Section 5
Key water developments in the countries of Central Asia
5.5. Republic of Uzbekistan
Water Sector
Water resources. Uzbekistan’s average water use is 51-53 billion m3, of which 80% (approx. 41 km3/year) is provided from transboundary rivers. The estimated natural fresh and brackish groundwater deposits potentially yield 27.6 km3/year; however, they are unevenly distributed throughout the country. The water demand is met through a combination of surface water (50.9 km3/year), usable groundwater (0.5 km3/year), and the reused collector and drainage water (1.6 km3/year). The average water use by sector is as follows: 90-91% – agriculture; 4.5% – municipal sector; 1.4% – industry; 1.2% – fisheries; 0.5% – thermal power; 1% – other sectors.
Latest developments in legislation. Law on amending and supplementing the Law on water and water use, among other things: strengthened the powers of public departments and authorities dealing with water and their financing; set that financing of water user associations was formed from annual membership fees, water service fees and other legitimate sources; prohibited from breach of sanitary-protection and water buffer zone regime; and, specified that water sites or their parts can be used or operated by PPPs (ZRU-733 of 30.11.2021).
For implementation of the national Concept on Water Sector Development 2020-2030:
• The Strategy for water resources management and the development of the irrigation sector in Uzbekistan for 2021-2023 was approved (PP-5005 of 24.02.2021). The Strategy includes a number of measures covering sustainable water resources management and modernization of the country's irrigation sector. In particular, it is planned to increase performance of irrigation system and networks from 0.63 to 0.66; reduce irrigated area with poor water supply from 526 to 424 thousand ha; extend coverage by water-saving technologies from 0.308 to 1.1 million ha, including that of drip irrigation technologies from 121 to 822 thousand ha; reduce salinized soil area from 1,926 to 1,888 thousand ha; convert 232 thousand ha of withdrawn irrigated land into agricultural use; automate 60 large waterworks facilities, etc.
• a Decree on measures for further improvement of public administration and control system in water and for ensuring of safety of water infrastructure was adopted (UP-6200 of 06.04.2021). The Decree sets key tasks and areas of the Ministry for Water Management, which is also assigned the functions of authorized public agency for accounting of all types of water, coordination of actions for better water use, and consolidation of water balance. The State Inspectorate for control over safety of water infrastructure was set to report to the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan and a Roadmap was approved for development of a draft law on safety of hydrotechnical constructions, etc. A number of resolutions were also adopted in 2021 in support of the Decree.
• a Resolution on measures for improvement of the Research Center for Water Problems at the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan was adopted (PKM 453 of 23.07.2021) and set the mandate and financing sources of the Center;
• the Water Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan is under development.
Water management system. The 28.4-km long irrigation system, more than 54 thousand hydraulic structures and 70 reservoirs and mudflow storage at the total capacity of 19.4 billion m3 are operated in the Republic. About 60% of land is irrigated through 1,687 pumps consuming 8 billion kWh annually. WUAs, farms and clusters operate 155.2 thousand ha of irrigation network and more than 10 thousand pumping units. For land reclamation, 142.9 thousand-km drainage, which includes 106.2 thousand km of surface drainage and 36.7 thousand km of subsurface horizontal drainage, 172 pumping stations and 3.8 thousand of vertical drainage wells are operated.
As part of implementation of the Strategy, funds were allocated for reconstruction of 865 structures; 552 structures were commissioned; irrigation of 906 thousand ha was improved; and 17.5 thousand hydraulic structures and almost 17 thousand gauging stations were repaired.
Experts from Uzbekistan together with experts from the Moscow State Building University has worked on rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Sardoba reservoir.
AO Uzbekgidroenergo was instructed to equip the Tupalang reservoir in Sariosiyo district, Surkhandarya province with metering facilities for regular measurements and protection devices for safe and reliable operation of the reservoir in line with relevant resolution adopted in 2021.
Online control and monitoring of water delivery along Mirishkor and Kamashi canals in Kashkadarya province was achieved through the automation system installed by the Australian Rubicon Water Pty. Ltd. The Kuvanish-zharma canal on the Amu Darya River was equipped with the Smart Water system to control water in the real-time mode that helped to lessen a human factor in water management and prevent transportation losses.
As part of implementation of the resolution (PP-5201 of 29.07.2021) on measures for modernization of 95 pumping stations in Bukhara, Navoiy, Kashkadarya, Samarkand, and Surkhandarya provinces, an agreement was signed between Uzbekistan and the Russian state corporation WEB.RF on the sidelines of the Uzbekistan Economic Forum 2021 (September 29-30, Tashkent).
Projects. The following projects were continued: (1) “Fergana Valley Water Resources Management Project”, Phase II (WB) - 18 km of canals in four districts of Andizhan province are in process of renovation. It is planned to put into operation 46.4 km of canals by November 2022; (2) National Water Resources Management Project in Uzbekistan (SDC) – a training workshop in water-saving technologies was held for the staff of the Ministry of Water Management and its organizations (April 26-June 11); the Meliorative Information System has been developed and followed by training for land reclamation field offices; (3) “Improvement of Water Resources Management in Surkhandarya Province (reconstruction of Khazarbag-Akkapchigai canal system” (ISDB) – training for farmers, WUAs’ staff and irrigation system heads (March 29-May 1) and workshops for the staff of Surkhandarya Province Water Authority and district irrigation divisions (June) were held; etc.
As part of the USAID Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity aimed at strengthening water cooperation across Central Asia, an introductory online workshop was held on March 31 to present goals, tasks and planned actions.
Capacity building. In the course of the year, a number of trainings and practical workshops were organized for water sector staff on water-saving technologies, geo-information technologies in the water sector, water management reforms, etc.
Regional cooperation. The ICWC member from Uzbekistan took part in the 80th meeting of ICWC (May 11) and chaired the 81st meeting (December 7). See ICWC Meetings.
In 2021, officials of the Government of Uzbekistan signed: (1) an Agreement with Kyrgyzstan on territorial division and sharing of water between the countries (March 25); (2) an Agreement with Turkmenistan on Joint Inter-governmental Commission for Water and an additional agreement to the Inter-governmental Agreement on charged land use (May 26); (3) a trilateral protocol with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan on operation of the Bakhri Tojik reservoir over June-August 2021 (June 14).
Officials of the water sectors of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan met to discuss the water cooperation issues and favorable conditions for the trouble-free growing season (June 29), the joint measures for the improvement of water-related situation in the middle and lower reaches of the Syr Darya and the draft intergovernmental agreement on joint management and use of transboundary water bodies (July 19).
The Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Inter-governmental Commission for Water held its 1st meeting on September 13 and addressed such issues as cooperation on water use along the Amu Darya River, operation of water infrastructure in the two countries, and research and technical cooperation on water. The Uzbek-Kazakh Joint working group on environment and water quality in the Syr Darya basin adopted the work plan for 2022 during its 4th meeting on December 13. See also Bilateral Water Cooperation between the Countries of Central Asia.
IFAS. The permanent representative of Uzbekistan was assigned to EC IFAS. Uzbekistan took part in the meetings of (1) IFAS Board (June 29); (2) Working group on institutional and legal improvement of IFAS (May 27, October 18, August 16). See also International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
Events. Tashkent hosted the: (1) International conference “Strengthening regional water cooperation in Central Asia” organized by IICA and the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan (May 25); (2) Regional conference “High-level dialogue on effective energy, water and land development in Central Asia” (October 15); (3) International Conference “The Aral Sea Region – a zone of environmental innovations and technologies” (November 22).
Representatives of Uzbekistan took part in the 3rd session of the Asian Interparliamentary Consultative Council for Water (May 12, online); Singapore International Water Week /SIWW 2021 (June 21-July 2); International workshop " Irrigated land reclamation as the main factor of sustainable irrigated agriculture (September 24, online, Kazakhstan); Central-Asian sub-regional preparatory conference for the 9th World Water Forum "Water Security for Peace and Development" (October 19-20, Dushanbe); #ARALIssues Conference-2021 (December 10, Almaty).
Drinking Water Supply
According to the Central Public Utility Organization (AO Uzsuvta’minot), “the Republic has 10,269 settlements, of which 3,350 are fully covered by centralized water supply and 4,654 are partially covered. 2,265 settlements do not have access to centralized water supply. There are 72 thousand km of water mains, 9.4 thousand water structures, 11.6 thousand pumps, 58 sewage treatment structures, and 8.6 thousand sewerage networks.”
As part of the State Program for the improvement of villages (“Obod kishloq”), large-scale efforts are made for building new water supply networks to improve access to drinking water.
Projects. The following projects were continued: (1) Improvement of drinking water supply in Dzhizak province through water resources of the Zarafshan River: completed construction, in Bulungur district, of “Uzunbuloq” water-treatment station (capacity 100 thousand m3/day), laboratory,100-thousand m3/day pumping station, filtration station, etc.; built Dzhizak water divide and two 5-thousand m3 water ponds; (2) Alat and Karakul Water Supply Project (WB): reconstructed 50-thousand m3/day water treatment structure and 4 water distribution structures, laid 52 km of main and 160 km of additional water pipes, 280 km of urban and 1,936 km of rural distribution networks; (3) Tashkent Province Water Supply Development Project (ADB): completed construction of 100-thousand m3 water treatment structure and 21 km of main water pipes. Improved drinking water supply of 66,000 residents in Kibrai district.
Signed: (1) a loan agreement for US$70 million with EBRD under improvement of water supply in Namangan province (June 7); (2) grant agreements for US$239 million under the Water Supply Services Development and Institutional Support in Uzbekistan Project to modernize sewage and treatment structures (May 17).
Capacity building. It is planned to open a Water Academy in Uzbekistan to perform special trainings on water supply system, make competence assessment of drinking water supply and sanitation operators, and build effective cooperation among national and international higher educational institutions.
Conducted: training course for the AO Uzsuvta’minot (September 21-24); workshops for laboratory staff of regional water supply enterprises (November 9) and for the heads of provincial public utilities and engineering companies (November 19).
International cooperation. AO Uzsuvta’minot has signed: (1) Cooperation Agreement on wastewater and sewage treatment with "Ekolos-Projectstroy" LLC (Russia) and "UzEkolos" LLC (April 5); Memorandum on establishment of joint venture to build water facilities for drinking water supply and sewage and modernization of existing facilities using modern technologies with "SAYIN INSAAT TICARET VE SANAYI LTD" Turkish company (February 11); (3) Minutes of discussions on a pilot project to launch "smart" meters in the Mirabad district of Tashkent with Korea Water Resources Corporation ("K-water"), Shin Dong-A Electronics Co. , LTD (December 13).
A Memorandum of joint actions for introduction of smart water accounting system in Tashkent was signed with Suez International in June.
Agriculture
By the end of 2021, crop acreage was 3,260.7 thousand ha. Agricultural production amounted to 302,524.9 billion soums, including crop production – 151,083.4 billion soums, livestock – 151,441.5 billion soums. The growth rate of production amounted to 103.1% in plant growing and 104.1% in livestock production.
Latest developments in legislation. In 2021, for implementation of the Agricultural Development Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030, a number of laws and resolutions were adopted: on dekhkan farms, on subsistence farming, on the improvement of land leasing and use, on additional measures for financial support of individual farms, peasant farms and subsistence farmers, on additional measures for the improvement of agricultural land use and protection, and on equality and transparency of land relations and protection of land rights, etc.
Implementation of strategies and programs. In follow-up to resolution 794 of the Cabinet of Ministers on measures for digitization of agroindustry in Uzbekistan, a special land map on plots allocated to youth in Yangikurgan district, Namangan province (http://yerajratish.uz/) and the information system (E-Ijara) so that the farmers could have full information on free agricultural land and submit their applications for agricultural land leasing (https://ijara.soliq.uz/) have been developed. As part of the Agricultural Development Strategy, the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS, http://akis.agro.uz/uz) has been developed. First pilot AKIS agro-service center in Tashkent province (80 ha) includes fields for crop, fertilizer and technology experiments, the Agricultural state service center and the Agrobusiness service center, research laboratories, mobile laboratories and agricultural machinery polygon, agromarket, etc. AKIS centers will be formed in all provinces.
Agroclusters. Clusters are provided with wide development opportunities, in particular: (1) cotton textile clusters will be able to get 24-month credits on raw cotton and yarn; (2) grain clusters and farmers will have a right to sell wheat at market prices. During 3 years, 2.5 t of grain per hectare should be sold via exchange, while the rest harvest can be sold on farmer’s own.
The Republican commission for coordination of cotton textile cluster activities was formed by Presidential Decree UP-14 of 16.11.2021 “On measures for regulation of cotton textile cluster activities”.
Projects. The following projects continued: (1) Integrated natural resources management in drought-phone and salt-affected agricultural production landscapes in Central Asia and Turkey (CACILM-2, FAO/GEF): rural people in Bukhara and Kashkadarya provinces has got greenhouses, motocultivators, water pipes, and other equipment; the Bukhara fodder seed research-production center was equipped with up-to-date laboratory and agricultural facilities; UzHydromet received 12 automatic weather stations; new geoinformation system laboratory was opened at the Tashkent State Agrarian University; (2) CADI (Central Asian Desert Initiative): training was held for rural women in settlements of Navoiy and Bukhara provinces (October) and the International conference on temperate deserts was organized on December 2-3 in Tashkent; the CADI Regional Secretariat Office opened in December; (3) Smart farming for the next generation (FAO, with support of the Republic of Korea): at the AKIS Center, a series of training in greenhouse production and crop growing in covered soil (November) and in modernization and optimization of greenhouses was held.
The following projects were launched: (1) Strengthening sustainable food systems through geographical indications (FAO/Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan); (2) Supporting an inclusive transition to a green economy in the Agri-food sector and development of a “climate-smart” Uzbek Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (EU, ˆ4.15 million, 2021-2025, pilot regions - Tashkent, Kashkadarya and Fergana provinces.
Capacity building. Training was held for managers of the Karakalpakstan Ministry of Water Management and the provincial authorities for irrigation systems, electric and pumping stations in April as part of AKIS. Also, training workshops were conducted on effective application of drip irrigation technology on cotton fields (May, Bukhara province) and on new procedure of agricultural land leasing (November, Samarkand province).
Farmer schools were formed in Tashkent, Andizhan, Samarkand, Termez and Nukus to transfer new knowledge on agriculture and doing business, improve business skills and prepare skilled young farmers.
The trilateral MoU signed between the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture, the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and the Lithuanian Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) provided for the establishment of a new International agricultural university.
International cooperation. Uzbekistan and FAO signed the US$17-million Country Programming Framework for 2021-2025 aimed to support the Government transforming Uzbek food systems.
During the sixth meeting of Ministers of SCO member states on agriculture, a draft Joint Statement on food security was accommodated among the participants and the Concept of SCO Demonstration polygon for agrarian technology exchange and training was approved (August 12).
Events. The following events were held in Uzbekistan in 2021: Republican scientific-practical conference “The role of institutional reforms and development of agroclusters in increasing the economic power of agriculture: problems and solutions” (May 18); Agro-marathon to encourage, make aware and guide new-coming and potential agricultural entrepreneurs (October-December); Global Symposium on salt-affected soil (GSAS21) (October 20-22); National symposium “Integrated salt-affected soil management and re-cultivation for food security: new approaches and innovative solutions” (October 20).
Uzbekistan took part in the regional dialogue on “Policy and governance issues to transform food systems in Europe and Central Asia” (May 25) and the FÀÎ-SCO Independent Dialogue in preparation for the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit (August 9).
Energy
The available generating capacities in Uzbekistan amount to 12,900 MW, of which 11,000 MW (84.7%) – TPP; 1,850 MW - HPP (14.3%); and, more than 133 MW (1%) – isolated stations. As expected, the energy system capacity will reach 29.2 thousand MW (share of RES, including hydro, solar, and wind – 40.4%) by 2030. By the end of 2021, the installed capacity of electric stations increased by 1.2% to 16,527 MW.
In 2021, 71.3 billion kWh of electric power (66.4 billion kWh in 2020) were generated in Uzbekistan. The electricity export was 2.15 billion kWh (2.7 in 2020), while the import was 6.2 billion kWh (5.3 in 2020). Around 60.5 billion kWh of electricity was delivered to consumers (by 8.5% more than in 2020). As forecasted, by 2030, the republican consumption will reach 120.8 billion kWh.
Latest developments in legislation. The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers (PKM RUz 382 of 18.06.2021) on organization of effective utilization of electrical grid facilities sets the list of 16 facilities of the national grid to be transferred to economic entities AO REC and AO TEC. The Institute of Energy Problems (PKM RUz 273 of 04.05.2021) will be established on the base of AO UzbeEnergy’s Research and Technological Center. The Institute will formulate Uzbekistan’s energy development strategies and fuel-energy system modernization and development programs.
A new version of the law on electric energy has been drafted. This new law is significantly expanded and integrates all recently adopted legal documents.
Hydropower
Due to low-water, hydropower generation dropped to 5 billion kWh in 2021 against 6.5 billion kWh in 2019 (by almost 23%).
Latest developments in legislation. The approved Program of additional measures for hydropower development and efficiency for 2021-2030 (PP-44 of 10.12.2021) envisages an increase in country’s hydropower capacity from 2051.9 to 3416 MW (+66.5%) by 2030 through construction of new and gradual modernization of existing stations and wider utilization of green energy sources. It is planned to amend current laws to include hydropower below 0.5 MW as micro, 5 MW as small, 30 MW as medium, and over 30 MW as large in classification of hydropower. These will be treated as renewables.
Hydropower construction and modernization. Reconstruction of Farkhad HPP in Syrdarya province has been completed. The total capacity of HPP increased from 114 to 127 MW through modernization of 4 units. 76-MW Lower Chatkal HPP on the Chatkal River in Tashkent province is under construction. It is to be commissioned in December 2022. Modernization of Tupalang HPP has started in Surkhandarya province. After installation of 2 units the HPP’s capacity will be increased to 175 MW.
Construction of 400-MW Pskem HPP (annual generation – 950 million kWh, dam height – 195 m, full reservoir capacity - 511.2 million m3, useful volume – 468.9 million m3) has been started. This will be the second large HPP after Charvak HPP.
Small hydropower. The feasibility reports of joint investment projects for 10.7-MW HPP at the Sardoba reservoir and two HPPs on the Dargom canal (6.4MW and 6.45 MW) have been approved by the Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers.
37.4-MW Zarchob-1 and 38.2-MW Zarchob 2 were commissioned in Saryasi district, Surkhandarya province. The project cost is US$80 million, including US$29 million – Chinese investments, and the rest – funds of AO UzbeEnergy. These HPP will provide about 300,000 people with electricity.
The unique in Central Asia Kamolot HPP equipped with four submerged units, each 2.15 MW, (US$22.6 million) and a new 120-kW micro HPP are to be commissioned soon.
Regional and international cooperation. On March 14, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed a Roadmap on Kambarata-1 project (capacity – 1,900 MW, annual generation – 5.6 billion kWh, reservoir volume – 4.65 billion m3) – the largest plant in the cascade of Kambarata HPPs.
AO UzbeEnergy and AO Eximbank of Russia have signed an agreement on financing the construction of new hydropower plants for US$340 thousand, including 140-MW Mulallak HPP on the Pskem River and 51-MW small HPP cascade on the Big Andizhan Canal.
Since 2021, investment projects for the construction of Rabat, Chappasu and Tamshush HPPs on the Aksu River (US$75.3 million, installed capacity - 24 MW) has started in cooperation with ADB.
Thermal power
Thermal power is still the main source of electricity in the Republic. By 2030, it is planned to increase the total capacity of TPPs to 14.7 thousand MW (10.6 thousand MW in 2019) .
In 2021, modernization of Syrdarya TPP, the largest one in Uzbekistan, was completed. Two TPPs were commissioned in partnership with the Turkish Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S.: 270 and 240 MW in Bukhara and Tashkent provinces, respectively.
Over the next 4 years, Navoi, Talimarjan and Tashkent TPP will additionally have 2,264 MW of new capacity. By 2026, 20 projects worth US$12 billion will be launched and will generate additional 71 billion kWh.
Alternative energy sources
Latest developments in legislation. To support adoption of energy efficient technologies and development of renewables, (1) the Regulation on the procedure of compensation for buying energy efficient devices and coverage of a portion of credit payments in this respect was adopted (PKM 217 of 14.04.2021); (2) measures were set for supporting development of alternative energy, electrical engineering and microelectronics and enhancing activity of the Research Institute of semiconductor physics and microelectronics (PKM 639 of 12.10.2021).
The National Renewables Research Institute and the Interdepartmental commission for renewable and hydrogen energy are established in line with Government Resolution 5063 of 09.04.2021.
Plan of actions for carbon neutrality in the energy sector of Uzbekistan. A roadmap was developed with the support of EBRD and Japanese financing to assist the Uzbek Government in setting priorities for development of renewables and low-carbon technologies and bringing energy sector in conformity with commitments under the Paris Agreement. A five-component approach is planned: (1) Transformation of electricity generation infrastructure; (2) Development of legal framework for wider adoption of RES; (3) Reform of subsidies and mechanism of carbon pricing; (4) Awareness raising campaign to mobilize public support; (5) Environmental conservation. The key conclusion is that energy transition in Uzbekistan by 2050 is technically and economically feasible and will be mainly through the development of solar and wind energy, the technical potential of which is estimated at 520-1000 and 3000 GW, respectively.
RES-based generation by 2030
Source: Concept on provision of Uzbekistan with electric power for 2020-2030
Solar power. Small 40-kW solar photovoltaic station was commissioned in Yukori Chirchik district, Tashkent province in March; first industrial 100-MW solar station "Nur Navoi Solar" was launched in Navoiy province in August.
Project Agreements have been signed with Masdar for the construction of two 220-MW solar stations in Samarkand province and Djizak province (July).
For the first time in Uzbekistan, the solar power generated by households started to be purchased.
Wind power. Masdar (UAE) has decided to increase the installed capacity of wind station under construction in Navoiy province to 1.5 GW. The station is to be commissioned at the end of 2024.
The investment agreements between the Uzbek Government and the Saudi company ACWA Power (investor) on the construction of 2 wind stations, 500 MW each, in Bukhara province were approved. The projects to be commissioned in 2024 are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 1.6 million t and thus contribute to transfer 40% of energy capacities to RES by 2031.
ACWA Power won the tender for construction of a 100-MW wind farm in Beruni district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. An agreement was signed with the company also for design, construction and operation of a 1500-MW wind power project in Karakalpakstan (May 3).
Environment and Climate Change
Latest developments in legislation. The law on environmental audit (ZRUz 678 of 15.03.2021) sets the key principles, standards, tasks and forms of audit and the rights, obligations and responsibilities of an environmental audit organization.
Resolution 343 of the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Program of environmental monitoring in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2021–2025. The Program provides for monitoring of natural environment, forecast of pollution level, monitoring of pollution sources and environmental impact.
The Resolution on measures for environmental protection and organization of activity of public environmental control agencies (PP-76 of 30.12.2021) sets out the updated tasks for environmental control agencies at the national, provincial and district (city) levels. The roadmap was adopted for further improvement of sectors of ecology, environmental protection, nature use and restoration, and environmental control system.
Implementation of strategies, programs and resolutions. In the follow up to the Concept on the Environmental Protection until 2030, the following legal documents were adopted: (1) Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers (202 of 12.04.2021) on further improvement of economic mechanisms for environmental protection in the Republic of Uzbekistan, by which the Regulation on compensatory payments for environmental pollution and waste disposal has been endorsed; (2) Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers (501 of 06.08.2021) on approval of the Order of provision of specialized services in hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring; (3) Presidential Decree (UP-46 of 30.12.2021) on measures to accelerate afforestation and effectively organize tree protection in the Republic, which provided for launching a nation-wide project “Green territory” and extending moratorium for cutting of valuable trees and bushes.
The Aral Sea Region. In 2017, the State Program for the Aral Sea Region Development over 2017-2021 was approved. In 2020, a Committee on the development of the Aral Sea Region and ecology was formed. In the course of 2021, the Committee had several meetings to address environmental and social matters in the region. Intensive activity is maintained to transform this zone of environmental crisis into that of socio-economic development. It particular, a US$1.1-million water treatment and desalination equipment was installed in Takhtakupyr district in Karakalpakstan. The Committee negotiates with UNESCO to include Karakalpak yurta into the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
In 2021, UNGA adopted a Special resolution on declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental innovations and technologies that was put forward by the President of Uzbekistan. In this context, a Roadmap, a list of priority innovation projects, the composition of Interdepartmental commission for implementation of the Special resolution and of working groups to ensure timely and good implementation, monitoring and control were adopted (PP-5202 of 29.07.2021) and the parliamentary supervision over implementation of the resolution has been set (PC-370-IV of 27.08.2021).
MPHSTF for the Aral Sea Region. Two meetings of the Consultative Committee for sustainable development of the Aral Sea Region were held in 2021 (March 30, July 8). The Uzbek Government presented the draft Multilateral Roadmap, which was aimed at implementation of a Special resolution for steady improvement of living conditions in the Aral Sea region, restoration of ecosystems and increase of biodiversity in adjacent territories. Within the framework of MPHSTF, projects were implemented to ensure access to drinking water, improve the perinatal care service, support youth initiatives in agriculture, improve sanitation in schools and strengthen the healthcare system. MPHSTF announced the third call for proposals on Youth Employment and Innovations, Health, and Green Growth.
For wider coverage on the Aral Sea catastrophe: (1) a website SAVEARAL (http://savearal.uz/) was developed. The website contains articles, documentary films and other stuff highlighting developments in the Aral Sea basin; (2) the courses on the media coverage of the Aral Sea problems were held for journalists in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Upon completion, a press tour to the Aral Sea was organized and #ARALIssues Conference-2021 was held to present multimedia stories (December 10, Almaty) . See Major Events in Central Asia
Projects. The Project “Sustainable natural resource and forest management in key mountainous areas important for globally significant biodiversity” (UNDP/State Committee for Ecology of Uzbekistan, US$6.5 million, 2017-2022) was continued. The economic ecosystem assessment was made in 2021. The Center for visitors of the Chatkal state biosphere reserve was opened on December 7. In addition, SMART patrolling systems were developed for monitoring biodiversity and snow leopard, followed by organization of a training workshop. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on transboundary cooperation in protecting snow leopard in the western Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai landscapes in CA.
See United Nations and its Specialized Agencies for other UNDP projects on environmental conservation in Uzbekistan in 2021.
Grant Agreements were signed between (1) KOICA and GGGI on implementation of the “Green Rehabilitation Investment Project for Karakalpakstan Republic to address impacts of the Aral Sea Crisis” (US$5.6 million, 2021-2024). The Project aims to assist the Republic of Karakalpakstan’s green rehabilitation to address the adverse impacts of the Aral Sea ecological crisis and establish viable measures to pursue disaster resilient sustainable livelihood for communities of the most affected districts (July 2); (2) EBRD and the State Committee for Ecology of Uzbekistan to implement the project aimed to support the republic in recultivation of uranium legacy sites – Charkesar and Yangiabad (ˆ2 million, 2022-2023) (October 22).
As part of (1) the Darwin Initiative , the UK Government will allocate more than US$500 thousand for the project “Resurrection Island: enterprise, conservation and development around the Aral Sea”. The Project will lay the foundation for designating Resurrection Island as a Protected Area, while developing sustainable income streams (including tourism) enabling residents to benefit; (2) the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program, the Lower Amu Darya State Nature Park in Uzbekistan was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Uzbekistan has become a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Events. The 3rd Environmental Performance Review of Uzbekistan was launched on July 15 in Tashkent. The report covers legal and policy frameworks and environmental compliance assurance mechanisms and addresses the topics of greening the economy, environmental monitoring, public participation and education.
Uzbekistan hosted the following events: (1) International Forum “Towards new opportunities: green recovery of Uzbekistan after the COVID-19 pandemic” (March 3-4); (2) roundtable on occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 26); (3) policy dialogue series “Green growth and climate change in Uzbekistan” (20.08.21 – 17.02.22, 11 roundtables); (4) Regional Conference on strategic environmental assessment in Central Asia (November 10); International Conference “The Aral Sea Region – a zone of environmental innovations and technologies” (November 22, https://innoweek.uz/).
Representatives of Uzbekistan took part in: (1) 4th Central Asian conference on climate change (July 26-27); (2) 2nd meeting of the Heads of Environmental Ministries and Departments of SCO member-states (July 29); (3) 10th meeting of the EU-CA Working Group on environment and climate change (October 4-5); (4) meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (October 18-22); (5) Steering Committee meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) (October 22); (6) UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) (November 9-10); etc.
SDG in Uzbekistan
The country implements the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025 , which sets three priorities: effective governance and justice for all; inclusive human capital development leading to health, well-being and resilient prosperity; sustainable, climate responsible and resilient development.
In October 2018, the Uzbek Government passed a resolution adopting 16 national SDGs. The State Statistics Committee collects and publishes the data on national SDGs on http://nsdg.stat.uz. Uzbekistan ranked 77 of 163 countries in the annual ranking of sustainable development (https://dashboards.sdgindex.org/rankings).
A series of roundtables was organized as part of the Sustainable Development Goals week, including the round table "Protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable use of forests, combating desertification, and halting the loss of biodiversity" (June 15).
Uzbekistan hosted: (1) the International Forum of Global Interparliamentary Cooperation in the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, which adopted the Bukhara Declaration (June 23-24, Bukhara); (2) international conference on New Uzbekistan’s National SDGs: Milestones and Perspectives (September 24, Tashkent).
Emergencies
According to long-term observations, the key hydrometeorological hazard areas are Fergana, Namangan, Andizhan, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Tashkent, Samarkand and Navoiy provinces. In 2021, 27 mudflow cases were registered in mountain and foothill areas of the republic. Consequently, 64 houses were flooded.
Preventive measures. In 2021, 25 households (125 citizens) were resettled from the risk-prone areas to safe places permanently and 46 households (248 citizens), temporarily. Aerial observations are maintained to assess snow stock in mountains and the status of lakes in highlands and to identify avalanche- and flood-prone places. About 75.7 billion sum of budgetary funds were allocated for stabilization of river banks and cleaning of river channels. Special tactical exercises were conducted in high-risk zones.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have signed an intergovernmental cooperation agreement on emergency prevention and elimination. The Agreement provides for (1) regular exchange of information on monitoring and forecasting of natural and man-made emergencies; (2) organization of interaction between relevant government agencies in emergency situations; (3) joint planning, development and implementation of research projects, exchange of research results, etc.
Implementation of strategies and programs. As part of the State Program for Development of the Aral Sea Region 2017-2021, the Ministry of Emergencies and the State Forestry Committee conduct afforestation on the exposed Aral Sea bed to prevent transportation of harmful salts from the bed into the atmosphere.
The "Strategy for implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in the Republic of Uzbekistan" (PCM RUz 299 of 12.04.2019) is further carried out. Uzbekistan chaired the Working Group meeting , which considered and agreed upon a number of draft documents (July 28-29, Tashkent) proposed for discussion at the upcoming Regional Forum-Meeting of the heads of emergency authorities in CA countries. The Forum approved the Strategy for development of cooperation between the CA countries in DRR for 2022-2030, the Regulation on the Regional mechanism for coordination of emergency response, the Action plan for implementation of the above Strategy, and other documents (November 4-5, Tashkent). The next Regional Forum is to be held in Dushanbe in 2022.
Events. Representatives of Uzbekistan took part in (1) the 1st Steering Committee meeting under the Strengthening Financial Resilience & Accelerating Risk Reduction in Central Asia Program (June 3, online); (2) ÕÕÕIII meeting of the Interstate Council for Natural and Anthropogenic Emergencies (July 2, Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan); (3) IX International Scientific-Practical Conference (September 29-30, Minsk, Belarus).
Foreign Policy and International Cooperation
In 2021, the President of Uzbekistan paid official and working visits to Turkmenistan (April, August, November), Tajikistan (June, September), Turkey (November), the Russian Federation (November, December), Kazakhstan (December), and South Korea (December).
The country was visited by: the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan (March), Republic of Tatarstan (June), Afghanistan (July), Turkmenistan (October); the delegations from Saudi Arabia (January, July), Russian Federation (April, June), Parliament of South Korea (April), Qatar (June), Turkey (March, July); the Prime Ministers from Hungary (March), Tajikistan (May), Pakistan (July), Azerbaijan (July); the Foreign Ministers from Iran (April), PRC (July), Russian Federation (July), Tajikistan (July), Turkmenistan (July), Kazakhstan (July), India (July), Kuwait (July), Bangladesh (July); the Chairman of the 75th UNGA session (July), the UNECE Executive Secretary (July), WB delegation (September).
Key developments in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan in 2021
The aim of the republican foreign policy is to ensure dynamic and sustainable political, socio-economic, secular and democratic development of Uzbekistan. The most important objective is enhancing good-neighborly relations and strategic partnerships, first, with the CA countries.
Development of alliances and strategic partnerships. The country continues building cooperation with the CIS and CA countries in political, trade and economic, transport and logistics, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres. The President of Uzbekistan speaking at the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of CA States underlined that: (1) regional energy security becomes especially important and particular attention should be paid to green energy and energy efficient technologies. He proposed to enhance the work of the Coordination Energy Council of the CA countries by extending its mandate and powers and increasing the representation of the countries; (2) regional environmental challenges should be in the focus and all measures should be taken to mitigate the Aral Sea catastrophe. Sh. Mirziyoyev also proposed to elaborate a Green Agenda program for the region to promote adaptation and adoption of resource-saving technologies.
As a member of CIS, Uzbekistan took part in the meetings of the Council of Heads of CIS States (October 15, online), Council of the Heads of Government (May 28 and November 12, Minsk), Council of Foreign Ministers (April 2, Moscow; October 14, Minsk), Economic Council (March 12, June 18, September 24, December 2), and in informal summit of CIS Heads of State (December 28, St. Petersburg).
The President of Uzbekistan took part as an invited guest in the CSTO extraordinary session devoted to the situation in Afghanistan. Finally, an agreement was reached to continue joint consultations and regular exchange of information on the situation in the region (August 23, videoconference).
Uzbekistan was represented as an observer country in a meeting of EAEU. Sh. Mirziyoyev expressed readiness of Uzbekistan to take part in the High-level Working Group and proposed to approve an Action Plan for green development (December 10).
Chairmanship in international organizations.
SCO. At the high-level anniversary meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, the presidency of the organization for 2021-2022 was passed to Uzbekistan. In his report, Mirziyoyev drew attention to urgent tasks on the SCO agenda, expressed concern over the current situation in Afghanistan, proposed to hold regular high-level meetings in the "SCO-Afghanistan" format and announced readiness to organize the first such meeting in Tashkent. He also put forward an initiative to "...jointly prepare a long-term infrastructure development program in the SCO region, which could include cross-border projects in the field of energy, communications and green development"… (September 17).
Uzbekistan participated in (1) the regular meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of SCO Member States (April 27-30, Tashkent); (2) the 16th Meeting of Secretaries of SCO Security Council (June 23); (3) the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of SCO Member States (July 13-14).
Promotion of the national interests and reinforcement of the country’s image. Uzbekistan enhances cooperation efforts and strengthens its positions in regional and international organizations.
ECO. Uzbekistan took part in (1) 14th ECO Summit (March 4, online); (2) 4th Business forum of the ECO member-states (November 26, Ashkhabad); (3) 25th meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) of ECO (November 27, Ashkhabad); (4) 15th Summit of the Leaders of the ECO member states. The President of Uzbekistan in his speech proposed to establish a permanent Council for high-level dialogue, with the involvement of international scholars and experts in the field of natural environment. The chairmanship in ECO will be passed to Uzbekistan in 2022.
Turkic Council. The President of Uzbekistan at the informal summit proposed to develop a strategy of economic cooperation for the short- and medium-term, improve the transport and transit potential of the region, etc. (March 31, online). At the 8th Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States Sh. Mirziyoyev proposed to create a permanent Platform of experts and IT-specialists and hold a conference of experts in 2022. He also proposed to found an organization in cooperation with the UN to protect the natural environment of Turkic countries. Heads of State adopted Istanbul Declaration and agreed to convene 9th Summit in Uzbekistan in 2022 (November 12, Istanbul).
UN. Uzbekistan initiated a special resolution on declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 May 2021.
Uzbekistan was elected to the Human Rights Council for 2021-2023. As a Council’s member; Uzbekistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (on 07.06.2021), initiated the resolution on “Human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people” (A/HRC/48/L.26/Rev.1 of 06.10.2021), and hosted the World Conference on Youth Rights (August 12-13) and the Regional Forum with the participation of civil society women’s organizations under the auspices of Central Asia Women Leaders Caucus (December 20).
Uzbekistan is represented in the HRC Bureau for the first time. The country's permanent representative in Geneva became deputy chair of the HRC for 2022.
Uzbekistan hosted: International Conference “New trends in foreign policy of Uzbekistan: status and prospects in relationships with the Central Asia countries and Afghanistan” (January 21); International Conference “Central and South Asia: regional interconnectedness. Challenges and opportunities” (July 15-16); Forum “Central Asia: at the crossroads of civilizations” (September 15-16); International week of innovation ideas “InnoWeek.Uz-2021” (November 22-27).
Sources:
Official sites of the: President; Legislative chamber of Oliy Majlis; MFA; Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade; Ministry of Water Management; Ministry of Energy; Goskomecologiya; Ministry of Agriculture; National law database; Institute for Strategic and Inter-regional Studies; EC CIS; CIS Portal
Information agencies and sites: Uzdaily.uz, Norma.uz, Dunyo, Sputnik, Kun.uz