Uzbekistan to Restore 1.27 Million Hectares of Forests, Develop 'Desert Economy'

Uzbekistan is embarking on an ambitious afforestation program, planning to create and restore 1.27 million hectares of forests and establish 16,000 hectares of protective forest belts between 2026 and 2030. This initiative, announced at a government meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, also includes developing a "desert economy."

The "desert economy" concept encompasses cultivating halophytes (salt-tolerant plants), establishing nurseries for desert flora, and promoting ecotourism. These efforts aim to transform arid lands into productive areas. New projects discussed include creating green cover on 10,000 hectares in the Surkhandarya region and constructing an 84-kilometer "green wall" along the border areas of Syrdarya region.

These plans build upon recent successes under the "Yashil Makon" (Green Land) project, which has seen over 1 billion trees and shrubs planted nationwide, increasing the country's green cover from 8% in 2020 to a projected 14.3% by 2025. The president stressed viewing desert territories not just as an environmental challenge but as a source of economic opportunity, encouraging seed production, pasture improvement, and scientific research.

Regional cooperation is also a focus, with plans to expand the Central Asian Regional Research Center for Combating Desertification and Desert Economy Development. Uzbekistan aims to formulate a regional strategy to combat desertification through 2040, fostering collaboration with neighboring countries on this critical environmental and economic issue.