Presidential Adviser on Environmental Issues and
Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change
Aziz Abduhakimov and the leadership of the Korea Forest Service
(KFS), the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) and the
Korea National Park Service (KNPS).


The memorandum establishes a framework for practical cooperation
in digital forest restoration and climate action, with the
restoration of degraded land in the Aral Sea region identified as a
priority,” the National Committee said.


The agreement identified a joint project to restore degraded
land in the Aral Sea region and combat desertification as a
priority.


“The parties identified forest restoration, combating
desertification and the introduction of digital solutions as key
areas for expanding practical environmental cooperation,” the
National Committee said.


The planned project will draw on the experience of the
Korea-Mongolia Greenbelt initiative. Uzbekistan and KFS also agreed
to develop a Roadmap for Cooperation for 2027–2029 and cooperate
with relevant Korean organizations under Uzbekistan’s program to
establish 27 botanical and dendrological gardens.


During talks with AFoCO, the sides outlined steps to complete
Uzbekistan’s accession to the organization and launch joint
projects. One planned initiative is the Uzbekistan-AFoCO-KT&G
“Green Globe Project Uzbekistan Pine Forest,” scheduled for
implementation in the Fergana region in 2027–2029 with funding from
South Korea.







The sides also plan to develop three additional projects focused
on high-tech nurseries, modernization of an in-vitro laboratory,
carbon projects, and commercialization of drought-resistant
crops.


Uzbekistan and AFoCO are also preparing a joint application to
the Green Climate Fund to support large-scale landscape restoration
in the Aral Sea region.


Separately, Uzbekistan and KNPS signed a memorandum of
cooperation covering protected-area management, biodiversity
conservation, ecotourism and environmental education.


The sides identified the establishment of a model
Uzbekistan-Korea national park as the first pilot project. They
also agreed to explore the creation of a modern visitor center, a
mountain ranger and search-and-rescue service, the provision of
modern equipment for national parks, and a unified digital
monitoring center for protected natural areas.


Aziz Abduhakimov also participated in the Korea-Central Asia
Ministerial Forum on Forests and Climate and a ministerial dialogue
in South Korea, where Uzbekistan presented initiatives aimed at
expanding green cooperation across Central Asia.