The Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, met with Ms. Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) .

For reference: the United Nations Forum on Forests is a high-level intergovernmental political forum established in 2000 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council with the aim of promoting the idea of "managing, conserving, and sustainable development of all types of forests and strengthening long-term political commitment."

The meeting discussed the prospects for further development and expansion of cooperation with the UNFF. The head of the UNFF Secretariat was thoroughly informed about the greening initiatives and efforts undertaken in the Republic of Uzbekistan, initiated by President Sh.M. Mirziyoyev.

In particular, the head of  the UNFF commended the greening and saxaul planting efforts covering an area of 2 million hectares in arid areas on the dry bottom of the Aral Sea, as well as the nationwide project "Yashil Makon" , which involves planting 200 million seedlings annually in Uzbekistan.

As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached with the UNFF Secretariat to seek support from the United Nations Forum on Forests for the development of a scientific approach to afforestation in Uzbekistan, the implementation of "smart" agriculture, and sustainable forest management.

 

The parties discussed the prospects for cooperation in the implementation of the national project "Yashil Makon," the organization of lectures by highly qualified specialists at he Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University), as well as the enhancement of expertise in forestry and the conduct of training and seminars.

Furthermore, proposals for comprehensive strengthening of mutually beneficial relations were considered, and priority areas of cooperation were identified.

It should be noted that Ms. Juliette Biao, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, has expressed interest in the active participation of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) in the environmental and forestry efforts in Uzbekistan. The Director of the UNFF Secretariat has stated that the organization is ready not only to assist in the institutional development of forestry and greening activities but also to host specialists from the Ministry of Ecology for internships within the organization.