Land degradation costs Uzbekistan’s economy $830 million annually

Land degradation is costing Uzbekistan’s economy approximately $830 million every year, according to a report from the presidential press service released on March 23. The figures were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a high-level review of the country’s environmental initiatives and a draft strategy to combat desertification.

Photo: Presidential press service

The scale of the environmental challenge is significant, with officials noting that approximately 70% of Uzbekistan’s territory is classified as arid, while more than 70% of its land has suffered some form of degradation.

The deterioration of the country’s land resources has been accelerated by the drying of the Aral Sea. According to the statement, this environmental disaster has rendered 3 million hectares of land unusable. Furthermore, 56% of the national territory is now affected by wind erosion, contributing to the staggering annual economic losses.

To address these challenges, the president approved a proposal to establish a regional research center under Green University. This facility is expected to serve as Central Asia’s first dedicated scientific hub for desertification management..

The new center will be equipped with 15 specialized laboratories and will introduce a modern digital monitoring system. This system will leverage:

Satellite data
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Remote sensing technologies

Beyond monitoring, the strategy focuses on practical restoration and preservation. A genetic bank for drought-resistant plants will be created to support the expansion of green cover in the most vulnerable arid areas.

Additionally, the government plans to improve soil analysis systems to enhance the forecasting and mapping of desertification. These efforts aim to promote the sustainable use of pastures and stabilize the soil against further erosion, eventually reducing the massive economic burden caused by land loss.